| Missouri Casino Workers Report High Job Satisfaction |
"Missouri casinos have created very attractive and lucrative career paths for our employees," said Troy Stremming, president of the MRGA and Vice President of Legal and Government Affairs for Ameristar Casinos. "The industry offers well-paying and satisfying jobs with good benefits for more than 11,000 workers."
Eighty-two percent of casino employees surveyed said that their job represented a positive career move and 78 percent said they were more satisfied with their casino job than with previous jobs. About 79 percent said they were more satisfied with the people and surroundings in their casino job as compared to previous jobs.
Those findings appear to be much higher than the general population, as compared to Job Forecast Q2 2005, an employee satisfaction study during the same period by CareerBuilder.com, the country's leading online job network. That study showed that only 57 percent of employees overall and 55 percent of hospitality workers surveyed were satisfied with their jobs.
Compensation and benefits are important factors in high job satisfaction among Missouri casino employees, according to the study. Three out of four ( 75 percent ) said their wages were better or as good as their previous job, with more than half ( 56 percent ) receiving higher wages. Two-thirds ( 67 percent ) ranked the medical benefits offered by casinos better or as good as their previous job, with 39 percent saying they were better. Nearly three out of four ( 73 percent ) said their retirement plan was better or as good as their previous employer's, with 41 percent ranking it as better.
Nearly three out of four ( 72 percent ) of casino workers surveyed received pay increases or promotions in 2004. Eighty percent expected a raise or promotion in 2005. And among casino workers who received tips, 74 percent were more satisfied or much more satisfied with tips as compared to previous jobs. The CareerBuilder study showed only 54 percent of workers overall and 47 percent of hospitality workers were satisfied with their pay. Only 54 percent of surveyed retail workers – an industry with comparable education levels – received a pay increase in 2004.
About half ( 52 percent ) of casino workers surveyed have some college education or a college degree. Eleven percent had received specialized training or certification. About 36 percent had only a high school diploma or some high school education.
The survey was a follow-up to a similar employee study conducted by the MRGA in 2002. Comparison of the two studies shows a continuing maturing of the Missouri casino industry and increased job security for workers. For example, 59 percent of employees surveyed have worked in the gaming industry for more than three years ( up from 48 percent ) and 52 percent have worked for their current casino employer for more than three years ( up from 40 percent ).
As a result of their jobs in the gaming industry, more workers have been able to learn new and more marketable job skills ( 32 percent, up from 26 percent ), worry less about making ends meet ( 32 percent, up from 29 percent ), move to a better home ( 22 percent, up from 18 percent ), get better health care ( 29 percent, up from 24 percent ), improve their children's education ( 10 percent, up from 7 percent ) and increase self-esteem ( 28 percent, up from 24 percent ).
About 75 percent of casino workers contribute to charity, with 39 percent contributing more than $100 a year. More than a third of casino workers surveyed volunteer for charitable, church and nonprofit groups. Missouri's 11 casinos employ 11,200 people with total annual compensation ( wages, benefits and tips ) of $284 million. Casino employees typically receive a comprehensive benefits package, job training and a work environment that promotes diversity, according to Stremming.
"These numbers translate into real life successes – trained, skilled employees and greater job opportunities," said Stremming. "The gaming industry is helping employees earn more money, take better care of themselves and their families, and contribute to the local economy and community."
The Missouri Riverboat Gaming Association ( MRGA ) is the statewide trade association of the Missouri casino entertainment industry and related professionals. Formed in 1993, the MRGA provides research and information to increase awareness of the economic benefits of Missouri's casinos.
Source: I-NewsWire
Saturday, 16 July 2005
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