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What is Job Satisfaction?
Job satisfaction is defined as the level of contentedness that an employee has towards his job. It is a positive feeling and the optimistic perception that he has regarding his work. Job satisfaction is essential for both the employee and the employer as it results in improved productivity and efficiency in the organization.
Times are changing, and the world has recognized the fact that happy employees will lead to better productivity and employee retention. A satisfied employee is the best ambassador of the brand and will help in taking the company to the next level.
He will happily go the extra mile to achieve the objectives and goals of his company. This is why most of the organizations emphasize on job satisfaction as it means saving unnecessary expenses because of low employee turnover.
Job satisfaction will happen only when the employee is satisfied and content in his job. The term refers to the work-life balance that occurs because of job stability and career growth.
A happy employee will take pride in his work and will be loyal to his company no matter what.
Key factors to job satisfaction
Some of the key factors to job satisfaction are as follows-
1. Employee engagement
It is imperative for the employees to be engaged in their work as it gives them a feeling of worthiness that leads to contentment. Utilizing your abilities and skills to your fullest potential is a heady feeling as it boosts the confidence and morale of the employee.
They should be aware that their job is directly supporting a more substantial outcome and helping the company in achieving its goals. When the talent of the employees is put to use, they will automatically enjoy their job, and this will result in job satisfaction.
2. Respect
Respect is a two-way street, and if the employees get due respect in the workplace, then they will accord the same to their colleagues, peers and superiors. Respectful treatment is considered one of the most critical factors that lead to job satisfaction.
3. Praise and appreciation
Human beings crave approval from the ones they believe in their lives. Regardless of the type of work an employee does, he seeks praise and appreciation from his superiors.
Employees who are applauded for a job well done are satisfied and happy, whereas when they are underappreciated and undervalued, it leads to job dissatisfaction and stress in the workplace.
The company must care for its employees and communicate this care through formal and informal recognition, rewards, paid incentives, newsletters, etc., as it is a significant factor regarding employee satisfaction.
4. Flexibility
Offering flexible hours to the employees show that the company is ready to help them in their hours of crises. Choosing their schedule and working hours is an essential factor that leads to job satisfaction
5. Encourage extracurricular activities
There was a time when employees were treated like minions, and they did not have enough time to breathe in the workplace.
Today, employers are bent on taking care of their workforce by encouraging extracurricular activities that will keep them happy, satisfied and engaged in the workplace.
6. Trust
When the employees trust their organization to do what is best for them, then it will automatically lead to a better work environment and result in job satisfaction.
7. Job security
It is one of the most critical factors for an employee that determines his level of job satisfaction.
It is a fact that an employee whose job is secured feels safe and is eager to give his one hundred per cent to the organization whereas the ones that have the sword hanging on their head are gripped by anxiety, and this leads to low productivity.
8. Workplace environment
The workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, morale issues and unnecessary stress will have a positive ambience. This healthy and productive environment is an essential factor in job satisfaction
9. Organizational support
An important factor in job satisfaction is organizational support. The employees need to know that the management cares for them and are willing to go the extra mile for the welfare of its workforce.
10. Work-life balance
High-pressure jobs take a toll on the emotional and mental health of a person. The right kind of work-life balance is an essential factor in finding satisfaction in the job
11. The behaviour of supervisors
The behaviour of supervisors is significant in the workplace. It is a fact that job satisfaction is highest where the managers and supervisors treat their workforce cordially, are appreciative of their efforts and praises them for an excellent performance.
12. Upward career graph
The goal of every employee is to move forward in their professional life. Employees are more likely to be happy and satisfied when they see that there is an upward path already in the company that will give them ample opportunities for growth and development.
13. Pay and benefits
A good salary is always an essential factor and motivator that leads to job satisfaction. Employees want to be compensated fairly for their efforts and are likely to look elsewhere if they are not satisfied.
They rank pay and benefits as the second and third most important factors respectively, that matters much to them.
If the company is offering a benefits package along with a competitive salary, then it feels like the cherry on the top and motivates employees to go the extra mile.
