Bulletin Board by Amy Winter

If given the opportunity, a majority of workers would rather not take their manager's position. Sixty-one percent of employees, according to a survey by Adecco Group North America, say they would decline the offer to be in charge, especially with the increased job pressures due to the economy.

It seems boss and worker relationships remain an important aspect at workplaces. Sixty-five percent of employees would not make changes to the relationship with their boss. But some workers still don't completely trust their employer. Fifty-three percent of workers have doubts about their company's managerial honesty.

Even with the recession, worker perception of employers hasn't greatly altered. A large majority (89 percent) of employees say their boss is still as available as before the economic downturn. There has been a slight increase (14 percent) when it comes to having more respect for management. Performance reports still maintain the same significance as they did before the recession.

"Good or bad economy, how employees feel about their work-life is very much dependent on their relationship with their boss," says Bernadette Kenny, chief career officer of Adecco Group North America. "What we're hearing from the thousands of American workers we partner with every day is that the world of work is more challenging than ever before and constantly changing.

"Increasingly, difficult jobs require impactful managers who lead by example and create the best possible environment for their staff."

Adecco provides suggestions for managers that hope to continue to build connections with their employees:

— Promote open communication. Use an open format communication style with workers. This will allow them to present their concerns, leading to an honest dialogue between manager and worker.

— Display loyalty.

Make sure workers know that you are loyal. Maintain open communication to build employee trust.

— Increase company morale. Try to motivate employees through contests, rewards and recognition for great work. Create team-building activities in order to improve workplace relationships.

For more information, visit www.adeccousa.com.

SEASONAL WORKERS

It appears this year's seasonal hiring will be a lot like last year. Eighteen percent of managers plan, according to a CareerBuilder.com survey that questioned 2,924 hiring managers and HR professionals, to hire workers for the end-of-the-year holidays, compared to 17 percent in 2008.

But this year brings more competition. Some employed workers (12 percent) want to find second jobs in order to make more money for the holidays. Seasonal employment will be pursued by unemployed workers as well as employed ones. The top industries for finding seasonal positions include: customer service, retails sales, administrative/clerical, hospitality, shipping/delivery, inventory, technology and accounting/finance.

When it comes to compensation, 12 percent of managers hope to increase pay for seasonal workers, while 15 percent plan to decrease payment. The majority of managers will give $10 or more per hour.

"Competition for seasonal positions will be intense as the job market is flooded with qualified candidates vying for a smaller number of open positions," says Brent Rasmussen, president of CareerBuilder North America. "Employers tell us they are accepting the majority of their seasonal applications during October and November, meaning job-seekers need to identify and apply for those opportunities now."

Rasmussen suggests that candidates wanting a seasonal job: apply early, learn more about the company and its products, be enthusiastic during the interview, dress the part (wear clothes from the store where you are applying), and be flexible when it comes to the work schedule.

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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