24/09/2018
Job satisfaction refers to how content an individual is with their job. According to The Independent’s list of the top 10 positive things British people get from their jobs, job satisfaction claims the first spot.
How do you define job satisfaction?
Paul Spector stated, in 1997, that there are 14 contributing factors that result in an employee’s overall job satisfaction:
- Appreciation
- Communication
- Co-workers
- Fringe benefits
- Job conditions
- Nature of the work
- Organization
- Personal growth
- Policies and procedures
- Promotion opportunities
- Recognition
- Security
- Supervision.
How important is job satisfaction?
Job satisfaction is very important because it contributes to an individual’s physical and mental wellbeing. If you are satisfied in your role, you are also more likely to be productive and motivated to work.
If an employee is satisfied in their role, it is also good news for the employer because workers who are content with their role are less likely to leave the company.
What is the largest contributing factor for job satisfaction?
An individual’s job satisfaction depends what they value most in their work and life. For example some employees may prefer a large salary whilst others may prefer the atmosphere of the workplace. Other employees may feel that their job satisfaction mostly stems from how challenging and enjoyable their workload is.
In a recent study, 2,502 employees across Europe were asked to share their opinions on job satisfaction. The results revealed that 24% felt that enjoying their jobs was the most important factor for their job satisfaction. Only 12% felt that a big salary was the most important factor for their job satisfaction.
The UK’s job satisfaction
Totaljobs asked over 9,000 workers in Britain, across more than 20 industries to reveal their experiences with job satisfaction for the first 6 months of 2018.
The study found that ‘an increasing number of people are struggling to motivate themselves in their current role’. This is subsequently leading to employees actively seeking new jobs. The study found ‘that 70% of employees cannot imagine working at the same company this time next year.’
How does the UK’s job satisfaction compare with other countries?
A study conducted by Robert Half, a global recruitment consultancy, in 2017 showed that the UK’s level of employee happiness ranked very low compared to other countries. The study evaluated more than 23,000 working professionals across Europe, North America and Australia.
The study revealed the United States, Germany and the Netherlands have the happiest employees, ranking 71.8, 71.2 and 69.9 (on a scale of 0-100, with 100 being the happiest). The lowest levels of employee happiness were France (63.8), Belgium (65.2) and the United Kingdom (67.2).
Are you unsatisfied with your current role? Are looking for another job and need some help? Then check out our Twin Employment and Training website and contact our team today.
