Nearly half of small business owners are not confident about their own retirement savings; Only 17 percent say they feel an obligation to offer retirement benefits to employees.

A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of ShareBuilder 401(k) found that just 14 percent of America’s small business owners offer a 401(k) plan and 63 percent do not offer any form of retirement benefits to their employees. Nearly half (47 percent) indicated of small business owners are not confident that they are prepared for retirement.

Few small business owners consider it their responsibility to help their employees prepare for retirement. Only 17 percent of small business owners responded that they felt a strong obligation to offer retirement benefits (a 401(k) or other retirement plan), with 46 percent reporting that they felt no obligation at all.

When asked why they do not offer retirement benefits, 54 percent responded not having enough employees to make it worthwhile, and 28 percent cited the inability to afford a company match (though a company match is not mandatory). While costs appear to be a hindrance for some, 63 percent of respondents said they had no idea what a 401(k) plan would cost to administer.

Aside from helping America’s small business owners and their employees prepare for retirement, 401(k) plans are also considered a competitive advantage. Of those small businesses that do offer 401(k) plans, 70 percent reported they are important in attracting and retaining employees.

If you are interested in reducing the burden and cost of providing a 401(k) plan to your employees, contact a StaffScapes representative to discuss the benefits of partnering with us. You can contact StaffScapes at (303)466-7864 or info@staffscapes.com.

Survey reports large percentage of employees go to work sick.

The Workforce Institute™ recently announced the findings of a new survey conducted by Harris Interactive®. According to the study "Sick at Work", an overwhelming 98 percent of employees working full time have gone to work when they were sick. The survey of more than 1,000 U.S. employed adults demonstrates that "presenteeism" (sick employees showing up for work) is an issue impacting both employers and employees.

The "Sick at Work" survey also delved into the causes behind presenteeism and how employers can address the problem. The most-cited responses when asked why they go to work sick were: I feel guilty for calling in; my workload is too heavy; I save my sick time for personal reasons like family emergencies, sick children, parent care issues and other unexpected events; and I try to have perfect attendance.

The survey also found that presenteeism can have a negative impact on all employees in the workplace. Some employees agreed that when employees come to work sick, it creates a work environment where they are afraid of getting sick, it makes them upset with their employer for not encouraging sick employees to stay home, and it sets a precedent where employees feel like they must go to work even if they are sick. As part of the survey, employees offered advice to employers on how to create a healthy work environment. Employees suggested that they not be penalized for calling in sick, and that employers offer paid time off (PTO) programs that give employees a bank of time to use at their discretion.

TV reality shows are top subjects around the water cooler, put employees say it is not on company time.

American Idol is the most talked about television program in the workplace for the third consecutive year, according to the latest Spherion Workplace Snapshot Survey conducted by Harris Interactive.

Most popular talked about shows:

33% American Idol

15% Dancing with the Stars

13% Lost

10% CSI

7% Grays Anatomy

6% The Office

What hasn’t changed is American workers’ view that talking about television can be good for the workplace. This year’s survey found that 40 percent of U.S. workers said talking about television at work increases office camaraderie, a slight decrease from 44 percent in 2007. Moreover, 52 percent of workers ages 30-39 believe it increases office camaraderie, more than any other age group.

Can employers stop this or is it a good think to encourage?  Learn more about policy and suggested handbook procedures by Contacting StaffScapes.

Source: Spherion

See Also

• Snapshoot survey reveals most talked about TV shows
  Spherion