Seldom do we hear that newly hired recruits are not satisfied with their jobs. Moreover, job satisfaction is a highly debated topic among Professionals these days. Certainly, these are the same people who think whether their current job will keep them happy in the long run.
Therefore, one must consider some factors that they should identify first. In addition to this, people across the globe have been cautious about jobs in the era of job uncertainty. Likewise, recruits must evaluate the likelihood of continuing their job if they feel disconnected from it.
So, here are some factors one must consider that define job satisfaction in the long run:
How to determine your job satisfaction at work?
Firstly, if you have a career that you generally enjoy and feel proud of, you are likely to feel happy at work too. So, take some time to evaluate your work life, checking where your skills and interests have led you. That is to say, you can find something that you can enjoy doing every day.
Therefore, pursue opportunities that you value even if your current job isn’t offering them. Moreover, look for assignments that will help you achieve career goals or skills. In addition to this, you can request specific and meaningful feedback from your Boss.
Certainly, when you are in control of your career and see yourself improving, you are more likely to get job satisfaction. However, for real satisfaction, you should pursue intrinsic goals.
For instance, professionals perform better if they feel their job has a positive impact. Likewise, change the view or perspective of your job, and try to make the world a better place. Reduce communication gaps through open communication and take more pride in your work.
What are some criteria that determine your Job Satisfaction?
In a study conducted, researchers found a correlation between job satisfaction and job type. Moreover, a strong work culture also allows one to be happy at work. It also leads to realistic workplace goals such as better skillsets or responsibility. Consequently, one should avoid negative conversations, gossip, and unhealthy work relationships at work.
To clarify, it impacts one’s personal life but also has significant business implications. Emotions like happiness increase creativity and happy people stay at their jobs longer. In short, happiness deserves to be part of any business agenda.
After that too, some factors impact job satisfaction in general:
- Having a sense of Purpose
- Feeling valued at Work
- Feeling engaged and motivated at Work
- A collaborative environment that enables Growth
- Flexibility of working autonomously
- Being a part of a positive and dynamic company culture
5 Tips for developing job satisfaction at your job?
#1: Search and pursue accomplishments at your job
A survey among professionals found that accomplishments are necessary for employee motivation. Likewise, employees should feel that their work has an impact on the company and drives positive results.
Moreover, for a sense of accomplishment, you can set benchmarks and focus on making progress through small goals. For instance, if you’re working on a 3-month project, check the outcomes and conversions on a scheduled basis. After that, by seeing that you made progress, you’ll feel more confident in your work.
Additionally, you can look for signs if the team or department you work for has driven some achievements. Meanwhile, these signs may include check-ins or positive feedback on goals or targets. Therefore, you can ask the Hiring Manager how he or she defines success and how they want the team to achieve it.
In addition to this, depending on your field, you may also look for strategies to drive results. For example, using an agile methodology for project management.
#2: Seek positive reinforcement at Work
Secondly, feeling appreciated at work is another motivator for happy employees. Similarly, everyone is in search of rewards so they too want to feel like their work is exceptional. However, recognition can come in many forms, from a simple thank-you to a promotion or an appraisal.
So, if you’re not receiving positive reinforcement from your Boss, know it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ve underperformed. Moreover, they may not be good at giving feedback or communicating. Therefore, do not be afraid to request feedback from your Manager or Boss.
Lastly, if you feel your efforts are not recognized at all or under-appreciated, you may decide to take a new job. Moreover, you can consider these red flags to be sure: ‘You were never thanked for your hard work‘ or ‘You never knew before if your job was worthy”.
#3: Evaluate your likelihood with coworkers
Certainly, we spend a major part of our days interacting with our coworkers. So, employees having good relationships with their teams are much more likely to be happy on the job. Meanwhile, a poll also found that close work friendships boost employee satisfaction.
Work relationships are one of the best predictors of job satisfaction. That is to say, how efficiently or effectively one can communicate with coworkers defines their work equation.
Related: Setting Boundaries: A Guide for effective communication at the workplace
Therefore, to form authentic bonds with colleagues, take an interest in their lives outside work. In other words, don’t be a co-worker who’s ‘all work and no play’ (pun intended). Certainly, you can take short breaks once in a while and ask them about their hobbies or interests. Subsequently, express enthusiasm in what they share and develop strong bonds.
Related: A Guide with the Importance Including the Dos and Don'ts of Socializing at Work
Moreover, one of the easiest ways to connect with colleagues at work is to find shared interests. So, once you engage with your co-worker’s interests, you may further share them likewise.
Another way to get a sense of how you’ll match with your colleagues is to understand the vibe of the team you’re working on. You can further your working equation by meeting people from other teams also. Most importantly, you can ask questions to know how friendly they are and interact outside work too.
#4: Demand some level of autonomy at your job
A survey of professionals concluded that happiness comes with a sense of empowerment. To clarify, it means employees can make certain decisions on their own and are flexible with work.
Certainly, one may not feel that they’re steering their ship as very few people feel this way about their gig. Therefore, most of the survey participants felt they wielded little to no control over their work.
However, a little independence at work can make you feel more freedom and in care of it. After that, you may develop your working style but if your boss micromanages you then speak to them about it.
So, the best way to build confidence is to provide your boss with regular progress reports daily. After that, he or she may not need reassurance from direct reports and you can enjoy doing your work. Therefore, don’t be afraid to ask for more responsibility and insight if needed. Additionally, it will help your boss nominate you for bigger projects or assignments.
Above all, if you seek autonomy then make it clear to your employer. On the other hand, you can tell Hiring Managers during interviews that you value working independently. After that, you will have the ability to manage your own time and workflow. Also, you can read the job description for phrases like ‘works independently‘ to see if that’s waiting for you.
#5: Get involved with something that makes you proud
Employees who are proud of their companies are more likely to be happy at work. Therefore, what you do and for whom defines how much you value that work. So, one must take pride in their workplace and see if they’re a ‘cultural fit’, a priority for job-seekers these days.
For instance, some people may feel proud of working at a Fortune 500 company. However, even if it’s a startup company, contributing to the small things can make you feel actively involved. In addition to this, one should have a sense of purpose like working at a company that rewards hard work with amazing perks.
Certainly, if you don’t have anything to brag about work, jot down some reasons why you still love going to work. Self-affirmation will help you reevaluate your career goals and let you explore ways for improvement.
Moreover, you can try to find workarounds for them. For example, you may not like the way your team operates but a transition to another team can make you feel better. However, if the problems are beyond your control then try to make amends or adjustments. For instance, if it’s a conflict with company values, look back for what values are important to you.
To sum up, job satisfaction is a highly debated topic among professionals these days. Moreover, seldom do we hear that recruits are not satisfied with their jobs. Certainly, these are the same people who worry if their current job will keep them happy in the long run.
So, here are some factors one must consider for maximum job satisfaction in the long run. That is to say, one must consider them in high regard to remain happy at their job. Additionally, people across the globe have been cautious about jobs in the era of job uncertainty.
Therefore, recruits must evaluate the likelihood of continuing their job if they feel disconnected from their job.
