Results from field tests using the Job Satisfaction Scale indicate that fewer then 10 percent of the participants rated themselves over 70 percent, almost 60 percent rated themselves between 50 percent and 70 percent and 40 percent rated themselves below 50.
What causes so many people to rate themselves so low in job satisfaction? Do they just have negative attitudes? Are too many of them bored because they are underemployed? Is management at fault? Are most jobs lacking in meaning no matter how workers try to jazz things up?
There are, of course, multiple reasons for low job satisfaction, but the overwhelming reason is the way employees view work. In short, many workers ignore the psychological sources of job satisfaction available to them.
What about you?
Now that you have completed and interpreted your Job Satisfaction Profile, let’s explore the sources of satisfaction so you can take steps to make your job more satisfying. Naturally, you can make the most improvement from those sources where you rated yourself low on the scale. Please keep in mind, however, that even if you rated yourself high in a given sources, some room for improvement may remain. That is why it is a good idea to refer to your Job Satisfaction Profile as you proceed.
The sources of satisfaction are:-
PRODUCTIVITY
QUALITY WORK
LEARNING
EXPRESSING CREATIVITYY
PROFESSIONALISM
RECOGNITION
TEAM WORK
SOCIAL SATISFACTION
PERSONAL GROWTH
WORK ENVIRONMENT REWARDS
1. PRODUCTIVITY
“I really like a boss or a job that keeps me challenged and busy. I feel better when the day is over”.
- HR ASSISTANT
No two people will produce the same amount of work at the same job. Everyone’s potential is different. Although potential cannot be measured, there is always a gap between what one is capable of doing and what one actually does. However, if you wish to raise your level of satisfaction from this source, you need to push a little more in the direction your potential – not so much that you create too much pressure on yourself, but enough to bring you more satisfaction.
When it comes to productivity, job satisfaction comes from two sources: the joy that comes from competing with others even if you don’t always win, and knowing that you are doing your best to meet or exceed your own standards or expectations.
Doing anything when you know you are not putting your best into it creates unhappiness.
'Anjali is a waitress in a retirement center where center where no tips are permitted. Yet Anjali gains satisfaction in serving more tables that other waitress. Why? “I just get a good feeling inside when I am living up to my best. This is true in everything I do. I guess it is a combination of pride, liking to compete and living up to my own standards that do the trick:"
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
Check those you can be enthusiastic about
I refuse to be known as an “average” producer.
I understand, honor and satisfy my competitive nature.
I take pride in exceeding standards so that I deserve a high appraisal rating.
2. QUALITY WORK
“My firm now has incentives for those who improve quality as well as quantity.”
-B.D.MANAGER
Many employees are like artists who strive for superiority in their work. There individuals are never happy with mediocrity either in others or themselves. If you scored 6 or lower in this category, you may wish to work on raising your quality standards. It’s a great way to get more job satisfaction in a hurry.
Nihal got high marks for the amount of work he accomplished, but his manager noticed that customers tended to complain about the quality of his work. One day the manager called Nihal into his office and asked: “if you were me, would you want an employee who excelled in the amount of work he did or the quality of work he turned out?” Nihal thought for a few moments and replied: “I would want employees who did a lot of work without sacrificing quality.”
After Nihal responded the way his boss wanted, the two of them talked. Nihal learned that through greater concentration he could produce at previous levels and improve his work quality. He soon discovered to his surprise that he was receiving more satisfaction from his work.
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I admit that doing sloppy work is unsatisfying.
I recognize that with poorer quality work, I lose the satisfaction I gain through higher productivity.
Without waiting for encouragement from management, I attach higher quality standards to every task I perform, and make quality a factor in my relationships with others.
3. LEARNING
“Waiting to learn is an attitude that can keep you from going stale on any kind of job.”
-P. Manager
The average score on source 3 (learning) is 5. This result means that approximately half of all employees are not taking full advantage of their on-the-job learning opportunities. Often an employee will tell you, “I just don’t have any opportunities to learn on my job,” but ht truth is that the individual’s mind is not open to the learning possibilities that exist.
If your job requires that you use a computer, you face the constant challenge of keeping up with the latest hardware and software. If you are in the building trades, you need to stay current with new techniques and equipment. If you are in a service position, your future depends on learning new features about what you sell and new techniques in the selling process. Almost all jobs have specialized skills attached to them. These competencies need to be maintained and improved if an employee wants to keep up.
“When my old firm started taking about downsizing, I started to seek learning opportunities. I applied for seminars both in-house and outside. I read the latest technical manuals. Most of all, I started to listen. This change in my learning attitude put me in the driver’s seat a few years later when my job was eliminated. I was able to obtain a better position elsewhere because I had updated myself to complete in a more competitive marketplace.
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I will discuss with my boss what could be done to open up more learning opportunities for me.
I can find a coworker who is more knowledgeable than me and build a tutoring relationship with this individual.
I will develop a learning attitude by undertaking a selected reading program.
4. EXPRESSING CREATIVITY
“I have no desire to be a supervisor, but that doesn’t mean I don’t want to be involved in matters that are important to me and my patients.”
