U.S. Workers Wax Positive in New Poll : Workplace: The results are a surprise in light of the rash of downsizings and restructurings.

Despite widespread restructurings and recent downsizings at many U.S. companies, workers report feeling almost as secure in their jobs now as they did in 1987, and about two-thirds say they are happy with their jobs, according to a national survey to be released today by a Washington consulting firm.

The 1994 WorkUSA survey, conducted from July to September by Wyatt Co., asked more than 4,300 employees about a variety of work-related issues. Wyatt conducted similar surveys in 1987, 1989 and 1991.

About 55% of the respondents agreed this year that their companies provide good job security, down slightly from the 58% who felt that way in 1987. About 65% of the respondents said they were satisfied with their jobs, while only 10% said they were dissatisfied, virtually the same as in earlier surveys.

The results surprised Wyatt officials, who attributed the positive attitudes both to the recovering economy and to the trend of companies retaining more specially trained employees who would feel more confident in their jobs.

“What we are seeing is that jobs in organizations are moving more and more toward jobs that are individually knowledge-based,” said Paul Sanchez, director of survey operations for Wyatt. “These employees, because they have the training, have a higher degree of confidence.”

Stefan Chasnov, a consultant with Hay Group, a Los Angeles-based human resources management consulting firm, said the improving economy was more of a factor.

“People are feeling more upbeat with the economy and their jobs,” Chasnov said. “Most of the corporate downsizings have already taken place, and that activity is slowing significantly. . . . It might be a little early (for employees to feel confident), but it’s a refreshing change, because if people are feeling more confident, they’re spending more and thus making the economy even stronger.”

Sanchez said the survey was compiled from a random sampling of Americans working in companies with more than 100 employees, which represents about 65% of the total U.S. work force. That portion of the population, Sanchez said, would probably feel happier and more secure at work than employees of smaller companies, which could more easily fall victim to rough economic factors.

On the downside, the survey found that more than two-thirds of the respondents felt their companies did not pay them enough, take their input into consideration when making decisions or promote the most competent employees.

At the same time, however, most employees said they felt their companies were doing a better job with customers and informing the workers of company goals.

“Employees say that they are getting more information from above,” Wyatt consultant Gwen Stern said. “But it’s not yet a two-way street. Many employees are frustrated that they don’t have more say in work decisions.”

Among the survey’s other findings was that significantly fewer African Americans felt satisfied with their jobs (56%) than did Latinos (72%), Asian Pacific Islanders (70%) and whites (65%).

Also, more women reported being satisfied with their jobs (66%) than did men (63%). However, 62% of the men said they are paid fairly, compared to 58% of the women.

In terms of age differences, the report found so-called Generation X employees (those under 30) to be the most positive, while the baby boomers (ages 30 to 49) to be the least positive. For instance, 50% of Generation Xers said their company was well-managed, compared to 41% of the baby boomers. Stern attributed this to the fact that younger employees are new to the work force and largely escaped the negative changes of a few years ago.