Above and Beyond: Nearly Nine of 10 Americans 'Regularly Do Extra Work' to Achieve Job Objectives.

Business Editors

PRINCETON, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 22, 2003

Approximately Same Ratio Are Satisfied with Job, But Only

Two Thirds Are Happier In It Than Year Ago

Nearly nine out of 10 Americans (88%) say they "regularly do extra work" to achieve the objectives of their job, according to a recent study by Opinion Research Corporation (NASDAQ:ORCI). The survey of more than 5,000 fulltime employees across the United States also showed that nearly the same percentage (84%) are "satisfied" with their job. However, despite the high satisfaction rates, only two thirds (65%) report they "feel happier in my job than I did a year ago."

"The findings of this study closely parallel the results we are seeing with our clients: people are working harder but enjoying it less," says James C. Burke, Managing Director of Opinion Research Corporation's Organization Diagnostics practice. "The managers who are succeeding are those who are getting people excited and engaged in the overall strategy of the unit."

Although the findings were remarkably consistent across all demographic groups, employees who reported doing extra work at percentages higher than the national 88% level were those aged 25-34 (91%), Hispanics (90%) and those with household income greater than $75,000 (90%).

When asked about job satisfaction, employees reporting being most satisfied were those with household income above $50,000 (89%) and college graduates (86%). Least satisfied included workers aged 18-24 (81%), blacks (81%) and those with household income below $35,000 (80%). "These findings show that those historically marginalized by society are less satisfied, and even frustrated by the obstacles of discrimination and less access to quality education. Our employee research engagements have also shown the direct impact satisfaction has on the level of associate contribution to the organization's strategy," says Burke.

Finally, the Opinion Research Corporation study found that two thirds (65%) of the employees surveyed reported they feel happier in their job than a year ago, with a significant difference in findings between younger employees -- aged 18-24 (69%) and aged 25-34 (71%) - and workers aged 55-65 (58%). Comments Burke: "The economic recovery is provoking the resurgence of the war for talent, and it is more and more difficult to find qualified people. Those leaders who cast their recruiting net broadly and appeal to the 'unhappy' older candidate or the 'dissatisfied' African-American recruit will not only benefit from a more diverse environment but may well be the only managers who will be able to meet the needs of their customers. As the war for talent is provoked by the economic recovery, we will only be successful if we cast our net to embrace all demographic groups."

The study is an ongoing component of Opinion Research Corporation's Connections business success program, which combines statistically reliable diagnostic research with proven interventions that result in measured employee satisfaction, contribution & business metric improvement. It was conducted by ORC's CARAVAN(R) from July 10 through December 15, 2003 among 5,173 adults employed fulltime at firms with at least 50 employees. The study has a margin of error of +/- 3%.

About Opinion Research Corporation

Opinion Research Corporation, founded in 1938, is a research and consulting firm that helps organizations worldwide -- in both the private and public sectors -- make a definitive difference in their performance. By providing objective, fact-based decision support and implementation, grounded in rigorous research, we earn our clients' confidence with our fresh ideas and perspectives.