The effects of the Great Resignation are still felt across the workforce—as only half of U.S. workers report being satisfied with their jobs.
Key Details
- Only around half of workers expressed satisfaction with their current job, according to a recent Pew Research Center survey.
- Fewer employees expressed satisfaction with opportunities for training or development, compensation, and promotion opportunities.
- However, around 67% expressed satisfaction with their relationships with their coworkers, and 62% were satisfied with their manager or boss.
- Older workers were more likely than their younger counterparts to be satisfied with their job.
- Workers with higher income levels are also more likely to report job satisfaction.
Why it’s news
Following the pandemic, many industries experienced the Great Resignation as dissatisfied employees left jobs that left them unfulfilled. The job market at the time allowed employees to job-hop and shop around for a position that was appealing to them. Amid this, employers worried about “quiet quitting”—the practice of only doing the bare minimum at work.
However, while many workers who job hopped found satisfaction, Pew’s research shows that many employees are still dissatisfied with their current position. The job market may be beginning to tip in employers’ favor, but many are still struggling to hold onto top talent. If these companies want to retain high-performing employees, they may want to consider ways to boost employee satisfaction.
Low-income workers with lower-paying jobs are less likely to report satisfaction with their job. These same employees are also less likely to report having access to employee-sponsored benefits. However, around 80% of upper to middle-income workers say that their employer provides paid time off for illness, doctor’s appointments, and vacations and contributes to 401(k)s. Few low-income workers report access to these benefits.
Paid time off is a top priority for many workers. Nearly 62% reported it is extremely important to them when considering a job.
Around 51% of surveyed workers who are not self-employed reported being extremely or very satisfied with their job. Close to 37% reported being somewhat happy with their job, and another 12% said they were not at all satisfied with their job.
As for what caused this dissatisfaction, there was a mixed bag of answers. Most employees reported satisfaction with their work relationships, such as with their boss and coworkers. Fewer, around 59%, reported satisfaction with their work commute.
The numbers started dropping when employees were asked about their satisfaction with daily tasks. Around 51% reported satisfaction with their current tasks. Less than half were satisfied with the feedback from their manager, and only 49% were happy with the benefits provided by their employer.
Many employees reported dissatisfaction with workplace training opportunities, with only 44% saying they are extremely or very satisfied with their company’s training. Only around 34% say they are happy with how much they are paid.
Just under half of workers reported that their work is fulfilling, while only 29% said that it is stressful, and 19% feel it is overwhelming.