14. Culture of two-way feedback
Times are changing, and employers are encouraging the concept of two-way feedback. This helps the employees to receive feedback constructively and positively.
It also gives them the liberty to share their views and opinions with management
15. Fair and inclusive company policies
By ensuring fair treatment and inclusive policies, the company sends a positive message to its employees. This has a positive impact on the mindset of an employee and leads to job satisfaction.
Autocratic company policy will cause resentment in the workforce, whereas an open and democratic structure will prove an essential factor in job satisfaction.
Advantages
The advantages of job satisfaction are as follows-
1. Low turnover
Hiring is an expensive process that demands lots of time and effort. Organizations want to retain the existing talent because it is easier for them to groom the current talent and save money.
Job satisfaction will result in a low turnover as satisfied employees are less likely to leave the company
2. High productivity
It is a proven fact that job satisfaction results in higher productivity because the employees are eager to do their bit for the company that is taking care of them
3. Higher revenues
Employee satisfaction leads to higher sales figures, lower costs and increased revenues
4. Loyalty
Job satisfaction keeps the employees happy. They believe that the company is interested in their welfare, and this is why satisfied employees reciprocate the feeling by being loyal to their organization.
5. Satisfied customers
Job satisfaction means happy employees and this translates into satisfied customers. Happy employees will be eager to interact with customers and help them out in every possible way.
In contrast, unhappy employees will be dissatisfied, and this will reflect in their interactions with customers.
6. Increase the chance of referrals
Employee referrals are one of the most effective ways of hiring. An employee who is satisfied at his job will encourage his friends and family to join the company
7. Lower absenteeism
Job satisfaction encourages employees to reach their offices regularly. There is a shallow level of absenteeism in a satisfied and happy workforce.
How to boost job satisfaction?
Consider the following things to increase job satisfaction-
1. Grievance-handling process
Employees will be satisfied in their jobs only when their voice is heard, and they feel safe, secure and happy. Open a grievance centre where the complaint of every worker is heard patiently, and all the relevant issues are sorted out in the best possible manner.
This will make the employees feel a part of the company and ultimately boost job satisfaction
2. Offer opportunities
Provide employees with enough opportunities to showcase his skills as this will increase his job satisfaction.
3. Satisfactory prospects
Every employee looks for job security and advancement in his career. The employer and the management of the organization must explain the rules and conditions for promotion and improved pay scale in a company.
When the employee knows his target, it becomes easier for him to achieve it in the foreseeable future. This will keep him happy and boost job satisfaction
4. Testing the ability of the employee
Every employee feels that he should be paid at least as per his capabilities. If you are looking for ways to boost job satisfaction, then make sure that there is a proper method in place to test the abilities of the employees at regular intervals especially if he has undergone some training or undertaken a learning course.
This will allow the employee to climb the ladder of success and boost his job satisfaction.
5. Appreciate creative suggestions
Employees who have been a part of the organization since a long time are the ones that know it inside out. Organizations should encourage and appreciate any creative suggestions made by them.
This will create a sense of belonging amongst the employees and boost job satisfaction
6. Cordial analysis
Feedback is an integral part of every organization. If you are looking for ways to boost job satisfaction, then make sure that the manager or supervisor handles this process delicately.
There is no need to humiliate the employee if his work is not at par with set standards. Instead, be supportive and offer him suggestions and training to improve his skills and know-how. This will help in improving job satisfaction
7. Increase in salary
The rules regarding an increase in salary should be clear from the beginning. When the employee gets his anticipated salary on time, it will boost the level of job satisfaction
8. Availability of leaves and rest
If you are looking for ways to boost job satisfaction, then offer a proper amount of rest and holidays to your workforce. Festivals and important occasions are meant to be celebrated with near and dear ones hence offer them leave on these special occasions.
It is a fact that employees are easily satisfied if the management follows a liberal policy towards leave in an organization
Conclusion
Job satisfaction is an important aspect that influences the mindset of an employee. It decides his approach towards his job and the way he will behave in the workplace.
Most organizations recognize the fact that happy employees will help the organization to build a stable, more energetic and profitable future and thus strive whole-heartedly for improving levels of employee satisfaction.
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