Ingredients for job satisfaction

Opportunities

EMPLOYEES can gain more satisfaction with their job when more challenging opportunities arise. This can lead to participation in interesting and diverse projects and get employees away from the monotony of a role.

Career development

Employees can become more satisfied with their job when they know there is an individualised plan for them. Beyond the formal nature of appraisals, if there is a path in place for growth, this can encourage employees to stay happier for longer.

Working conditions: Job satisfaction can be increased if a resilient workplace is a cooperative environment. This means that a place with respect for diverse ideas and opinions, honest and constructive feedback, mentoring opportunities and freedom from harassment.

Pay and benefits: Organisational success and job satisfaction are also linked to employees’ perceptions of adequate pay and benefits. While pay and benefits are not the only reason employees find satisfaction in their workplaces, research going back more than 30 years shows that pay and benefits, at least according to how employees view themselves in their roles has ranked high on lists of job satisfaction factors.

Rewards and recognition: Beyond monetary gain and being paid fairly for the work they do, job satisfaction for employees means that promotional policies are unambiguous and in line with their expectations.

Leadership: Tied into increased motivation for employees, leadership, or influencing a group toward the achievement of a vision or set of goals can lead to job satisfaction by making sure communication and instruction of tasks is adequate and easily understood. In turn, when employees feel that leaders can guide them through tasks, their motivation and satisfaction increases. With leadership having a crucial influence on job satisfaction, this related article with leadership activities is a recommended read.