Job Satisfaction May Be More Important Than Your Salary

Why Do You Work?

We all work to be paid, there’s no question about it. But there is more to work than just a paycheck. We seek more than just a bi-weekly deposit in our checking accounts. We’re seeking value, balance, and happiness- three things that sometimes are under communicated in interviews, nonexistent in some work environments, and harder to achieve than should be.

So, the Big Question is …

What is more important to you, as a professional, substance or stability? Purpose or paycheck? Freedom or finances? Whichever you value more, that’s your prerogative. But as we continue to stride through this progressive era, toxic work environments and burnout jobs need to shift gears and catch up. Because the truth of the matter is that many businesses are following suit and realizing that creating healthy work environments, strong work culture, and putting their employees first is the recipe for success in both growth and revenue. And for employees, it’s important to know that all of these things can co-exist and this type of equilibrium can be yours.

An article published by The Balance Careers discusses the average amount of hours worked by Americans, broken out by different demographics, and concludes that the average amount of hours worked per week is 34.4 hours. By the end of a calendar year, this totals 1,788.8 hours. That’s a significant amount of time dedicated to something that may or may not make us happy.

Aside from liking it or not, if you are unhappy or unsatisfied in a job, it can effect other areas of your life such as mental health, relationships, and overall well-being. And even though you’re seeing dollar signs on your pay stub, at what expense does this become more important?

45% of Americans Are Satisfied

If you’ve found a role that provides everything you desire with good pay, then great- congratulations! Because the results from a Harris study found that only 45 percent of American workers are satisfied with their jobs. So what about the other 55 percent? This statistic is more than half of the American workforce, and I hope to see that percentage decrease as employers begin to recognize that this is not acceptable and change needs to happen.

There is plenty of opportunity in most businesses to create a healthier environment and increase job satisfaction. We believe this all begins with three simple things:

• Having open communication and transparency
• Listening to employees’ ideas and opinions
• Offering consistent appreciation for employees efforts and contributions

There are thousands of resources out there to aid employers in recognizing areas that need improvement, help navigate them through crafting a plan with long-term solutions, and ultimately guide them in execution and implementation this throughout their workforce.

Have A Plan

This post is not to recommend quitting your job immediately without a plan, causing an uproar in the office, or inflict any existential thoughts. However, I hope that it encourages any working adult to reflect on their current role, determine what may or may not be wrong, and consider the options. If you’re reading this and begin to notice that your work culture is lacking, you’re feeling similar feelings in regards to job satisfaction, and are wondering how to navigate – we have some recommendations.

Recomendations

• LinkedIn is one of the best resources.
• Map out your goals. Professional & Personal.
• Define what tasks you do and not enjoy.
• Consider if you’re in the right field.
• NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK.
• Keep your resume up to date and on hand.
• Don’t give up!

You Are Not Alone

As the writer if this blog article and an employee of Workplace Harmony, I want you to know you are not alone. I was someone who just this time last year felt undervalued, underpaid, and just not satisfied with the work I was doing before working where I am now. It left me feeling stressed, fatigued, and simply just unhappy. I’m happy to report that I’m now working within a healthy environment whose work culture allows me to feel happy and satisfied at the end of each week. More importantly, I have the pleasure of working on a team who helps build and improve other company work cultures, creating harmony between employees and employers – pioneering businesses into a new way a thinking!

Job satisfaction is truly achievable, I hope you get yours soon!