Detroit Employees Confident in Leadership, Study Shows

Morale at the Detroit Three auto makers is on the upswing, reports Glassdoor.com, a website that lets workers anonymously critique their employer in exchange for anonymous salary information.

According to the study, dubbed, "U.S. Auto Manufacturer Company and CEO Report Card," Ford Motor Co. employees are more positive about the direction of their company than counterparts at General Motors Co. and Chrysler Group LLC.

Workers participating in the online review process gave Ford a 3.6 rating, which falls into the "satisfied" category.

Chrysler and GM employees rated their workplaces 3.1 and 2.9, respectively, qualifying for an "OK" grade.

Last year, Ford and GM both earned a 3.0, while Chrysler garnered a 2.7, the study reveals.

While GM is down slightly from 2009, the rating doesn't reveal the entire picture, says Tim Besse, Glassdoor's co-founder and vice president-marketing.

"GM's had four CEOs (in the past 17 months), so it's a revolving door there," he tells Ward's, noting that sort of upheaval normally would result in a greater drop.

While not overwhelmingly positive, the Detroit Three ratings come as a surprise to Besse, given the amount of uncertainty surrounding the industry.

"Despite the turmoil and changing leadership structures, they've actually improved from an employee-satisfaction perspective," he says.

Glassdoor rewards those who post a review by allowing them full access to the site's information on companies and the salaries they pay.

In one posting, a Ford marketing manager says it's a "good time to be with Ford," but offers some constructive criticism. "Corporate processes are still a bit clunky and needing further streamlining."

According to the study, Ford CEO Alan Mulally is the top-rated Big Three executive, with an approval rating of 96% between mid-August 2009 and mid-August 2010. That's up from 86% in the year-prior time frame.

A GM manufacturing engineer says, "The best part of GM is the flexibility. Being a large company, you have people that can cover for you if you need time off. The pay is competitive and (includes) a great benefits package with time off. (But) it is difficult to advance without getting someone to like you."

A Chrysler engineering manager says the company has a "bright future," but warns it has "very thin resources and new management approach is company-first, dedication with no regard to work/life balance if you want to move ahead."