Saddle Brook, NJ (October 6, 2005) – “You could never pay me enough to take my boss’s job,” 54% of American workers reveal in a new survey, unveiled for National Boss Day, October 17th, by Ajilon Professional Staffing, a unit of Adecco (NYSE: ADO), the world’s largest staffing firm. Women felt this aversion much more strongly (68%) than men (42%). Indeed, employees turned out to be almost twice as likely to pity their bosses as to envy them (21% vs. 8%).

“It just goes to show that even though plenty of employees probably fantasize about being boss, most have no desire to actually take on this responsibility,” said Neil S. Lebovits, CPA, president and COO of Ajilon Professional Staffing. “In fact, it’s hard to be boss in today’s workplace. Bosses are pulled in many different directions from managing staff and serving clients to growing business and managing their own set of bosses – and often have to deal with pressures and stress many workers simply might not want.”

Other key findings from the survey:

• How leadership stacks up. While 30% rate their bosses as a “champion” and 11% as “hopeless,” 50% describe them as “adequate.”
• Trust is a factor. Over a third of respondents (37%) claimed their trust in their boss waivers day to day while less than a quarter (22%) have little to no trust in their boss. The 55-64 and 25-34 age brackets have the least amount of trust in their boss.
• Where is the love? Only 29% of American employees surveyed believe their boss truly looks out for them.

The Ajilon Professional Staffing 2005 National Boss Day Survey aims to provide insight into the state of the American workforce and is a part of Ajilon Professional Staffing’s “Profiles of the American Worker” survey series. This series was designed to help employers and employees gain a better understanding of one another to form stronger, mutually beneficial relationships and improve the workplace.

“To help elevate your career and become boss someday, work on improving relationships with your managers and know what challenges they face on a day-to-day
basis,” Lebovits says. “The better you get along with your boss, the better you’ll perform and the more satisfying you’ll find your job.”

Toward that end, Ajilon Professional Staffing offers the following tips to workers:

• Manage up. The ability to communicate with your manager in his or her own terms is essential to help you reach your career goals. Be aware of your boss’ management style and goals and communicate your ideas or plans in a similar manner.
• Make your boss your #1 fan. Your boss’ success is tied to your success, so work with your manager to better understand his/her goals – and help achieve them!
• Work even harder when the boss is away. Complete jobs they assigned before they return and make sure other projects did not slip through the cracks. Stay organized and pay attention to details. Before they return to the office, send them an e-mail update on the status of projects. They will appreciate this report waiting for them in their inbox.
• Track your accomplishments. Although sometimes it’s difficult to toot your own horn, make sure your boss is aware of your accomplishments and the times you go above and beyond the call of duty so he/she knows about your successes to reward you with time off, bonuses or a raise.
• Be a team player. Every boss likes to have his team on his side. Demonstrate that you're committed to the company, not just to your own personal goals.

National Boss Day, which is always October 16th, offers employees an opportunity to recognize those in supervisory positions. When the holiday falls on a weekend, it is generally celebrated on the working day closest to October 16th. National Boss Day will be celebrated on October 17th this year.

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