Nonprofit Workers Report Feeling Extreme Pressure

Posted by on January 29, 2012

Chronicle survey shows many nonprofit workers unhappy

A new survey released by the Chronicle of Philanthropy shows that as many as four out of five nonprofit workers are actively seeking new jobs, or would be if the economy was stronger.  Nearly 40% of the 672 participants in the survey reported that they were dissatisfied with their work.

The results echoed those of studies released in October by the staffing firm Professionals for Nonprofits, which found that 70 percent of workers at nonprofits in New York and Washington characterized their jobs as either disappointing or only somewhat fulfilling.

The new studies paint a far darker picture than that of a landmark survey conducted by the Brookings Institution 10 years ago, which found only 5 percent of nonprofit workers were dissatisfied with their jobs.

The difference is probably the result of the tough times that continue to face charities, says Paul Light, a professor of public service at New York University who studies the nonprofit work force and conducted the Brookings survey.

“The last three years have been terrible for nonprofits, and there is an anxiety in the sector that’s palpable,” says Mr. Light. “This is a beleaguered work force. They are wondering what the future is going to look like, and they’re right to wonder.”

http://philanthropy.com/article/Bad-Economy-Has-Strained-Many/130319/