When it comes to their jobs, new research reveals many professionals would like more information about how their efforts contribute to the company's bottom line. While nearly half of workers in the Robert Half Management Resources survey reported they are always able to see the connection between their duties and their firm's performance, the majority, 53%, also said they want greater insights. Fourteen percent of those polled noted they rarely or never see how their work affects the organization.

The findings uncovered different sentiments among age groups. Fifty-nine percent of professionals 55 years of age and older consistently see how their work contributes to the company's bottom line, but just 38% of those 35 to 54 years old agreed. Forty-four percent of respondents ages 18 to 34 said they are able to make the association between their efforts and organizational performance; this group also is the most likely to seek a greater understanding.

"Employees who see the direct correlation between their contributions and company performance are more engaged, make better spending decisions, and can identify new ways to increase productivity and growth," said Tim Hird, executive director of Robert Half Management Resources, in a press release. "It is concerning that so many workers who are 35 to 54—a group that often serves as managers and top executives—lack a complete understanding of how their responsibilities help their organization's bottom line."

Hird added Generation Y and Generation Z professionals prioritize feedback and connecting their roles to a larger purpose. "Millennials commonly crave insights on their performance and how it impacts the firm. Managers who do not have regular conversations with staff about how their work affects the company are missing a major opportunity to develop ideas for improving the business."

Robert Half Management Resources highlights three ways employers can incorporate connecting individual roles to the bottom line into their staffing management:

• Don't stop at the top. Discussions about company performance and goals should happen with staff members at all levels. Understanding how their role contributes to the organization can help employees boost their own performance.
• Make the discussions ongoing. Managers should look for opportunities such as staff meetings, performance reviews, and regular check-ins to communicate how individuals' contributions benefit the business.
• Tap external perspectives. Check with network contacts and consultants for their insights on how the company is faring and to learn best practices from other firms.

The infographic below highlights more key findings from this survey.