The Growing Concern of Short-Timers Disease According to a survey conducted by The Conference Board: conference-board.org ,  Less than 39% workers under 25 are satisfied with their employment situation ·         Less than 45% of worker between 45-54 are satisfied ·         Of the 55-64 age workforce, almost ½ are satisfied ·         Overall less than 41 percent of householders claim to be satisfied with their current job. Given these statistics, it’s no wonder that HR and personnel directors feel as though they are glorified doormen. Many of the employees have their antenna up scouting for the next business opportunity. I call this “short-timers disease”. A local fast food retailer advertised to new hires that if they stayed at least 90 days, the survivors would receive a $500.00 bonus. Maybe if some of them put in as much time and effort at work as they did looking for the opportunity, they might actually aspire to greater heights at their current place of employment. Why is it that the grass just seems to have a different hue of green elsewhere? Maybe employers should just hand out jade-colored glasses. The obvious drawbacks due to the amount of quality work time lost from a lethargic work staff compound the work load and retard the time frames to achieve goals and work completion. So how does an employer cut down on this “short-timers mindset? ·         Bonus and pay structures should be re-evaluated ·         Proper training seminars should be conducted ·         Workloads need to be assessed ·         Recognition and appreciation of jobs well done should be rewarded with items like promotional desk awards and company wide announced. One of the best ways to keep your finger on the pulse of the employees’ concerns is to have an advisory board that includes staff workers to have a voice and assist in creating and implementing attractive motivational benefits. Consider implementing a company incentive program. Most importantly, keep the lines of communication open between management and staff and please take off those jade shades. John Gallagher, CAS: promotional products distributor since 1997