Like the economic news, employee engagement reports are also presenting a puzzle. We shared a Wall Street Journal article titled “Gallup Survey Shows Lower Employee Engagement” two weeks ago on our blog page. Today I came across another article in the same publication titled “Job Satisfaction Reached a 36-year High in 2022.” Which is it?
The two surveys don’t conflict. They are different measures based on different groups of employees.
Employee engagement figures focus on satisfaction with the company, the boss, and the job. Today’s job satisfaction report focuses on only one aspect of that trinity.
Job satisfaction improved for those employees who sought and won more flexible work arrangements during the pandemic. Many of them switched jobs to achieve their life balance goals. These are more experienced employees, with the competence built by that experience. They often value raising children or caring for family members. Remote and hybrid arrangements improve job satisfaction for this group. This productive talent pool drives organizational performance and improves the bottom line, so take care if you are considering increasing in-office hours.
New employees, typically GenZ individuals with less experience, also report higher job satisfaction. Today’s report shows this is likely due to wage increases designed to keep these workers. The overall engagement readings are lower because these individuals are not yet committed to the organization and don’t view their bosses favorably. That sounds like a recurring issue for young workers of all generations. This talent pool needs mentoring, bosses who connect, and a career opportunity, not just a job.
Our clients know that our primary expertise at JobMatch Assessment is getting an employee into the right job and career. Matching a person’s thinking ability, behaviors, and passions to work improves job satisfaction.
Full engagement requires addressing conflict and improving personal connections with the boss and the team for new workers. JobMatch Assessment has tools to help you achieve it.
At JobMatch Assessment, we also partner with Everything DiSC®, published by Wiley. Wiley’s head of research, Mark Scullard, Ph.D., recently surveyed 4,524 people to find the most significant sources of conflict and what you can do to mitigate this hidden drain on time and money. See the results on his blog, “Employee Conflict: Do Managers Have the Tools They Need?”
We can guide you through a host of assessment options. Using the proper assessment tool to help employees recognize their strengths and challenges is an affordable way to reduce turnover, increase productivity, and improve culture.
Use the best tools to thrive. You can help employees discover their strengths and maintain a strong culture by keeping everyone connected. We can help you develop the skills, leaders, and teams you need to succeed.
Our assessments and surveys are world-class and statistically sound. Contact us, share your concerns, and see how we can help you. No charge, no obligation.
