Searching on the Job; Survey: Three Out of Four Executives Comfortable Job Searching...

Searching on the Job; Survey: Three Out of Four Executives Comfortable Job
Searching While Employed

MENLO PARK, Calif., March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Job seekers don't mind
setting their sights on greener pastures even while on their current
employers' payrolls, according to executives interviewed recently.
Three-quarters (75 percent) of respondents said they would be comfortable
looking for a new job while still working. This compares with 69 percent in a
2002 survey.
The national poll included responses from 150 senior executives from human
resources, finance and marketing departments with the nation's 1,000 largest
companies. It was conducted by an independent research firm and developed by
Accountemps, the world's first and largest specialized staffing service for
temporary accounting, finance and bookkeeping professionals.
Executives were asked, "How comfortable would you feel looking for a new job
while still employed?" Their responses:

2008 2002
Very comfortable ................. 38% 36%
Somewhat comfortable ............. 37% 33%
Somewhat uncomfortable ........... 21% 26%
Very uncomfortable ............... 3% 5%
Don't know ....................... 1% 0%
100% 100%

"Top performers will always be in demand, and employers should make
retaining key staff an ongoing priority," said Max Messmer, chairman of
Accountemps and author of Human Resources Kit For Dummies(R), 2nd Edition
(John Wiley & Sons, Inc.). "The savviest companies never stop 're-recruiting'
people once they've been hired. These organizations regularly sell top
performers on their employment with the firm before they are tempted with an
offer from a competitor."
Messmer emphasized that employers shouldn't rest on their laurels when it
comes to keeping their best team members. "The loss of star talent can hinder
a company's performance, and the current shortage of highly skilled
professionals in many specialties makes replacing these individuals even more
difficult."
Accountemps offers the following advice for maintaining an engaged
workforce:
-- Say thanks. Performance-based bonuses are a key way to reward
exceptional work, but also remember to say "thank you" either in
writing or in person for a job well done.
-- Celebrate achievements. Honor employees' accomplishments in the
presence of their peers. Recognizing staff can enhance morale while
highlighting exemplary behavior.
-- Provide growth opportunities. One of the most common reasons people
leave a company is a lack of advancement opportunities. If you're not
in a position to offer a key employee a promotion, assign projects
that will expand the person's skill set and help the individual meet
valuable contacts within the organization.
-- Foster professional development. Help team members expand their
knowledge by offering access to training opportunities or reimbursing
them for fees associated with obtaining a professional certification.
-- Ease the strain on overworked staff. Be responsive to signs that your
employees are facing overload. Don't wait until they reach the
breaking point to bring in additional temporary or full-time
professionals as needed.

Accountemps has more than 360 offices worldwide and offers online job
search services at http://www.accountemps.com.
SOURCE Accountemps

Michael Weiss of Accountemps, +1-650-234-6383, michael.weiss@rhi.com