Root Causes of Poor Job Satisfaction

PROBLEM

According to a survey, 25% of the respondents feel that Job Satisfaction is the biggest driver of Life Satisfaction.

Source: 2020 McKinsey & Co "The Boss Factor"

In other words, if you are unhappy at work it will very likely plummet the quality of your personal life, and the people around you.

On the contrary, if you love your job then it makes a very positive impact on your happiness, and provide more reasons to be fulfilled.

It makes sense.. how can you be happy if the experience of spending 8+ hours a day isn't what you enjoy doing?

After all, paycheck isn't everything.

So, it also begs the question:

"What are some of the factors of happiness (or unhappiness) at work?"

And while the answer may vary from one person to another, below are my thoughts on three potential root causes AND tips on what you can do to fix them.

ROOT CAUSE # 1:

A feeling of belonging

Think of your workplace as a tribe.

Everyone may have a different job title, responsibility, or salary.

But the tribe is made of all it's people, and the people make up the tribe.

If an employee feels that s/he is an important part of the tribe, chances are they will do what it takes to keep the tribe secure.

On the contrary, if they don't feel a special connection then it will eventually impact their perception of the job, as well as the company.

The employee loses interest when they feel no one is listening - impacting morale, and a lower job satisfaction.

Potential Solution: Foster a culture of belonging. Creating a culture where everyone feels important starts with the leaders of the organization. When managers are intentional and deliberate in their approach, they spend time listening to their employee's concerns, and ideas. It shows that the company promotes inclusivity, and cares. So, if you are a manager (or aspiring to be one) - make time to listen, and reflect.

ROOT CAUSE # 2:

Culture that lacks appreciation

Machines don't need appreciations, but we are humans..

Being loved is a fundamental component of being alive.

And if we spend a significant amount of our lives in an office, we deserve some love there.

If not love, at least make each other feel special.

Some companies make compensation, and monetary methods their only way of incentivizing employees.

But money isn't always everything.. (at least not for me)

And if the employee doesn't feel appreciated, you may notice a drop in their job satisfaction.

1. Potential Solution: Appreciate & recognize others. Appreciation and recognition doesn't always need to be in the form of company awards, or cash bonuses. You can take control of the situations. If your peer is having a hard time, see if you can help them. If they have done an amazing job at something, congratulate them. If they've helped you with something, thank them. The small details matter, and shows that you care. Start building relationships, and make others feel special. That's how a positive culture starts to form, all it takes is one person doing it.

ROOT CAUSE # 3:

The job doesn't fit the employee (or the employee doesn't fit the job)

Have you ever had the feeling that your job isn't necessarily the one you applied for?

Job descriptions can be vague, and that is done intentionally to make room for other things that somewhat ties in with your responsibilities.

But that's not the point.

You may realize later that you don't really enjoy the work, or the workload is too much for what you are currently paid.

These signs should tell you that there is something off about the job fit.

Its the same as wearing someone else's clothes that doesn't fit your body structure.

In the short term, it may not bother you as much.

But in the long run, you may start to feel this isn't what you're meant to do.

Potential Solution: Job fit can be fixed; You have to custom tailor it. If you love the company and want to stay long-term, spend time with your supervisor talking about what parts of the job you love, and what aspects you'd like to change. We spend years in roles that starts to wear off with time. So, the best thing we can do is update the responsibilities and activities to make it more meaningful. Design the job yourself, and negotiate with your boss.

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Question: What tips would you share with others to improve job satisfaction?

I look forward to your thoughts below - @WahidChowdhury.

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P.S. - Check out more of my articles in My Library of Contents