Poll shows US workplace attitudes shifting

Americans' attitudes about work are shifting, with the changes both positive and negative, the Harris Poll Jobs and Benefits Security Index indicated. The survey of 1,192 U.S. workers conducted in May 20-22 found that more workers are confident about the expectation of a raise or improved benefits. But more, compared to a poll taken in April, indicated they were fearful that a lower paid employee or improved technology could erode their job security. In addition, a growing number of workers indicated they feared having to do more work for the same pay, the survey found. By the numbers, 20 percent -- up from 16 percent in April -- indicated they believed they would receive better healthcare benefits within three months. Concerning retirement benefits, 19 percent -- up from 13 percent in April -- indicated they would receive better retirement benefits in the same period. How about a raise? Thirty-two percent -- compared to 29 percent in April -- indicated they believed they would receive a raise within three months. But all those gains were offset by fears of redundancies in the workplace that would erode hours of work or entire jobs. The survey found 18 percent of U.S. workers -- up from 15 percent in April -- indicated they believed they will be replaced by a lower-cost employee. In May's survey, 56 percent -- up from 53 percent in April -- indicated they believed they would be asked within three months to do more work without extra pay. As a result of the conflicting sentiments about aspects of job security, Harris said the aggregate total that makes up the firm's Jobs and Benefits Security Index broke even at 57 percent from April to May.