-Hospital Nurse
A lower-than-average score in this category usually means that an employee prefers to stay more isolated and express creativity off the. The only problem with this attitude is that this employee gains less job satisfaction.
Although some jobs offer more opportunities usually means that an employee prefers to stay more isolated and express creativity off the job. The only problem with this attitude is that this employee gains less job satisfaction.
Although some jobs offer more opportunities to be involved in creative matters than do others, every job allows for some upward communication and other forms of expression. For example, when you submit a suggestion verbally or in writing to a superior, you are expressing your creativity and concern. Whether the suggestion is accepted or not is of less consequence than the fact that you expressed yourself and, as a result, have a feeling of satisfaction. As an isolated worker, you cannot feel the involvement that comes from “being on the inside” and sensing that you are part of a team headed for a better operation.
For three years Rehana was considered a reliable, conscientious worker. She liked her job but she felt isolated. Then, thanks to a new caring and friendly coworker, Rehana came out of her shell and expressed some creative ideas. Today Rehana’s boss considers here a team player and has noticed an increase in her productivity. Now that she is expressing herself more, Rehana admits that her job is more satisfying. She says, “For the first time, I feel I belong.” Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I accept with enthusiasm opportunities beyond my specific job duties. (For example, I volunteer to be a representative on an employee credit council, contribute to a newsletter or ideas to a suggestion box.)
I can strengthen the way I express myself to superiors-demonstrate a stronger presence by volunteering to head a committee or undertake private research.
I will give my creative nature more chance to be noticed during breaks or at lunch.
5. PROFESSIONALISM
“When you take pride in being professional, you view your work from a more satisfying perspective.”
-Consultant
When you communicate a professional image to others, you will find your job more satisfying. Most people would agree with the following:-
You take pride in knowing that you play by the rules. You must be ethical, honest, trustworthy, and fair in your behavior. When these conditions are present, you communicate a professionalism that is satisfying.
To project a professional image, you must treat others with dignity regardless of their cultural background, education, age, race or sex. You give the same sensitive consideration to all coworkers, customers and superiors. Knowing you do this is satisfying.
When you set yourself up as the kind of person others would come to for advice, you communicate professionalism. This kind of behavior usually gains respect, and when people respect you, you feel satisfaction.
Being a professional in any type of job involves many things- living up to your potential, doing quality work, continuing to learn, expressing your creativity. It also means having high personal standards or values and living up to them. Those who accomplish this goal without becoming smug or self-important have a right to feel satisfied. They have earned respect because they have conducted themselves in a professional manner.
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I will go about my work in a more efficient, confident manner.
I now dress the part. I have developed the image of a somewhat conservative business professional – stylish but in good taste.
I always play by ethical rules – whether I win or not.
6. RECOGNITION
“My boss is a lost cause when it comes to paying compliments.”
-Computer operator
Off all the 10 sources of satisfaction in the Job Satisfaction Scale, recognition consistently receives the lowest scores from both employees and supervisors. This is a clear signal that employees do not receive anywhere near the recognition they need and deserve. Many employees must be content to get their recognition from customers or coworkers. Why is this necessary?
In some cases, the way in which employees build relationships with superiors is not conducive to generating compliments. Some employees may be too reticent to point out their achievements. Perhaps part of receiving earned recognition lies within each person. For example, if a worker can gain substantial job satisfaction from the other sources, more recognition will be forthcoming because it is difficult to ignore a truly satisfied person.
Shilini works hard at her job. Although she is less verbal than her coworkers, she is also mote consistent, accurate and dependable does Shilini receive the recognition from her boss that she deserves? No. As a result, she performs at a level that does not give her the job satisfaction she desires from other sources. Rohan produces at about the same level as Shilini and their formal appraisals are similar. But Rohan receives steady praise and group recognition from his supervisor. The result? Rohan is motivated to gain more satisfaction from other sources. This, although she is less verbal, Shilini deserves the same amount of recognition that Rohan receives and her job satisfaction depends on it.
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I need to be more visible and verbal about my contributions.
I can work more on building and maintaining goods relationships with supervisors- keep them informed and make sure they know the contributions I make.
If I follow these steps for several weeks and still do not receive adequate recognition, I will talk to my supervisor, and if management continues to take me for granted, initiate Plan B and take my services elsewhere.
7. TEAMWORK
“Everything you do is more rewarding when you are an accepted member of a team that is fortunate enough to have a skillful leader.”
-R&D Technician
Working-or-playing-in a team that competes and wins is especially satisfying. A group harmony develops when people who work closely together share a victory or achieve a common goal. The esprit de corps that can develop among team members is very satisfying and cannot be equaled by those who work in isolation.
Whether you are a member of an officially designated work team or not, there are many opportunities to share in team rewards. For example, you might work for a small business of only a dozen or so employees. In this case the entire staff would be a team and the owner would be the logical leader. You might work for a giant organization composed of many offices to production units. In this case, the “section” in which you work may constitute a team and the supervisor who tries to unify the department may still think of the staff as a “family” of workers.
