job security | Journey

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

By Job Journey on Monday, March 7, 2016

Many 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.

Reader Surveys

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

By Job Journey on Wednesday, January 27, 2016

The 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.

Uncategorized

The Results Are In: What Is the Key Factor That Contributes to Your Job Satisfaction?

By Job Journey on Friday, February 6, 2015

Now that 2015 is well underway, many job seekers are focusing on their goal of finding a job this year. As job search efforts increase, it’s important to recognize and understand the key factors that contribute to job satisfaction so you know that the job you’re trying to get is the right one 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
The most important factor that contributes to job satisfaction, according to 32% of poll respondents, is “engaging or meaningful work.” “Feeling valued” was a close second with 29% of the votes. “Job security” was the most important factor for 11% of respondents, while “compensation” and “room for advancement” received 10% and 7% of the votes, respectively. Only 4% of people considered “company benefits” to be a key factor in their job satisfaction, along with 2% of those who chose “leadership.”

Additionally, 5% of respondents selected the “Other” option in our poll and left responses including:

Efficient communication
Pleasant atmosphere
Co-workers and managers who are nice to work with
Good planning, organization, and control
Flexibility
Acquiring new skills
All of the above

What Leaders Think
Interestingly, it seems there may be a disconnect between a company’s decision makers and those trying to secure a job there. On Refresh Leadership, the Express blog for business leaders, we asked the same question and the results were very different. While 26% of leaders agree with job seekers that “engaging or meaningful work” is the most important factor in job satisfaction, that’s where the similarities end. In fact, while only 2% of Movin’ On Up readers said “leadership” was a key factor, 14% of employers chose this answer. Additionally, 19% of employers chose “compensation,” while only 10% of Movin’ On Up readers agreed, and “company benefits” gained 11% of employer votes, but only 4% of job seeker votes.

Your Job Search
Though there does seem to be a divide between what business leaders and job seekers value most when it comes to job satisfaction, you should keep these results in mind when you’re looking for a job. Were you one of the majority of respondents who selected “engaging or meaningful work” as the key factor to your job satisfaction? If so, try to use this as a determining factor in your job search. For example, if you are interviewing with a company, ask the interviewer what he or she enjoys most about their job. Look for ways that the job can inspire you or help you give back to the community. If you chose “leadership” or “room for advancement,” you can inquire about these elements of the job during an interview by asking questions that show your interest in the position. You may even be able to determine some factors, such as compensation and company benefits, through the job posting. While getting a job is a nice start to the year, ensuring that you’ll be satisfied with your work is even better.

How do you plan to use these results to help with your job search? Let us know in the comments section below!

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

Reader Surveys

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

By Job Journey on Monday, December 29, 2014

The new year is just around the corner and with it often comes a renewed focus on goals. From losing weight to saving money, many people will create New Year’s resolutions and develop plans to stick with them. As you look toward 2015, you might plan to increase your job search efforts by applying to more jobs, landing more interviews, or even finding that perfect job in the new year.

As your job search efforts increase, it’s important to recognize and understand the key factors that contribute to job satisfaction so you know that the job you’re trying to get is the right one for you.

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

At Work Workplace Relationships

Is a Two-Week Notice Still Necessary?

By Jennifer Kenley on Monday, July 20, 2009

I recently read an article on MSNBC titled Take this job and shove it! The article talks about how employees who survived recent company layoffs aren’t following traditional job protocol when they leave their company. Employees are now leaving without giving their employers a two-week notice, and some are even going to work for competitors – despite noncompete agreements they signed with their previous employer.

Company layoffs and benefit cuts can leave surviving employees feeling angry, scared, and nervous that they might be next on the chopping block. In this economy, employers can’t promise their employees that no more cuts will be made. Even if employers give a sense of security to their workers, the trust between the company and its employees is already broken, resulting in many people searching out other job opportunities.

