What's it all about?

A research-rich study, Spherion's Emerging Workforce Study is designed to uncover the evolving attitudes and motivations of American workers in context with job satisfaction, engagement, and retention. Findings are paired against employer perspectives and practices to create a 360-degree view of the workforce. The study offers unprecedented insights about workers, equipping employers with the insight needed to make informed decisions that favorably impact performance.

  • 22 years of workforce research
  • 2,800+ employees surveyed
  • 700+ HR leaders surveyed 
  • 225,000+ workers and thousands of companies surveyed since 1997

Three types of employers were uncovered

  • Traditional

    • Employees who put in the time with a company deserve promotions.
    • Job security is a chief concern and essential to retention.
    • Employers are responsible for employee growth and development.
    • Organizational charts should be followed and respected.

  • Migrating

    Migrating workers and employers share some of the beliefs of their traditional counterparts but are moving toward an emergent mindset.

  • Emergent

    • Employees who perform well and contribute value deserve promotions.
    • Career growth is a high priority and crucial to retention.
    • Employees drive their own career growth and development.
    • Getting the job done is more important than following organizational charts.
    • Changing jobs is essential to career advancement.