Jobs Study Confirms Classic Movie Line

“My only real motivation is not to be hassled. That and fear of losing my job. But you know Bob, that’ll only make someone work just hard enough not to get fired.”
–Peter Gibbons, Office Space

Last week, global consulting firm Accenture released some worker stats worth revisiting amidst this week’s jobs news. Here are two figures that conjure the above line from Mike Judge’s Office Space—employers take note!

-57% of women and 59% of men surveyed are dissatisfied with their jobs

-Despite job dissatisfaction, 69% said they’ll stay put. And 64% cite flexible work arrangements as the reason for staying

That said, here are some more optimistic stats that also jumped out at me:

-42% said lack of opportunity or a clear career path is the greatest barrier to their career advancement. 32% cited no barriers to their advancement

-To grow their careers, 58% said they’re accepting a different role, 46% are getting more education or training, and 36% are working longer hours

-59% reported having some type of flexible work schedule

-44% said the economic downturn slowed their career, and 40% cited parenthood

-71% said they have work/life balance most or all of the time, 42% said they often sacrifice time with family in order to succeed, and 41% said career demands negatively impact their family life

-73% of respondents with a spouse or significant other said that person also holds a full-time job

All figures come from Accenture’s November/December 2011 online survey of 3,900 business executives from medium to large organizations in 31 countries. Full report.