What are the ways to measure and improve employee satisfaction? Here is a complete guide. Read on!
Employee Satisfaction
What is employee satisfaction? Employee satisfaction also referred to as job satisfaction, is a way to determine whether the employees in a company are content or happy with the company and the job at hand.
In the majority of the companies, surveys are conducted to measure the employee satisfaction index. In this article we will discuss the definition of job satisfaction, why is employee satisfaction important and how to improve employee satisfaction.
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Job satisfaction definitions
What are the different job satisfaction definitions from the perspective of an employee and that of an employer? Job satisfaction definition for an employee and employee satisfaction definition for an employer are interconnected. They need to be in sync with each other for a win-win situation for both, driving the ultimate goal of employee satisfaction.
What is job satisfaction from an employee perspective?
What is job satisfaction for an employee? or How to define job satisfaction from an employee point of view? The critical points to focus on in defining job satisfaction are good compensation package, job security and stability, promising future growth opportunities, lucrative rewards and recognitions, and introduction to new technologies and innovations.
Employee job satisfaction from employer perspective
From an employer perspective, employee job satisfaction or simply employee satisfaction refers to the extent to which an employee is satisfied or content with the company. It would be directly linked to the company’s growth and would significantly reduce the job attrition rate. Besides employees will be focused to contribute more to their tasks with dedication and sincerity, increasing the company’s productivity.
Team satisfaction definition and how does it affect team morale
While referring to job satisfaction definitions, team satisfaction plays an important role in executing a program effectively and efficiently. The entire gamut of members must be happy with the roles offered, tasks in hand, content with the leadership or management; leading to increased job satisfaction in the workplace. Team members feel motivated and inspired to complete tasks before the deadline and also introduce innovations and creativity in their daily work.
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Importance of employee satisfaction
So with the job satisfaction defined in the above sections, let us now try to understand the importance of employee satisfaction and why companies should pursue employee satisfaction.
- Increase in Productivity – Employees satisfied with their jobs tend to contribute more to the organization. They stay dedicated and committed to their work, resulting in an increase in overall productivity.
- Lower attrition rate – Employee satisfaction has a significant impact on the attrition rate of the company. Long-term involvement assumes precedence thereby companies can retain the talents satisfactorily.
- Jump in revenue – Higher productivity due to an increase in employee satisfaction is directly proportional to the increase in revenue. The profits of a company bump up, thus increasing stakeholder satisfaction and market presence.
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Employment satisfaction statistics and global trends
In this section, we will discuss the various employee satisfaction statistics for a better understanding of the global trends in employee satisfaction and engagement. A deep dive into the numbers will act as a guide in gauging the current market trends on the importance of job satisfaction.
Workplace satisfaction increases profitability
Studies have proved that workplace satisfaction has a significant impact on the profitability of the company. This particular parameter of employee satisfaction statistics has shown an increase of approximately 21% with higher employee satisfaction. The major reason being focused dedication and attention to work.
Revenue manifolds in companies with highly satisfied employees
A company with highly satisfied employees has experienced a 4 times increase in revenue. The reason being the amalgamation of good company culture, sincerity, productivity, and meeting deadlines. The more you increase employee engagement, the more positive impact on the revenue curve; one of the vital employment satisfaction statistics.
Career advancement as a means of work satisfaction
Work satisfaction of employees is proportional to opportunities for career advancement in the company. Employee satisfaction research has proved that about 30 % to 40 % of employees in a company prefer to avail learning and development within the company-provided benefits. 87% of employees consider job opportunities must bring in development for their future growth.
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Measuring job satisfaction
In the previous sections, we have learned about the importance of employee satisfaction. Now we will focus on the ways and means of measuring job satisfaction. The methods to improve job satisfaction, illustrated in the subsequent sub-sections, are proven ways and have been found to be effective and fruitful in many companies.
