I love my job, but there are many who don’t share the same. I’ve been there and know that it’s an awful feeling Sunday night when you know you have to go into a stressful and uninspiring workplace the next day.
Everyone’s experience can be totally different from their coworkers, but a new survey from The Conference Board has some really good news. It says that American workers are more satisfied with their jobs now than they have been since the company began studying this over 35 years ago in 1987.
The poll was taken in 2022 and sixty-three percent of those who participated said they were satisfied with their jobs. That’s up more than 2% from the previous year, and up five percentage points since the poll three years ago.
A lot of it had to do with some of the workers dumping their old jobs and finding new ones after the pandemic subsided. They say it also had to do with the tight job market. Workers are in high demand and there are tons of openings. That’s caused companies to offer excellent perks to retain them, and give great offers to new employees.
Another big reason they note is the flexible working arrangements. This was cited as a key factor in improving employee morale. They found that hybrid workers were overall more satisfied with their jobs than those who were fully remote or fully in-office. Positive workplace culture was also a huge factor. Happy breeds happy, and complaining breeds complainers and dissatisfaction. When employees are happy with their job, they’re less tolerant of negative comments, and are less likely to participate in toxic and company-bashing conversations
Also, women were found to be “significantly less” pleased than their male counterparts across 26 metrics measured, which include salary, health benefits, flexibility, and chances for advancement.
Based on their findings, the company suggests “firms need to be more conscious and intentional about achieving pay equity and addressing gender gaps” to keep female employees happier.
Loneliness Declared An Epidemic In America
Join A Class Or Club
Joining a class or a club presents an opportunity to meet a group of people who share at least one of your interests. can also provide a sense of belonging that comes with being part of a group.
Volunteer
Volunteering for a cause you believe in can decrease loneliness. It can also bring about a new found purpose and a deeper sense of gratitude.
Strengthen Existing Relationships
Reconnect with those already a part of your life by calling friends more often or going out with them more.
Adopt A Pet
Pets can prevent loneliness as well as connect you with other people. Walking a dog opens you up to a community of other dog-walkers, and an adorable dog on a leash tends to be a people magnet.
Talk To Strangers
Find connections in every day life by interacting in small ways with acquaintances or strangers you encounter. There’s a study that says doing so contributes to our social and emotional well-being.
Practice Self-Care
Do what you can to take care of yourself especially when you are feeling down. Eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep will only make you feel better.
Keep Busy
Pick up a hobby or take yourself on a date. Take some time to invest in yourself and your interests and keep your mind occupied in the process.
Therapy
Research suggests that loneliness and symptoms of depression can perpetuate each other, which means the more lonely you are, the more depressed you feel, and vice versa. Sometimes just “getting out there” and meeting other people isn’t enough. It’s possible to still feel lonely when you’re around them, which could actually be a sign of depression or social anxiety. If this is the case for you, seeing a therapist may help with feelings of loneliness.
