Intro to the 2010 Global Workforce Study

Towers Watson, a leading global professional services company, conducted a study involving more than 20,000 full-time employees from 22 markets around the world from November 2009 to January 2010.

The study clearly reveals a recession-weary workforce – one with lower expectations, increased anxiety and new priorities. The study explains that the economy is still in recovery, the impact on the world’s workforce and employments itself appears to be deep and long lasting. It is now “the most comprehensive analysis of the post-recession employee mindset” that is available to us all today.

Broad themes emerge from this study

• End of the social contract. The recession has driven a final wedge into the social contract, or “deal” that has traditionally underpinned the employment relationship.
• Gap between want and expect. There is a gap between what employees want and expect from this sifting relationship, and what employers can afford to deliver in a highly competitive business climate.
• Opportunity to start again. Organizations have a unique opportunity to define a new and more sustainable employment deal with their employees.

The study is designed to help employers better understand their workforce by observing behaviors and attitudes that directly impact performance. The rest of the report outlines the key findings and examines the implications for employers, and presents a framework for developing this new deal and closing the emerging relationship gap.

The full study is available on the Towers Watson site.