Workers tend to lack relaxation and rest when at the office. Eighty-one percent of workers, according to a survey by Adecco USA that questioned 2,034 employees, say they are worried about something when it comes to their profession.

High gas prices take the lead for the biggest worry with 25 percent of respondents. Stagnant paycheck comes in at 13 percent for the second highest anxiety followed by work-life balance (12 percent), the rising cost of health care (9 percent), the job market (7 percent), opportunities for advancement (6 percent) and outsourcing of jobs (4 percent).

Last year's Adecco survey showed different results. In 2007, high gas prices only concerned 12 percent of respondents. And a stagnant paycheck and work-life balance tied for first with 16 percent of employees.

Even with these worries and an increase in unemployment, only 25 percent of workers are saving money for an emergency fund. And the majority (58 percent) doesn't plan to put aside money for a potential career loss.

More employees also feel less appreciated at the office, compared to last year's survey. Seventy-five percent of respondents consider themselves valued versus 91 percent of workers in 2007.

"It's clear that our current economic uncertainty has spread similar feelings of uncertainty to American workers," says Bernadette Kenny, chief career officer for Adecco USA.

"Workers need to think about how they can best prepare and position themselves for success in the current marketplace, and employers who are focused on retaining their top talent should implement ways to show their appreciation and ease the concerns weighing on the minds of their staff."

Adecco gives suggestions to workers in order to reduce job-related anxieties:

— Keep saving: It is a good idea to put some money away in case your employment status changes or you need an emergency fund. You will be more prepared and less worrisome if you must obtain additional resources.

— Continue surpassing expectations: If you can bring strong results and exceed anticipations, you have a better chance of being rewarded and maintaining your position.

— Uphold flexibility: Remember that your employer's concerns probably have shifted due to the economy. Be adaptable in trying to align your work goals with your company's main objectives.

Adecco also provides tips for employers to ease their workers' stress:

— Be open and honest: Communicate and keep workers informed in order to decrease concerns.

— Try to listen: Don't pretend to understand your staff's anxieties. Instead, gain feedback through surveys, meetings or one-on-one conversations. Consider their concerns when making your plans.

— Initiate quick rewards: If high gas prices cause the most stress, what about giving your top performers a gas card? Or offer more flexible schedules to reduce the stress from a work/life balance.

For more information, visit www.adeccousa.com.

NO CLOSER TO EQUALITY

The glass ceiling still exists when it comes to pay equality among male and female employees. Thirty-four percent of female workers still feel that men are paid more, even when both sexes have the same skills and qualifications, according to a survey by CareerBuilder.com that questioned 7,960 employees. Only 11 percent of male respondents say they are paid less than their female counterparts.

When it comes to salary, 40 percent of male respondents make $50,000 or more, versus 21 percent of female surveyors. And 19 percent of male respondents earn $75,000 or more, compared to 7 percent of women surveyors.

Women also tend to feel discriminated when trying to advance their careers. Twenty-six percent of female respondents say they have fewer career advancement chances compared to their male co-workers, and 18 percent of female surveyors say they don't receive the same number of training opportunities.

"The number of women reporting that they receive less pay than their male counterparts has changed little over the last two years," says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources.

"While companies have taken great strides to address equality in the workplace, there is still a lot of work ahead. Companies understand the value of having a diverse work force, and many are scrutinizing and improving their recruitment, compensation and promotion practices."

For more information, visit www.careerbuilder.com.

To find out more about Amy Winter and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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