Relationship Between Work Environment & Job Satisfaction in an Organization for Employee Turnover

The Cost

First, understand the costs involved with employee turnover. Knowing the high price of a negative workplace and poor job satisfaction will help employers implement the steps necessary to keep their employees satisfied. According to AmericanProgress.com, when an employee leaves, it costs the employer around one-fifth of that employee’s salary to make a replacement. Over the long run, it costs employers less to create a positive workplace environment that results in employees who are happy and there for the long haul.

Postive Workplace Environment

A positive work environment can increase job satisfaction and decrease employee turnover. According to Gallup Business Journal, your relationship with your supervisor and co-workers will likely affect your well-being and engagement at work, which will also influence how long you decide to stay there. Positive, uplifting conversations with your boss and peers will create an encouraging workplace environment that's productive, thriving and innovative. This type of workplace will also focus on and praise employees’ progress because, according to a 2010 Harvard Business Review survey, workers are the happiest and most motivated when they believe they're improving and moving forward in their work.

Negative Workplace Environment

No matter how much you like your work, a bad office environment will eventually affect you negatively, and you'll probably decide to find employment elsewhere. A study conducted by Gallup Business Journal found that 16.5 percent of employees surveyed were leaving their jobs because “of management or the general work environment.” Twenty percent said they quit because they didn’t feel they fit their jobs, meaning they weren’t able to utilize their strengths or feel comfortable and confident in their roles, and another 8 percent left because of issues with scheduling and flexibility. A poor, rigid work environment will leave employees feeling unhappy about their jobs and co-workers and result in high employee turnover.

Solutions

You can create a positive work environment filled with satisfied employees who are there for the long haul. A simple, inexpensive solution is to implement an employee recognition program that praises and recognizes exceptional employees. According to a 2012 survey by the Society of Human Resources Management/Globoforce, companies surveyed with employee recognition programs in place had a 51-percent increase in employee retention. The Wall Street Journal also recommends that supervisors conduct “stay” interviews, which consist of sitting down with loyal employees and asking them what’s made them stay over the years, what’s working well and what needs improvement.