CLEMSON, S.C., May 18 (UPI) -- The belief that some highly engaged workers will work tirelessly for an organization despite diminishing resources may be disproven, U.S. researchers said.
Clemson University psychology professor Thomas Britt found that an engaged employee isn't necessarily committed to the organization.
Engaged workers are highly attuned to aspects of their work environment that either will facilitate or thwart job performance. If the workers are not getting the resources they feel they need to perform at their best, their engagement may be diminished -- because their performance matters to them ahead of corporate loyalty, Britt said.
"When the economy is experiencing a general downturn, it may be unlikely that engaged employees low in organizational commitment can find another position. But if they do have the opportunity to change jobs they will," Britt said in a statement.
"Managers who fail to position employees to be effective in their roles and provide organizational support may lose their most talented and energetic people -- the ones who stay behind may well be the ones who just don't care."
The benefits of productive employees can be squandered if leaders do not position employees in roles that match their skills and provide the workplace supports they need to carry out their responsibilities.
Britt's findings are currently under review at the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.
