Monster Meter Poll Reveals More Than 50 Percent of U.S. Workers Surveyed Will Have the Summer Off as Result of Unemployment

MAYNARD, Mass.–With the first day of summer fast approaching, more than half of U.S. workers polled will find themselves with the summer off, due to unemployment. Fifty-five percent of the U.S. workforce will have flexible hours this summer as a result of job loss, according to a nationwide poll conducted by Monster.com®. Monster.com is a leading global online career and recruitment resource and flagship brand of Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: MWW).

“With many companies offering flexible working hours as an alternative to lay-offs, it’s not surprising that nearly one-quarter of the respondents (20 percent) report flexible working hours during the summer are a perk where they work,” said Norma Gaffin, director of career content, Monster.com. “In fact, Inc.com reports on a recent study suggesting one way companies are looking to keep employees engaged amidst news of lay-offs is to grant flextime,” Gaffin added.

Only five percent of poll participants indicate their flexible summer schedules are a direct result of cost-cutting initiatives within their companies. The remaining 20 percent of Monster Meter poll respondents say flexible working hours at their companies are not an option during summer months.

Will you have flexible working hours this summer?

Yes, it’s a perk where I work: 20%

Yes, as part of a cost-cutting measure: 5%

No, it’s not an option at my company: 20%

My hours are already flexible as I am out of work: 55%

A recent Monster Career Advice article – How to Get a Flexible Schedule – provides strategy tips on how to make a persuasive case to the boss. Suggestions include writing a formal business plan explaining how job tasks will be accomplished and outlining why a flexible schedule will not make work life more difficult for bosses or colleagues.

Check out the Monster Career Advice site for other articles on Negotiating Flexible Schedules and tips to achieve a positive work/life balance.

The Monster Meter is an ongoing series of online polls that gauge users’ opinions on a variety of topics relating to careers, the economy and the workplace. The results of this Monster Meter are based on 7,624 votes cast by Monster.com U.S. users on the Monster.com homepage. Only one vote per user is counted toward the final tabulation. This poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate.

About Monster Worldwide
Monster Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: MWW), parent company of Monster, the premier global online employment solution for more than a decade, strives to inspire people to improve their lives. With a local presence in key markets in North America, Europe, and Asia, Monster works for everyone by connecting employers with quality job seekers at all levels and by providing personalized career advice to consumers globally. Through online media sites and services, Monster delivers vast, highly targeted audiences to advertisers. Monster Worldwide is a member of the S&P 500 index. To learn more about Monster’s industry-leading products and services, visit www.monster.com. More information about Monster Worldwide is available at http://corporate.monster.com.