Conducting surveys for staff satisfaction
The best way to measure staff satisfaction is to conduct surveys. The surveys may happen yearly or half-yearly too. Questions are put forward from various departments, enquiring about the employee satisfaction ratings on different policies, norms, benefits, privileges, etc.
You can provide a rating of 1 to 5 or 1 to 10 to measure and access the employee satisfaction level. Besides you can specify the remarks section to collect additional feedback on the queries put forward.
Employee Satisfaction Index (ESI) measures organizational satisfaction
While measuring job satisfaction, the employee satisfaction index or ESI is considered very important in judging the same. The questions need to be straightforward with a Yes or No and additional remarks.
ESI measures organizational satisfaction to a great extent and helps in judging the overall content level of the employees. A number is calculated based on the scoring and weightage of each question. The higher the ESI, the better is the job satisfaction level.
One-on-one meetings as one of the measurements of job satisfaction
Face-to-face meetings act as a strong weapon and one of the vital measurements of job satisfaction. In many companies, one-to-one discussions between employee and supervisor are organized in intervals to facilitate employee job satisfaction.
You can ask questions on career, learning needs, any dissatisfaction, and assistance needed. Listening to employee grievances and proactively resolving them is a recommended suggestion for managers.
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How to increase job satisfaction
Surveys, discussions, and statistics help us to gauge the necessary steps that need to be undertaken on, how to improve job satisfaction? These steps are crucial in enhancing the employee satisfaction level. In the following sub-section, we will elaborate on the strategies that essentially answer the question, how to increase job satisfaction?
Keeping employees happy by improving work environment
A major strategy or step for keeping employees happy is to improve the work environment. Ergonomic seating arrangements, clean and healthy canteen facilities, well-ventilated and air-conditioned workspace, vending machines, etc. are some of the answers to the question of, how to increase job satisfaction at the workplace. Ensuring safety and security are mandatory aspects of providing a healthy work environment.
Avoid micro-management for improving employee satisfaction
One of the strategies for improving employee satisfaction is to avoid and reduce micro-management. Employees feel comfortable and they appreciate being trusted by the higher management of the organization. The responsibility level increases leading to greater employee satisfaction. Moreover, senior employees specifically like to work independently without being constantly monitored by supervisors.
Initiate employee recognition programs for improving job satisfaction
Employee recognition programs serve to be very effective for improving job satisfaction level of employees. It could be a thank you message, display of photographs of top performers or even providing brownie points to the employees. These strategies are good examples when it comes to the question of, how to keep your employees happy? Some companies even provide compensatory leaves or discount coupons for food or travel as incentives.
Transparency in communication increases employees satisfaction
Employee satisfaction increases considerably with transparency in communication levels across all the hierarchy levels of the organization. Employees will gain trust and confidence in the leadership.
Even they must be encouraged to share their opinions and concerns on the policies and norms of the company – this is one of the important ways to improve employee satisfaction. Many companies roll out policies to employees for gathering feedback before finally implementing them.
Reducing work stress is the key to a satisfied employee
If you want a satisfied employee in your organization and plan to increase the numbers, then try to reduce the unnecessary work stress. Segregate the work packets into multiple tasks and assign them uniformly among employees.
Analyzing the bandwidth of the employees while conducting such activity significantly reduces work stress; an answer to the question on, how to increase job satisfaction? Just to cite a quote about job satisfaction from Stephen R. Covey – Always treat your employees exactly as you want them to treat your best customers.
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How can managers improve employee satisfaction with the feedback process?
Hope by now you have gained familiarity with the methodologies and strategies to increase and improve employee satisfaction. Next question is – how can managers improve employee satisfaction with the feedback process? In the sub-sections below, we will discuss some of the interesting ideas, managers can adopt to work on the feedback received from the employees.
Worker satisfaction demand flexibility
Flexibility in time and mode of employment leads to greater worker satisfaction. Understand employee’s concerns on timezone management, bandwidth, preferred time, and mode of work. Try to facilitate the same by mutual discussions and adjustments in the work schedule.
