The changes in the economy that began in 2008 indicate that more Americans are dissatisfied with their jobs than ever before. The Gallup Well-Being Index, which randomly sampled over 60,000 working adults from January through April of 2011, showed an increase in worker job dissatisfaction. The results of that poll suggest that employees feel detached from their jobs and the companies for which they work.
Unsupportive Boss
A major turnoff at work and a cause for job dissatisfaction is a boss who isn't invested in seeing you get ahead. With companies downsizing and keeping resources at a minimum, managers become more concerned about the bottom line rather than the very people who can have a direct effect on the bottom line. Managers who disengage from their employees and focus only on results without providing inspiration, motivation or employee support are often unaware that they may be a major cause of job dissatisfaction.
Lack of Meaningful Work
The lack of meaningful work plays a big part in job dissatisfaction. Employees lose interest in work that offers no challenge, opportunities for growth or incentives for meaningful work. It's easy to disengage from a job and organization that doesn't value its employees or offer incentives for job growth. To feel happy at work, employees need to feel as if there is a chance to move forward and progress. When employees feel their contributions are significant, they feel happy at their work and work harder.
Overworked and Underpaid
Employer staff and resource cutbacks leave remaining employees taking on more responsibilities with no increases in pay. While salary isn't always the motivator for happiness at work, employees who work long hours and still find themselves behind economically are frustrated and dissatisfied with their jobs. Employees with the lowest incomes are the most dissatisfied with their jobs, according to the Gallup poll. Concerns about high employment rates and job security are also playing a part in job dissatisfaction.
Work and Life Balance
Companies that fail to recognize the need for employees to maintain a healthy life and work balance are ultimately affecting their own productivity levels. Even if a company can't offer salary increases, one way to improve job satisfaction is to create trade-offs for life and work balance. Instead of offering raises, companies might consider incentives such as paid days off, flexible scheduling, and rewards such as tickets to movies, plays, or sporting events.
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Writer Bio
As a native Californian, artist, journalist and published author, Laurie Brenner began writing professionally in 1975. She has written for newspapers, magazines, online publications and sites. Brenner graduated from San Diego's Coleman College.