Surprise: U.S. workers are happier with their jobs, says Conference Board survey
With Labor Day just behind us, The Conference Board‘s latest survey on job satisfaction finds that a slight majority—51 percent—of U.S. employees feel satisfied overall with their job. The results also show that, over the last seven years, employee attitudes about wages and job security experienced the biggest improvements. Still, workers feel quite disappointed with their job’s professional development aspects—a warning signal for any organization looking to attract and retain talent in today’s tight labor market.
The Conference Board’s survey involved about 1,500 employed individuals, who together comprise a snapshot of the U.S. workforce. Participants weighed in on 23 components that contribute to job satisfaction. Additional findings from the survey include the following:
- The tightening labor market has become more visible in blue-collar and low-paid services occupations than in white-collar occupations.
- During this period wages and job security saw the largest improvements. Satisfaction has increased each year following the Great Recession.
- Among the 23 survey components, participants gave the highest marks to the following five: in first place, People at work, followed by Commute to work; Interest in work; Supervisor; and Physical environment.
- Among the 23 survey components, participants gave the lowest marks to the following five: Workload; Educational/job training programs; Performance review process; Bonus plan; and, in last place, Promotion policy.
