The Results Are In: Factors That Contribute to Job Satisfaction

In January, we asked our readers which factors most contributed to job satisfaction. And with 1,291 people responding, we gathered that this is a significant matter for many in the professional world.

According to the results, 26% of respondents said engaging and meaningful work is the number one factor that leads to overall work satisfaction. Coming in second, 19% of those who participated in the poll said compensation most contributed to job satisfaction.

The rest of the results are as follows:

  • Leadership (14%)
  • Job security (13%)
  • Benefits/perks (11%)
  • Room for advancement (9%)

Adding to the list, 4% selected the “other” option, submitting their own factors that contribute to job satisfaction, including:

  • Respect and acknowledgment of hard work
  • Flexible work schedule
  • Company culture
  • Acts/words of appreciation
  • Autonomy to work undirected, not micro-managed

In a separate poll on our job seeker blog for up-and-coming professionals, Movin’ On Up, readers were asked the same question, and subsequently, the number one factor with 32% of votes was also engaging and meaningful work, followed by 29% saying “feeling valued” leads to job satisfaction.

Creating an Environment Conducive to Job Satisfaction

Regardless of where you are in your career, one thing is plain and simple—it’s important to feel you are engaged in meaningful work, which leads to a sense of value. According to The Conference Board Job Satisfaction survey conducted by The Nielsen Company, only 47.7% of workers are satisfied with their jobs. In the survey, training programs and recognition were among the areas workers were least satisfied in concerning their current positions.

Having a culture that encourages employees to see the importance in everyday tasks, as well as their overall place in the company, is imperative to developing higher job satisfaction. And training programs and recognition can be a large part of helping turn the tides in your office. For more insight, check out this article offering three tips to help your employees’ job satisfaction: communicate job importance, live passionately, and encourage open communication.

Your employees want to feel appreciated and know their work is important and directly contributes to the company’s big picture. By creating an environment that encourages employees to see the meaning behind their work, you can help foster a team that is fully engaged in your business, which will set you apart in your market.

How satisfied are your employees? What do you do to ensure your team is engaged in meaningful work? Let us know in the comments section below!

One Response to The Results Are In: Factors That Contribute to Job Satisfaction

  1. Sandi Hess February 11, 2015 at 8:43 am #

    “ I am seeking, I am striving,
    I am in with all my heart.”

    Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890)
    Dutch painter

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