Is There a Link Between Workplace Injuries and Unhappy Workers?

A recent study by Gallup reveals that an alarming number of Americans are dissatisfied with their work. According to the survey, only 30 percent of the nation’s workforce feels engaged by the roles they perform each day.

Gallup notes that “active disengagement” by employees costs corporations $450 billion to $550 billion each year because of lost productivity, stolen goods and missed days at work. South Carolina is among the states with a rate of workplace injuries and illness requiring restricted employment or job transfers that exceeds the national average, according to the Insurance Journal.

Jim Clifton, Gallup’s CEO, believes that bad managers are directly to blame for creating an atmosphere that causes workplace injuries, the Dayton Daily News reports.

Gallup’s State of the American Workplace survey questioned workers from 2010 to 2012. More than 350,000 workers were interviewed each year. This review is a continuation of a Gallup report that covered the U.S. workplace from 2008 through 2010.

Here’s a stunning piece of data from the latest research:

“Gallup research has found that the top 25 percent of teams – the best managed – versus the bottom 25 percent in any workplace – the worst manager – have nearly 50 percent fewer accidents and have 41 percent fewer quality defects,” Clifton said.

The study demonstrates that dissatisfied workers cost companies more in healthcare expenses because of workplace accidents, Clifton said. Workers who are engaged experience more pleasure from their jobs, are more focused and have better overall health. In short, they care about their work, so they’re more likely to look out for themselves than those who are miserable on the job.

Let’s Get Rid of ‘Managers from Hell’

Motivating employees and providing a positive work environment are responsibilities that fall largely on the shoulders of managers, Clifton said. His advice is simple. “Let’s get rid of managers from hell, double the number of great managers and engaged employees, and have those managers lead based on what actually matters…employees will be twice as effective, they’ll create far more customers, companies will grow, spiraling healthcare costs will decrease, and desperately needed GDP will boom like never before.”

However, as a Forbes writer recently pointed out, workers also play a part in their disengagement. Employees who care about their work can often transcend the challenges that result from poor management techniques.

Need Legal Help?

Getting injured on the job can be a devastating experience, especially if you’re unable to pay your living expenses and medical bills. But there is a place to turn for help. If you or a loved one has been injured and needs workers’ compensation in South Carolina, contact the personal injury attorneys at Joye Law Firm. Call (877) 941-1019 or use our online form so our attorneys can offer you advice about your rights.