In a study released today from Randstad, the second largest HR services and staffing company in the world, half of U.S. workers believe the economy has negatively impacted their career. According to the Randstad Engagement Index, forty-three percent of workers believe their careers have slowed down and it will be harder and will take more time to achieve career growth. Half of employees surveyed also believe the only way to help grow their careers is to switch to a new company.

Yet, while many employees feel they have lost ground, the majority of U.S. workers remain engaged at work and report mostly positive attitudes towards their current jobs and employers. Three quarters (75 percent) feel inspired to do their best and 66 percent feel that their efforts are valued and recognized.  Yet, the number of workers reporting plans of exploring other job options rose by six percent (51 percent in Q2 versus 45 percent in the first quarter).

"U.S. workers have been committed to their jobs during the last few years, but companies will lose top talent now if they don't address employees' fears around stalled career growth due to the economy," saidJim Link, managing director of Human Resources for Randstad U.S. "Employers need to examine career development options for their employees before workers begin exploring a career catch-up with a new company. At that point, it's often too late and employers lose solid performers because they weren't in-tune with their career needs and goals."

Just over a third (36 percent) of employees indicate the most important activity for ongoing engagement is offering promotions or bonuses to high performing employees. Also topping the list of the most important engagement activities are: providing a comfortable and stimulating work environment (30 percent); encouraging employees to share their ideas and opinions (28 percent); and investing in employees' careers through training, professional development, or continuing education (28 percent).

"According to our study, 66 percent of employees feel their company actively tries to keep employees engaged, however companies today need to realign their retention and engagement programs to focus on which activities will make the biggest impact," said Link. "Even the most engaged employees are evaluating their career paths and determining their personal career growth strategies."

The Randstad Engagement Index measures the attitudes and perceptions impacting employee engagement within companies today. The findings represent employees' priorities, concerns, outlook and intent around both their current employer and future career plans. The quarterly study targets employees to help employers further understand and better engage their workforces.

Read the executive summary.