Suddenly employees are allowed to watch the NCAA basketball tournament and there's no shortage of free coffee at the office. There's an increasing focus on employee morale in corporate America - and for good reason.Surveys by major human resource consulting firms suggest morale is low because employees are under too much pressure. One such survey, conducted by attitude research firm Sirota and reported by CCH Aspen Publishers, reveals that although employed workers are grateful to have a job, and that things like teamwork, mutual respect and management communication actually improved during the recession, years of scant raises and layoffs have taken their toll. Here's a snapshot of what's causing employee frustration:

• Increased stress, insecurity and anxiety: Perceived workload up 15 percent; planning to stay 5+ years down 10 percent; perceived job security down 7 percent.
• A poorer view of senior leaders: Actions consistent with words down 9 percent; confidence in future down 4 percent.
• A poorer view of immediate supervision's interest in them: Acts as mentor/coach down 13 percent; interested in my ideas down 8 percent.
• More frustration with performance: Perceived product quality down 10 percent.
• More concern about the long-term "attraction" of the company: Opportunity for career development down 6 percent; satisfaction with benefits down 5 percent.

Have things gotten better or worse at your company since the start of the recession? Is your employer taking steps to reduce frustration and anxiety? Do you plan to leave when the economy rebounds? -- Leslie Stevens-Huffman