Plan for remote working culture in the company, invest in video and audio conferencing software to encourage the same. Employees will feel comfortable and easy to work in a flexible environment, subsequently leading to greater employee satisfaction.
Discuss employee satisfaction ideas
Arrange one on one discussion, roadshows and townhalls with the employees to understand the employee satisfaction ideas that you need to work upon. Gather such ideas and check the areas which need improvement or a greater amount of focus. Devise strategies after discussion with the respective department or unit heads. Channelize the strategies among the employees and collect feedback for accuracy and further enhancement.
Learning and development programs lead to workers satisfaction
Conducting well-planned and well-organized learning and development programs for competency enhancement eventually leads to greater worker satisfaction. Employees can pursue their academic interests, enhance their knowledge level, and are benefiting from their career and growth opportunities. They feel the company is concerned about their future and hence remain grateful to the organization.
Promote a healthy lifestyle to increase job satisfaction
Some of the recommended ways for managers to increase job satisfaction include providing health insurance and medical benefits, arranging doctor consultations, conducting fitness programs, generating awareness on food habits.
These programs reduce hypertension, blood pressure, blood sugar, fatigue, etc. ailments that commonly affect employees in a workplace. The result is a satisfied and healthy workforce who in turn benefits the company by increasing productivity and revenue.
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How are employee satisfaction and productivity connected?
Employee satisfaction and productivity are interconnected and directly proportional to each other. A greater amount of employee satisfaction with the company’s policies, leadership and ways of working, is routed to a greater investment of time in completing the assigned work. This will lead to a subsequent increase in productivity, the elaboration of which is specified in the subsequent sub-sections.
Disadvantages of low job satisfaction
To understand the connection between job satisfaction and employee engagement, we must realize the disadvantages of low job satisfaction. It leads to reduced attention to work, demotivation, de-focus, higher attrition rate, reduced productivity, missed deadlines, lower revenue, losing market presence, and reduced stakeholder satisfaction. Hence to increase employee engagement and productivity, we have to eliminate the reasons for low job satisfaction.
Advantages of organizational satisfaction
The advantages of organizational satisfaction or employee satisfaction are immense. It results in a healthy work environment, cordial interpersonal relationships, great teamwork, a positive mentality towards work, a boost in both motivation and inspiration levels, and in the end tremendous enhancement in productivity.
Relation between employee engagement and satisfaction
The relation between employee engagement and satisfaction is proportionate. The more you increase the employee satisfaction level, the greater the employee feels the zeal to engage in work working towards the betterment of the company. In other words, employee engagement and employee satisfaction are mutually dependant on each other.
The key employee satisfaction factors
The key employee satisfaction factors to be considered by companies are mainly employee engagement vs employee satisfaction, good work-life balance, appreciation for work, job security, learning and development, lucrative compensation benefits, and fair policies. All of these have a positive impact on the employee satisfaction level and in turn on productivity.
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Case studies, best practices and job satisfaction examples
To firm our understanding of work satisfaction definition or definition of employee satisfaction, here are some job satisfaction examples of reputed companies worldwide. These case studies and best practices show how adopting the best employee satisfaction strategies has earned them a reputation of being one of the best places to work.
Job satisfaction study of Google
Google has been ranked high for its employee engagement strategies and people management work culture. The job satisfaction study or job satisfaction example of Google proves that creating an innovation culture, open dress codes, a unique work environment, feedback-oriented policies, a culture of recognition, and identifying managers as leaders are the keys to a successful employee engagement workplace.
Zoom among the companies with high employee satisfaction
Zoom ranks high among the companies with high employee satisfaction index. You can relate their policies to the job satisfaction defined in this particular employee satisfaction article. Providing facilities to work comfortably in a remote work environment, boosting up employee morale, encouraging growth, initiating comprehensive learning among employees are some of its key strategies to foster employee satisfaction.
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