Work hazards usually not to blame for employees missing work, research says

It is ever more difficult to argue that motivating knowledge workers is not the Holy Grail for 21st century lab managers. “Leadership,” according to management consultants, “is the process of motivating people to work together to accomplish great things."

For the fourth consecutive year, the annual Lab Manager Magazine - Kelly Scientific Resources® Salary & Employee Satisfaction Survey revealed valuable and interesting findings that can assist managers and their employees in improving efficiency and morale.

The results of the 2009 Lab Manager Kelly Scientific Third Annual Salary and Employee Satisfaction Survey are in and, somewhat surprising, a majority of the participants have stated that they are content with their current employment situations.

According to salary survey respondents from four different regions around the country, it seems that a majority of science professionals are very satisfied with their current positions.

Thanks to the more than 1,200 lab professionals who participated in this years annual survey, we highlight some interesting new data regarding base salaries, salary incentives, total cash compensation, equity-based compensation, benefits practices and overall job satisfaction. The survey also delves more deeply into questions concerning life/work balance, job security, and professional development opportunities.

In this month's Science Matters column, the Kelly Global Workforce Index survey, by global workforce solutions company Kelly Services, reveals that there is a strong desire for jobs that fulfill vital psychological needs of employees—something that is fueling a global shift in workplace dynamics.

This year's survey paints a generally happy picture, with the majority of lab managers saying that they are satisfied with their salaries and the work they do.

Companies that do a better job of attracting developing, and retaining their talent can boost their performance dramatically.