How to improve Job Satisfaction

What do we mean when we talk about employee happiness or satisfaction? This term is a measure of how well an employer is meetings its staff’s wants and needs in the workplace. A satisfied worker is content not only in performing their day-to-day role, but they also feel part of a positive company culture. And when employees are satisfied, they’re also engaged, which trickles down into further metrics of success including productivity and creativity.

A recent report shows that a staggering 61% of Australian workers experienced burnout, compared to 48% globally – one of the highest burnout rates in the world. Prolonged burnout leads to stress and absenteeism in the workplace, costing an estimated AUD$14 billion each year.

At the same time, work-life balance has overtaken compensation to become the top priority for workers. It’s clear that on-the-job satisfaction and happiness creates far-reaching effects for any organisation.

Benefits of work satisfaction include:

•  Improved mental health – Satisfied employees are happier employees. In fact, 91% of workers at companies with higher satisfaction levels reported feeling in good mental health.

•  Improved wellbeing – Workplace wellness initiatives and employee happiness go hand in hand, with content employees less likely to experience stress and burnout. Satisfied employees have lower rates of absenteeism, and higher rates of engagement.

•  Increased profits – Job satisfaction comes with a boost in productivity, which ultimately shows up in the company’s bottom line. Research shows that happy employees are 13% more productive than their unhappy counterparts, with the sales to match.

•  Improved retention rates – A positive employee experience makes workers less likely to stray. Companies with lower turnover rates retain their employees for longer due to factors like job satisfaction and positive colleague relationships.
 

How to measure employee happiness
 

The benefits of work satisfaction are clear, but to improve employee happiness ratios you need to measure them first. For the most accurate assessment of employee satisfaction, use a blend of techniques.

•  Employee satisfaction surveys request comprehensive feedback regarding staff attitudes to their work environment.

•  Employee Net Promoter Score asks how likely the employee is to recommend the company to jobseekers, on a scale of 1 to 5.

There’s a diverse range of factors that may (or may not) influence an individual’s feeling of contentment. While some workers thrive in a creative, collaborative atmosphere, others are most invested in cutting-edge development opportunities.

Here’s a general list of the key factors influencing workplace satisfaction.

•  Compensation and benefits
•  Inclusive company culture
•  Supportive work environment
•  Professional development 
•  Job security
•  Recognition for achievements

Technology and social changes are also changing workplace priorities. Current trends improving the employee experience include flexible working environments. For example, many workers prefer the flexibility of a hybrid or remote workplace, which contributes to a better work-life balance.

Driven by the growth in online platforms and tools that facilitate cross-departmental contributions, today’s employees also seek a more open, collaborative workplace culture.

Improve your company’s employee experience with these job satisfaction-boosting strategies.
 

Offer competitive pay rates

To attract and retain top talent, businesses must offer a competitive compensation package in line with current market rates. When workers feel fairly compensated, they’re more likely to be satisfied at work.
 

Support a work-life balance

Balancing the demands of personal and professional responsibilities is a top concern for today’s workforce. Implement flexible working conditions, such as hybrid and remote work hours, to give employees greater control over their own schedules.
 

Open clear lines of communication

Regular communication builds a more supportive atmosphere at work. On a companywide level, transparency and regular check-ins ensure that all team members are aligned with company values and goals. On an individual level, providing and receiving clear feedback improves the employee experience.
 

Promote social connections

Workers want to feel like a valued part of the team, and positive intrapersonal relationships with colleagues are integral to success. Remote working presents new challenges in this sphere, so it’s more important than ever to strengthen office culture with events and opportunities for socialising. 
 

Recognise achievements

When employees aren’t recognised for hitting targets and achieving goals, they may feel undervalued and dissatisfied. Create and implement a programme that celebrate personal contributions. 
 

Support career growth

Another top strategy for greater job satisfaction is providing pathways to career growth and personal development. Employees should understand the opportunities open to them in terms of career progression and learning opportunities, nurturing personal aspirations.
 

With LinkedIn, you’ll be able to build engagement right into the recruitment process. LinkedIn’s Recruiter tool uses over 40 advanced search filters to recommend candidates who are more likely to be the best fit within your company – and a good fit means greater job satisfaction once hired.

At the same time, candidate profiles show connections to existing employees and previous engagement with your company. By exploring and using preexisting engagement, you’ll be better poised to foster connection and growth once hired.

As any hiring manager knows, each candidate is an individual. Recognising this fact is perhaps the greatest key to improving workplace satisfaction. By paying a living wage, encouraging a greater work-life balance, and investing in personal growth, employers can create a happier, more productive company culture – not to mention better business outcomes.