“I Wish I Was 55,” Updated to “It Is What It Is”

Posted June 15th, 2009

In 2007, I wrote how people at one company often said, “I wish I was 55, because I can get my pension and other retirement benefits.”   In 2009, the company and many companies have eliminated some retirement benefits, such as health insurance, and reduced salaries, 401K contributions, and other compensation.   Now employees are saying they will have to work till they are 65.

I wonder what leaders of companies believe is accomplished by aggravating and discouraging employees.  When employees respond to all these changes by saying, “It is what it is;”  how does that contribute to achieving excellence.

On a positive note, I interviewed some pipeline controllers at a natural gas pipeline company last week.  They said their company provides excellent support for their job and the management appreciates the work of controllers.   That is wonderful!

This entry was posted on Monday, June 15th, 2009 at 10:05 am and is filed under Leadership, Operational Excellence.