Often, when the trust is broken between employers and their employees, employees no longer feel obligated to give a two-week notice. The need to feel in control of the future often overrides feelings of loyalty and common workplace courtesy toward employers.

But, is it OK to leave your current job without giving the courtesy of a two-week notice?

Leaving your place of employment for better opportunities, a more secure job, or simply because you don’t like how they handled things when layoffs came around is not necessarily a bad thing. But, leaving without giving your employers adequate notice is not good for your professional image.

So, if you’re looking for different employment, don’t leave on a sour note or burn bridges with your employer. No matter what the situation, make sure to give ample time for the company to make alternate arrangements and offer your help to make sure the transition is an easy one. Leave with your professional image intact, and you will not only feel better in the long run, but you’ll leave the door open for any possibility your career leads you to.

Reader Surveys The Daily Grind Work/Life Balance

In this Recession, Are You Planning a Vacation from Work?

By tiffany monhollon on Monday, May 4, 2009

It’s that time of year when people traditionally start making summer vacation plans. But the annual summer vacation has taken a hit as the recession has worn on. Last year, reports showed that consumers were already buckling down by planning to save money in lieu of taking a vacation.

But, experts say that as economic woes have continued to increase stress levels over the past year, this year, more people may feel the need to take a break from work and spend time with family or friends.

poll by twiigs.com

Want to share your specific thoughts on taking a vacation in this recession? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section of this post!

The Job Search

Fearing A Layoff? 5 Things to Focus on Instead

By shannon on Monday, April 13, 2009

When friends or family members get laid off, it’s difficult to see them struggle to get back on their feet. Unfortunately, no one can guarantee job security – even in the best of times. So, here are a few things you can do now to prepare yourself in case of an unexpected layoff.

Focus on Networking. It’s never too late – or too soon – to start networking with your peers and other professionals. You don’t have to be looking for a job to build relationships, so get out there and reconnect with old friends and co-workers while also getting to know new people. If you’re laid off from your job, you’ll be able to quickly and easily turn to your network for support and job leads.

Cut Extra Spending. Make an effort to cut your spending and increase your savings by determining if each purchase you’re about to make is truly a “need” or a “want.” Avoid spending extra money on “wants” right now, and instead put that money into savings. Your co-workers can probably empathize with you as you cut back spending, so don’t be afraid to decline an invitation for lunch or happy hour with your co-workers. If you’re unable to find a job immediately after a layoff, you’ll be glad you saved some extra cash to make it through the tough times.

Create a Budget. Whether or not you anticipate a layoff, create a budget you could follow with a reduced or eliminated salary. Write down every expense you have and how much each one costs. Then, select several things to cut immediately and some you could cut later, if you become unemployed. Consider cutting back on items like eating out, entertainment, and clothing. Keep track of your daily expenditures to make sure you’re sticking to your budget, and then save or invest what you have left. You might also want to visit with a financial advisor to create a personalized financial strategy.

Clean Up Your Files. Clean up your computer files if you manage personal documents on your work computer, such as pictures, e-mails, and other downloads. Save the files you need to a CD or e-mail them to your personal computer. Then delete those unnecessary documents from your work computer. When you begin collecting your portfolio items, be sure that you’re only taking copies of acceptable documents, such as public newsletters you wrote or graphics you designed. Make sure to leave behind company documents that don’t belong to you.

Set Doctor Appointments. If you’re covered by a company health care plan, schedule all of your regular doctor appointments and refill all of your prescriptions. Ask about three-month prescriptions and preventative medication so you can be prepared in case your insurance costs increase or coverage stops.

If you’re uncertain about job security, some things to prepare for might be obvious, like updating your résumé and viewing online job boards. Focusing on these five things can increase your confidence and ease your stress because you’ll be better prepared if you face an unexpected layoff. Remember, as important as preparing is, don’t forget to stay positive and remain focused on your tasks and projects at work.

Tag Archives: job security