Tag Archives: engagement

The Results Are In: What Factors Contribute to Your Job Satisfaction?

results_job_satisfaction_webMany job seekers focused on their goal of finding a job at the beginning of the new year, and now that 2016 is well underway, it’s important to understand the key factors that contribute to job satisfaction in order to know that the job you’re trying to get is right for you. To help determine the factors that go into job satisfaction, we recently polled Movin’ On Up readers and the results are in!

Keys to Job Satisfaction
According to our poll, there are two main factors that go into overall job satisfaction. Tied with 27% of votes each, “feeling valued” and “engaging or meaningful work” are the most important factors to Movin’ On Up readers. Another 14% of respondents chose “compensation,” followed by 10% who chose “job security.” Additionally, 6% of respondents chose “leadership,” 5% chose “company benefits” and 4% chose “room for advancement.”

Readers were also able to select the “other” option and provide their own responses. Of the 6% who selected that option, responses included:

  • Variety of work
  • People
  • Environment
  • Work-life balance
  • Enjoyable work
  • All of the above

Results Compared to 2015
Last year, we asked the same question and received very similar results. In 2015, 32% of respondents selected “engaging or meaningful work.” Additionally, 29% of readers chose “feeling valued” as the key factor for job satisfaction.

What Leaders Think
Interestingly, it seems there may be a disconnect between a company’s decision makers and those trying to secure a job. On Refresh Leadership, the Express blog for business leaders, we asked the same question and the results were very different. In fact, the number one factor business leaders cited was “poor leadership” with 47% of the vote. That’s a sharp contrast to the job seekers’ opinion that leadership matters most (6%), and it suggests a divide between what employers think is needed and what employees want. The number one factor for job satisfaction among job seekers was recognition and feeling valued (27%), but only 16% of employers believe that as a factor in employee engagement.

What other factors contribute to your job satisfaction? Let us know in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

How to Fall In Love With Your Job

love_your_job_feb2016_webValentine’s Day is right around the corner, and love is in the air. While you may love your family, friends, or pets, what about your job? Since you spend a majority of your life with your job, it’s important to love what you do.

Your attitude matters most when it comes to being happy with your role. Instead of asking how you can find a job that you’ll love, it may be time to shift your perspective by asking, “How can I love the job I have?”

So, what can you do to love your job?

1. Find pride and importance in what you do.
Take several minutes to really think about what you do. Do you feel you add an essential service? Are you proud of the finished product? Ask yourself how you fit into the success of the company and what would change if you weren’t there. Finding perspective on the role you play and remembering why you took the job in the first place may help in boosting your pride.

2. Stop thinking about money.
If money is your sole motivation for work, you may never be truly happy. Getting paid is only a small part of what you do. Work has to be fulfilling, as well as rewarding. If you aren’t getting as much pay as you like, focus on what you are accomplishing and who you help. Start finding ways to improve so that when you do ask for a raise, you’ll have a list of victories to show your boss.

3. Be thankful.
Even if you aren’t in the job of your dreams, you do have a job that pays. Find something every day to be thankful for, whether it’s the paycheck you receive, co-workers you encounter, a comfortable office chair, or the break room. Simple recognition of gratitude can completely change your perspective and allow you to enjoy your work.

4. Be engaged at work.
A recent Gallup poll reported that fewer than 27% of workers are truly engaged at work. Being engaged doesn’t necessarily mean you have the perfect job, but it does mean becoming involved no matter what the position. Recognize ways you can be creative or helpful so your work is not a source of unhappiness.

5. Make a change, even if it’s a small one.
Boredom can be a leading cause of job disengagement. Challenge yourself to take a single step toward changing your routine. Look for ways to be happier at work, then work to make it happen. Consider how you can continue your education or volunteer for new tasks around the office. The bonus is that your boss will notice your initiative.

6. Clean the clutter.
Clutter can be a mood killer. If you are overwhelmed with piles of paper, desk drawers that are crammed full, or an overflowing inbox, take the time to declutter your area. In fact, a recent report by OfficeMax found that office clutter undermines productivity and motivation.

How did you fall in love with your job? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

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Poll: What Is the Key Factor That Contributes to Your Job Satisfaction?

Job Seeking and Career Advice PollThe beginning of a new year is a great time to renew your focus on important goals, whether they are personal or professional. From losing weight to saving money, many people will create resolutions and develop plans to stick with them this year. Now that 2016 has begun, your job search efforts may be a renewed priority and you may find yourself applying to more jobs and landing more interviews.

If you plan to focus on your job search this year, it’s important to recognize and understand the factors that contribute to your job satisfaction so you know the job you’re trying to get is the right one for you. We want to know what those key factors are in your life.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.