Posted on: Sunday, October 12, 2008
American stress levels are increasing
Compiled by John MacIntyre
Percentage of Americans who said they are more stressed this year than last year, according to a survey by the American Massage Therapy Association: 59
Percentage who cited the economy as a major source of stress: 45
THE OLD BACK-STAB
Percentage of employees who said the level of office politics in their workplaces has increased compared with five years ago, according to a survey developed by Accountemps: 53
Percentage who say it's wise to be aware of political undercurrents in the office without becoming directly involved: 54
Percentage who say it's best to stay out of office politics completely: 29
PAPERLESS PAYCHECKS
Percentage of employees who are paid by either direct deposit or pay card, according to a survey conducted by the American Payroll Association: 90
Of those paid by direct deposit or pay card, percentage of respondents who said they would rather view their pay online than receive a paper stub: 62
SMOOTCH IT BETTER
Percentage of Americans who said a kiss is the best way to lift their spirits after a bad day, according to findings of a nationwide study conducted by cultural anthropologist and author of "The Art of Kissing" William Cane, in collaboration with Nivea Lip Care: 45
YOU'RE KIDDING, RIGHT?
Percentage of employees who agreed that "my boss looks out for me and my career goals," according to research from Adecco USA in its first Annual Employer Report Card: 65
Percentage who agreed that "my boss deserves his/her level of compensation": 77
Percentage who said "I believe that my boss is smarter than me": 64
EATING THE PLANET
Date described as Earth Overshoot Day, the day that humanity will have used up all the new resources nature will provide this year, according to data from Global Footprint Network: Sept. 23, 2008
Globally, number of planets whose biological capacity we are now using: 1.4
Based on moderate U.N. business-as-usual projections, number of planets we'll be demanding to support us by 2050: 2
HOW WE SHOP
Percentage of consumers who felt that good consumer ratings were quite important to an initial purchase decision, according to research into consumer views about online shopping compiled by www.PriceRunner.co.uk: 70
Percentage of consumers who said price had some importance to their product choice: 96
Percentage who felt it was the most important factor: 64
THE WORKING OLD
Percentage of baby boomers who say they will work after retirement, according to the Merrill Lynch New Retirement Study: 71
Estimated number of people ages 44 to 70 who have encore careers, according to the MetLife Foundation and Civic Ventures, a national think tank: 5.3 million
Percentage of men and women who said their reason for retiring was to do other things, according to The Cornell Retirement and Well-Being Study: 69.5
NOBLESSE OBLIGE?
Percentage of high-net-worth business owners, whose companies have at least $10 million in annual revenue, who have incorporated philanthropic giving into their financial plan, according to a SunTrust Bank Private Wealth Management study: 36
Among them, percentage who have written nonprofit organizations into their will: 53
IDLE THOUGHT
"One does not advance the swimming abilities of ducks by throwing the eggs in the water."
— Multatuli (pen name of Eduard Douwes Dekker)
Reach John MacIntyre at johnmacintyre@bwr.eastlink.ca.
