Robert Half study: Managers are more satisfied than employees
A study by Robert Half underscores the fact that employees who are treated fairly and with respect and who experience appreciation are happy in their jobs. This in turn has a positive effect on the success of the company. Six universal factors directly influence employee satisfaction; they should not be underestimated by company management.
In its latest study, Robert Half asked over 23,000 employees in eight countries how happy they are in their jobs and what factors play a role in this? There is no universal happiness formula, but six universal factors directly influence employee satisfaction and should therefore receive management attention.
Loyal employees
Not all employees achieve a high level of happiness: One-third of the study participants plan to change jobs in the next six months. In a comparison of positions, those employees who hold a managerial position are happier.
So what can supervisors keep in mind to ensure that their employees enjoy their work and remain loyal to the company? "Happiness is, of course, a deeply personal emotion. Nevertheless, job satisfaction can be concretely influenced," explains Yeng Chow, Senior Manager at Robert Half in Zurich.
"Happy employees are more productive and creative, they are sick less often and remain loyal to the company longer. Reason enough, therefore, to devote serious attention to the essential aspects of happiness and to put measures in place." The majority of employees surveyed see the responsibility for happiness as lying with both the supervisor and the employees themselves.
Only 6 % expect the employer to mainly take care of the well-being at the workplace. One in five (19 %) think that each employee bears most of the responsibility themselves.
Six factors for more satisfaction
To be sure, every employee has different needs, goals and preferences. Nevertheless, the study results provide clear indications of some generally applicable factors that directly influence employee satisfaction. These six factors not only motivate employees, they also improve teamwork and thus simplify recruitment efforts as well as employee retention measures:
1) The right job
A thoughtful hiring process with detailed job descriptions and thorough interviews recruits employees who fit well with the corporate culture and who know what to expect. The right incentives and continuous readjustment help to influence employee satisfaction and thus loyalty to the company in the long term.
2) More responsibility
Only just under half of respondents (49 %) say they can exert influence at work or be creative (45 %). Decision-making authority and creative freedom, however, are essential aspects of professional happiness.
3) Honest appreciation
Regular constructive feedback and honest recognition of performance creates long-lasting moments of happiness on the job.
4) Feel the sense
Employees who do meaningful work are happier than those for whom it is "just" work. Employees who are also proud of their company are 2.8 times more likely to be happy at work. This makes pride the strongest driver of happy employees worldwide.
5) Experience fairness and respect
For women, this aspect is the most important happiness factor. Overall, fair and respectful interaction is the second most important happiness driver at work worldwide. Only 7 % of those who experience a high level of fairness and respect plan to change their job in the coming months.
6) A positive working atmosphere
Good workplace relationships make for more fun, innovation and better collaboration - across team boundaries. Managers who succeed in establishing a good atmosphere and a climate of mindfulness and friendliness can count on motivated and productive employees.
"What increases the well-being of employees? How can a high level of employee satisfaction be ensured in the long term? These are critical questions to which Swiss companies should find answers. Employees with a high level of commitment and strong attachment to the company and its values are highly engaged in their workplace," Yeng Chow sums up. "Employees are happy and motivated when they feel their skills and experience fit the job. Companies need to examine this intensively during the recruitment phase and determine it again and again afterwards. After all, career paths are not set in stone. If companies proactively implement these measures, they will see a noticeable improvement in their productivity and profitability."
More details on this Robert Half study can be found at this Link
