Steady work may be tough to come by, but it's also no ticket to paradise. Only 45 percent of Americans say they're satisfied with their jobs, the most dismal response since researchers started asking people in the mid-'80s. Whether you're 25 or 55, making $30k or $130k, chances are you're not a happy camper professionally-speaking.

The threat – beyond personal fulfillment – is that job dissatisfaction puts the kibosh on productivity and ingenuity.

Yet, for the last decade companies have been trumpeting perks like wellness programs and work-at-home schedules. Actually, maybe part of the problem is all that trumpeting. Are companies saying they're looking out for employees, but not really doing?

That's a key question every manager ought to consider. The next one is, "OK, how can I reach out and engage my employees in a new and productive way?"

Such a conversation can be awkward – like a real-life cringe-inducing episode of "The Office." But with a solid game plan, a lack of ego and a commitment to act, reaching out can save a business. Some quick tips: Let employees have their say, preferably in a private, anonymous forum. Digital tools make this a snap. Then move on to a more public discussion.

If you're the boss, don't insert yourself into the conversation. Avoid "I" and "me." We heard tale of one manager who opened such a meeting talking about his struggles to keep up with his kids' private school tuition. This did not engender a lot of goodwill.

Follow up quickly and decisively on employee suggestions that most lend themselves to immediate action. Keep employees appraised of your more long term steps. If possible, involve employees -- via a committee, for example -- in the detailed process of improving the work place. This promotes understanding on both sides.

Employees who like coming to work turn out better work. More of it, too. It's a win-win – and an offer smart organizations can't refuse.

Speaking of smart, Dr. John Silvia had some remarkably candid and funny things to say as a panelist at the Greater Raleigh Chamber's annual economic forecast . Silvia is chief economist at Wells Fargo, but he'd do just as well as chief correspondent for "The Daily Show." Some highlights:

On our state economy: "North Carolina does not have a state economy. We have an economy of city-states." The only thing that Greensboro and Goldsboro have in common is "they both begin with 'G.' Other than that, forget it."

On education: Do we need more "fancy universities" or more tech schools? "Everyone knows you can't get a good plumber on Saturdays."

On corporate bail outs: If you say you believe in free enterprise, then "when the day comes that you screw up, it's not the government's job to save your butt."