Less than half of U.S. workers, 43%, are satisfied with their jobs, according to the emerging workforce study by Spherion Corp. (NYSE: SFN).

The study also found that employees' and employers' views on retention differ. Of employees, 78% said benefits were among most important in keeping them with a company and 75% said pay ranked high in importance. Employers, on the other hand, cited management climate as a top driver of retention (80%) and supervisor relationship (80%).

"Our study indicates some very troubling trends in the employee-employer relationship," said President and CEO Roy Krause. "The workforce is largely dissatisfied with their employers' efforts on the factors they feel are most important to them and will keep them in their current jobs."

Krause continued, "It is imperative employers not only understand, but adapt accordingly to their employees' evolving needs and attitudes toward work if they intend to maintain current talent levels through skill shortages. While employees are definitely redefining their idea of 'career success' and putting a premium on things like work/life balance programs, providing comprehensive benefits, commensurate financial compensation and a secure work environment that fosters creativity and participation will always be critical to long-term employee retention."