Whatever your situation, the more you can work closely with coworkers to achieve common goals, the more satisfying your work can be. Teamwork at any level has many rewards.
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I’ll act as a team member with those who work close to me, even if management does not especially encourage team. I will cooperate with others and help them find recognition so that I can share their success.
I won’t isolate myself to the extent that I am called a loner. I will maintain my independence, but also participate as an enthusiastic member in any group endeavor.
I can accept and enjoy any form of team recognition. I can create a reward (on-the-job celebration) for coworkers and myself when I think one is justified and management fails to act.
8. SOCIAL SAFISFACTION
“It’s the nice people I work with who make my job satisfying.”
-Insurance Assistant
People are social animals who enjoy the company of others. Everyone needs friends and someone to talk to and social acceptance is high on the hierarchy of human needs.
Most people feel that communicating openly with others on a wide range of subjects is satisfying. Listening to and telling experiences, jokes or stories can be regarding. This activity may be continually available where you work. Of course, on-the-job social contacts may be more important to some than to others.
For some workers, home responsibilities can be so demanding that little time is left for outside socialization with neighbors; friends or family. These people can satisfy their social needs at work. Some individuals like to be alone when the work day is over. They wish to spend their precious leisure time with a special hobby, listening to music or reading. These people can fill their social needs at work.
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I can build more and better relationships with superiors and coworkers. The better the relationships I have with others, the easier it will be to satisfy my social needs. I will be a comfortable person to know.
I will practice the mutual reward theory. I will give as much of myself to others as they give to me.
I’ll have fun! I’ll be an enthusiastic participant in on-the-job birthday and retirement parties. If more social activity is important to me, I will join a company-sponsored bowling league or similar activity.
I won’t spend all my breaks and lunch periods with just one or two people. I’ll mix things up to I can enjoy and get to know more coworkers on an informal basis.
9. PERSONAL GROWTH
“Right now I am looking for a new job where more personal growth is possible.”
-Big Hatt Checker
Some jobs offer for more opportunities for personal growth than others. For example, a forklift operator in a warehouse probably finds it more difficult to experience personal growth than a newspaper reporter; a bus driver for a city transit system probably finds personal growth more difficult to achieve than a teacher in a classroom. This is why many “boxed in” employees return to school to prepare for new careers.
Still, most jobs offer at least some opportunity for personal growth. The forklift operator can study the science of warehousing by asking questions, noticing how wares are packaged, and becoming more efficient; the bus driver can analyze what makes the best driver and report the findings to management or become active in the transit union. Personal growth on or off the job is always a possibility.
Personal growth takes place when individuals have positive learning attitudes, set one reachable goal after another and take reasonable risks. As they enhance their abilities, gain more confidence and occupy positions of greater leadership, these people experience moments of satisfaction. They feel good about their career success – they often feel good about their personal growth whether it is connected with work or not.
Rajesh started out as a dishwasher in a McDonald restaurant when he was still learning to speak English, and seven years wound up as head chef for the same operation. To enjoy this degree of personal growth, Rajesh had to be a hard and reliable worker, an outstanding observer, willing to ask questions and ready to take risks. In addition, he had to augment his on-the-job growth by taking adult education classes at night.
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I will prepare for and seek new levels of responsibility.
When I feel inadequate in some area, I will make a commitment to upgrade my self and overcome the barrier.
When the time is right, I will be confident, step out ad take risks. If this requires leaving one work environment for another, I’ll do it!
10. WORK ENVIRONMENT REWARDS
“I didn’t appreciate my excellent working conditions until I heard what a few of my friends had to put up with. Now I am enjoying features I previously took for granted.”
-CNC Operator
Although employees have little control over the physical side of their work environments, they can and should appreciate the good factors that exist. For example, working in a fancy headquarters building or new industrial part can produce feelings of satisfaction. Of course, some work environments are not appealing, but even the worst of these can be improved with some imagination.
To most workers, the psychological environment is more important than the physical. Those who work under relaxed conditions, where high stress, high productivity periods are mitigated by fun, should appreciate their good fortune. Those who work in a climate where everyone is supportive and understanding should also have a feeling of satisfaction.
What about your work environment? Do you appreciate what you have? Do you have a good cafeteria where food is well-prepared and inexpensive? What about clean restrooms? Modern equipment? Protected parking? Air conditioning? Do you feel free to have enjoyable moments with coworkers without pressure? Or do you feel stifled and restricted?
Of course, you can’t have everything. Only a few people can work in a luxury setting and even luxury might get tiresome. Not everyone can get paid for working on a cruise ship that travels to exotic places, but that, too, has more drawbacks than most of us know about.
Steps to Greater Job Satisfaction
I will focus on the positive factors in my work environment, even if there are not as many as I would like.
When I concentrate on appreciating the good parts of my environment, I won’t have enough focus left to complain about the bad parts.
My positive attitude improves the environment for other – I won’t have any fun if my coworkers can’t have fun with me.
