Sounds surprisingly but owing to the global financial crisis employees became more loyal. Thus, crisis has made more than 40% employees feel totally committed to their employer, according to a global survey from Kelly Services conducted in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific.

The annual Kelly Global Workforce Index polled about 134,000 people in 29 countries from October to January.

The research also found companies with positive management, strong morale and active communications succeeded in making their workforce more engaged despite the uncertainty caused by falling profits and layoffs.

Respondents cited "more interesting or challenging work" as the main reason that would make them more engaged in their job, ahead of higher salaries and more benefits.

The survey found 43% of workers said they felt "totally committed" to their current employers and 26% felt "somewhat committed."
A total of 27% of respondents globally said the economic recession made them feel more loyal to their employer, while only 10% felt less loyal and 63% said it has made no difference.

Slightly more Generation "Y" workers, or those aged between 18 and 29 years, said the downturn had made them more loyal than Generation "X" employees – 28% compared to 26%.

The survey also showed the most "engaged" employees were in North America, with 52% totally committed to their job, compared to 47% in Asia Pacific and 36% in Europe.

It was also found that younger workers have a much greater interest in the possibility of career advancement, while older workers predominantly focus on the quality of management.

According to the poll, generations are watching closely how organizations manage their corporate reputation, as a key factor on deciding whether to stay or leave.