Job satisfaction depends on how content you are in your job. The happier you are within your job, the more satisfied you will be in your private life.

Job satisfaction is not the same as motivation, although it is clearly linked. Finding the right job design will enhance your job satisfaction, performance and pay.

With the current economy leaving employees worried about job security and possible redundancies, your involvement with innovative ideas to drive a company forward might improve and secure your position within the company, even if it is not part of your job role!

Reviews and questions

Job satisfaction is a very important attribute which many organisations now measure. The most common way this is carried out is allowing employees to report their reactions to their jobs. Questions related to pay, work responsibilities, tasks, promotional opportunities, the work itself and other co-workers. You often find this is carried out when you have your annual review.

Work/Life balance

Companies have begun to realise how important the work-life balance is to the productivity and creativity of their employees. Employees who were more favourable toward their organisation’s efforts to support work-life balance will have a much lower intent to leave the company, take days sick and take greater pride in their job, a willingness to recommend it as a place to work and have higher overall job satisfaction.

Employers can offer a range of different programs and initiatives, such as flexible working arrangements in the form of part-time, casual and allowing staff to work from home. More proactive employers can provide compulsory leave, strict maximum hours and foster an environment that encourages employees not to continue to work after hours. Now with the maximum of 48 hours in a working week unless you opt-out, it has been recognised by the government the importance of rest and gets your work-life balance right.

What do you know?

Always speak to your company if you think you can offer skills that might be on your CV that they could utilise, often a CV can be tucked away and forgotten about. Perhaps you have learnt a new skill since joining the company, a hobby which could add value to the company you work for. Could you put ideas forward to reduce costs? I know this is welcomed by nearly all organisations at the moment. This might even secure your position over someone else in the company.

Don’t take your stress home

We all have stressful busy days, even times where we feel angry; when you have a bad day make sure you don’t take that home with you, literally or mentally. Give yourself a chance by taking care of yourself and drawing boundaries between work and personal thoughts.

Dealing with stress

Many people these days do some form of fitness straight after work, Physical exercise is one of the most effective ways of relieving stress. Exercising the body regularly is very effective in managing stress, on its own or as a part of a stress management plan. Getting into better shape improves your mental health as well as your physical health. These activities don’t have to cost a penny. A walk, a run or use some of the free outdoor gyms in parks.
When you physically exert yourself the body releases chemical substances (endorphins) these natural substances produced by our own bodies are free of side effects, except for making us feel much better.

Although this article is not an in-depth one, it might nudge you into making a little change for the better, good luck!