What is the meaning of job satisfaction? Does it mean that you are so thrilled with your job that you can’t wait to get there in the morning? Or does it mean you think your job is OK enough to allow you to grin and bear the things about it that you do not like?
According to the dictionary
The Collins English Dictionary defines job satisfaction as “the extent to which a person’s hopes, desires, and expectations about the employment he is engaged in are fulfilled”.
Another source defines it as “contentment (or lack of it) arising out of interplay of employee’s positive and negative feelings toward his or her work”.
Broader view
These dictionary definitions may seem broad and relative, but then that is the nature of job satisfaction – it means different things to different people. That which causes one person to find satisfaction in his or her job can be very far removed or indeed be the polar opposite of what decides the satisfaction of another.
Aspects that influence job satisfaction (in no particular order)
- Working hours and how it impacts on work-life balance and lifestyle
- Salary and compensation
- Benefits or perks
- Opportunities for challenges and growth
- Job security
- Stress levels
- Relationships with colleagues
- Fair reward and recognition
- The nature of the work itself
- General enjoyment and overall experience of the job.
South African perspective
The Deloitte Best Company to work for Survey 2010 found that job level and age were the highest ranking factors in deciding South Africans’ job satisfaction.
The survey asked employees to rate their degree of satisfaction with their employers across 13 categories including leadership, management style, culture and values, rewards, communication, and training and development.
The survey also showed that company values and culture, as well as management style, were key issues for employees in determining employment satisfaction.
Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EAP) is available 24 hours a day of you want to know more about job satisfaction.