Massive International Survey Says Employees Would Work Harder with Profit Sharing or Ownership

A Kelley Services survey of 134,000 employees worldwide found that 61% of U.S. workers, 65% of Asia-Pacific workers, and 56% of European workers say that profit sharing or ownership would motivate them to perform at a higher level (the survey did not ask about these two separately). Across all regions, about 40% of employees are on some form of performance-related pay, with baby-boomer employees somewhat less likely to be on performance pay than younger workers.

Generational differences between employees were trivial, with just a 6% gap between the highest and lowest responding groups, yet another finding that the much ballyhooed differences between "GenX," "GenY," and so on are more talked about than actual.

"Profit sharing and company ownership arrangements create a powerful bond between workers and employers, and can motivate people to be more productive and creative," said Kelly Services Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer George Corona. "As a global talent shortage looms, employers may want to consider how they can improve the productivity of their work force by offering employment packages that align individual performance to corporate goals."