Finding Fulfillment at Work

Eric Wenzel
Jul 23, 2017 · 2 min read

Americans are finding work more fulfilling than at any time in the past. In 1989, only 28% of employees reported they were completely satisfied in their jobs, but in 2016, 54% of employees reported being completely satisfied. Despite outsourcing, automation and cataclysmic changes in the economy, Americans are happier at work. And new economy jobs seem to be contributing to these higher level of satisfaction.

It’s not just Foosball tables and free lunch that are making an impact (few employers actually offer these perks). Companies are evolving their human resources programs to make work better. Engagement and satisfaction surveys help employers to listen to employee needs, and employees are finding ways to better align their jobs with their career interests. Across the board, workers are more satisfied with employee benefits, schedule flexibility, job recognition, compensation, and chances for promotion.

Data Source: Gallup http://www.gallup.com/poll/1720/work-work-place.aspx

On top of that, many of today’s companies are integrating a social purpose in the company mission, further driving employee satisfaction. Starbucks strives “to inspire and nurture the human spirit,” TOMS offers a free pair of shoes to children in need for every pair purchased, and millennial favorite Chipotle cheerfully proclaims, “With every burrito we roll or bowl we fill, we’re working to cultivate a better world.” Beverage behemoths Coca Cola and Pepsico are making sustainability part of their business agenda. Such efforts increase the sense of meaning employees feel in the workplace, and that’s a good thing.

The migration from manufacturing to services work may also be contributing to this change. News reports highlight the decline of the manufacturing sector, but seldom highlight the dramatic increases and attractiveness of service sector jobs. Information, professional, technical, and scientific services jobs are increasing and highly desired by employers and employees alike. Jobs in health care, arts, entertainment, and recreation services are also growing and are more appealing to many workers than were old guard manufacturing jobs.

Whatever the type of job, the constant drive of companies to reinvent their talent and benefits programs is an important contributor to employee satisfaction. In the coming years, we’ll see companies launching new programs to support workplace satisfaction and integrating social missions into their strategies. Companies need to continually evolve their talent attraction and retention practices to maintain and increase levels of job satisfaction to stay competitive.

also posted at https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/finding-fulfillment-work-eric-wenzel

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