It seems these days there are a lot of surveys out there for employee satisfaction. Employers are trying to figure out how to retain and keep good employees. Part of that has to do with keeping workers satisfied. There appear to be a lot of factors in being satisfied with one’s job, so how would you define it?

As I reflect on the position I have had over the past year several things stand out. First I must admit, some of my ideas on employee satisfaction have changed. Before my current position having a short commute was very important to me. My previous job was only 15 miles (24km) one-way commute. My current job is twice that. I found when I am satisfied with other aspects of my position my commute becomes less important.

On the top of my list is having work that is engaging and fits well with my skill set and past experience. I think we would all agree that, if you aren’t engaged or interested in your work, it will probably be pretty difficult to feel satisfied there. It also helps to feel like what is being expected of you is at least in your wheel house. No one knows everything, but it helps if you have an idea of how to start with a problem and get to a solution.

Next, being appreciated at work is a big factor in my job satisfaction. In my previous position I did not feel appreciated. Now, in my current position, it is often communicated to me that my work is valuable and appreciated. We all get paid to do our jobs, but it is nice to feel like the work we are doing is making a difference and people take notice when good work is accomplished.

Having a good boss and good co-workers make a difference. It is crazy to think about it, but in many ways you spend more time with your co-workers then just about anyone else. If you don’t get along with, or have conflict with the people at your job, it is a bummer. I have had conflict in previous positions with co-workers, granted, some of it was my fault. Still, there will be people where your personality and theirs just don’t mesh and that can cause you to not enjoy your job. My current boss is NOT a micromanager, I appreciate it, and we get along well. He trusts me to get my work done and I do, so he has nothing to worry about.

Finally, pay is important. I left this one for last as it does help me feel satisfied with my job, but it seems like once you reach a certain pay level it is pretty much the same across different positions. So making more money, is always nice, but wouldn’t really help me be more satisfied with my job.

To summarize, a good (perhaps short) commute, engaging work, being appreciated, with good co-workers/boss and reasonable pay seem to be the factors in my feeling the most satisfied in my position. How about you? What are the greatest factors in your employment satisfaction?

It seems these days there are a lot of surveys out there for employee satisfaction. Employers are trying to figure out how to retain and keep good employees. Part of that has to do with keeping workers satisfied. There appear to be a lot of factors in being satisfied with one’s job, so how would you define it?

As I reflect on the position I have had over the past year several things stand out. First I must admit, some of my ideas on employee satisfaction have changed. Before my current position having a short commute was very important to me. My previous job was only 15 miles (24km) one-way commute. My current job is twice that. I found when I am satisfied with other aspects of my position my commute becomes less important.

On the top of my list is having work that is engaging and fits well with my skill set and past experience. I think we would all agree that, if you aren’t engaged or interested in your work, it will probably be pretty difficult to feel satisfied there. It also helps to feel like what is being expected of you is at least in your wheel house. No one knows everything, but it helps if you have an idea of how to start with a problem and get to a solution.

Next, being appreciated at work is a big factor in my job satisfaction. In my previous position I did not feel appreciated. Now, in my current position, it is often communicated to me that my work is valuable and appreciated. We all get paid to do our jobs, but it is nice to feel like the work we are doing is making a difference and people take notice when good work is accomplished.

Having a good boss and good co-workers make a difference. It is crazy to think about it, but in many ways you spend more time with your co-workers then just about anyone else. If you don’t get along with, or have conflict with the people at your job, it is a bummer. I have had conflict in previous positions with co-workers, granted, some of it was my fault. Still, there will be people where your personality and theirs just don’t mesh and that can cause you to not enjoy your job. My current boss is NOT a micromanager, I appreciate it, and we get along well. He trusts me to get my work done and I do, so he has nothing to worry about.

Finally, pay is important. I left this one for last as it does help me feel satisfied with my job, but it seems like once you reach a certain pay level it is pretty much the same across different positions. So making more money, is always nice, but wouldn’t really help me be more satisfied with my job.

To summarize, a good (perhaps short) commute, engaging work, being appreciated, with good co-workers/boss and reasonable pay seem to be the factors in my feeling the most satisfied in my position. How about you? What are the greatest factors in your employment satisfaction?