Survey: This Holiday Season U.S. Workers Are Most Thankful for Job Stability
SACRAMENTO, Calif., Dec. 21, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- When it comes to their jobs, one-quarter of Americans are most thankful for job stability this holiday season, according to data released today in a survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Heald College. The survey asked employed Americans to identify what they were most grateful for in their work life – other than pay.
"Given the current state of economy, it's no surprise that Americans not only value the fact that they have jobs, but truly value the fact that they expect to keep their jobs long term," said Jennifer Lozada, corporate director of career services for Heald College. "Americans want to feel that they are appreciated for what they do and that they will continue to play a long-term vital role in the workforce."
According to the survey and second to job stability, 24% of Americans indicated that they were most grateful for flexibility in their schedules.
"With the demands and distractions put on today's family, it's no wonder flexibility is so important and so valued. People understand that work/life balance is something that is absolutely necessary for both mental and physical health. In essence, we are seeing more and more people pursuing careers in industries that offer long-term stability and/or flexibility," commented Lozada.
"For instance, at Heald College, we've see an increase in enrollment in such programs that offer long-term stability as medical assisting, dental assisting and pharmacy technology. As the Baby Boomers age and medicine continues to improve, the U.S. will undoubtedly see an increase in the need for healthcare. We see healthcare as stable and, frankly, recession proof," said Lozada.
Lozada continued that Heald Colleges also see high demand for its IT programs. "IT careers are typically quite flexible. Network System administrators, for instance, are needed around the clock in such locations as businesses, schools and government offices."
Top Careers For Stability
Based on U.S. Department of Labor industry trend information through 2016, as well as Heald College placement data, the following occupations continue to see high demand:
- Medical Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Legal and Accounting Administrative Assistant
- Network Systems Administration
- Dental Assistant
By the Numbers: Workplace Thankfulness Survey Fast Facts
- 30% of women were more thankful for flexibility in their schedules compared to 20% of men.
- 27% of Americans aged 54 and under are more likely to be thankful for job stability compared to 18% of those over 55.
- 25% of Americans over 55 stated they were most thankful for having job satisfaction. Only 13% of respondents under the age of 55 gave the same response.
- Regionally, 30% of Americans in the southern United States* were most thankful for job stability compared to 23% in other regions of the United States.
*For this survey the southern United Sates included: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
About the Survey
Heald College's Workplace Thankfulness Survey was conducted by Harris Interactive, using the Harris Poll National Quorum from November 17 to November 28, 2010. A total of 919 employed residents of the U.S. were surveyed by telephone. Results are considered accurate to +/- 3.2% 19 times out of 20.
About Heald College
For over 147 years, Heald's mission has been to prepare students for academic, personal, and professional success through quality career-focused programs that develop skills to last a lifetime. Since its establishment, Heald has evolved into a leading career college that offers a range of programs in the fields of healthcare, business, legal, and technology. Heald College has 12 campuses throughout the western United States including California, Oregon, and Hawaii and serves nearly 19,000 students. For more information on Heald College visit www.heald.edu.
About Harris Interactive
Harris Interactive is one of the world's leading custom market research firms, leveraging research, technology, and business acumen to transform relevant insight into actionable foresight. Known widely for the Harris Poll and for pioneering innovative research methodologies, Harris offers expertise in a wide range of industries including healthcare, technology, public affairs, energy, telecommunications, financial services, insurance, media, retail, restaurant, and consumer package goods. Serving clients in over 215 countries and territories through our North American, European, and Asian offices and a network of independent market research firms, Harris specializes in delivering research solutions that help us - and our clients - stay ahead of what's next. For more information, please visit www.harrisinteractive.com.
EDITOR'S NOTE: For more information on the Workplace Thankfulness Survey, please contact John Marchini at Catalano Fenske and Associates. Tel: +1-559-320-1120; Email: [email protected].
SOURCE Heald College
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