Job satisfaction: Tips for hybrid work environments

Every employee strives for job satisfaction, and employers also want satisfied employees. However, job satisfaction encompasses much more than just enjoying one’s work. Various factors contribute to employees being happy and motivated – and as a result often working more productively. In this article, we explore what job satisfaction means, how it is measured, and whether the hybrid work model can lead to greater satisfaction. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, hybrid work has taken a central place in the modern working world.

What is job satisfaction?

Job satisfaction is a difficult concept to grasp and cannot be easily quantified. It is difficult to measure and therefore difficult to understand. Simply put, it can be described as a feeling of satisfaction in doing one’s job. Companies and organizations are increasingly using hybrid solutions to measure job satisfaction, whether through surveys or special questionnaires.

One reason for the difficulty of measurement is that job satisfaction varies from person to person. Even under the same working conditions, employees can feel very differently – while one may be dissatisfied, another may be completely satisfied. Therefore, it is crucial to pay attention to the various factors that contribute to job satisfaction.

How is job satisfaction measured?

There are different approaches to measuring job satisfaction. A common method is to directly ask employees if they are satisfied with their work – for example, through surveys, questionnaires, discussions, or interviews. However, it should be noted that the answers may not always be honest, as some employees do not want to express their dissatisfaction openly in order not to jeopardize their jobs.

Employee turnover can also be an indicator of job satisfaction. High turnover often indicates that many employees are dissatisfied. Other external factors such as frequent absenteeism and lack of productivity can also provide clues. If an employee is frequently sick or their work performance declines, this could be a sign of dissatisfaction in the workplace.

Benefits of job satisfaction

Job satisfaction brings numerous benefits. Here are the most important ones:

• Higher productivity: Satisfied employees are more motivated and focused, which leads to better work performance. This not only increases the company's productivity, but can also benefit employees, for example through recognition, salary increases or opportunities for advancement.
• Increase in sales: Satisfied and productive employees contribute directly to the company's success by working more efficiently and thus increasing sales potential.
• Lower employee turnover: Satisfied employees are absent less often and stay with the company longer, which not only reduces operating costs but also promotes stability and continuity.
• Higher customer satisfaction: A positive work environment, fair pay and good working conditions lead to satisfied and committed employees, who in turn provide better customer service. This results in higher customer satisfaction because customers receive the desired quality and service.
• Improved self-esteem: Satisfied employees have higher self-esteem, which has a positive impact on their professional and personal lives. This inner satisfaction promotes the overall quality of life and performance.

What criteria can lead to job satisfaction among your employees?

Job satisfaction is complex and requires a deeper examination of the workplace and its structures. As already mentioned, both employees and employers benefit when job satisfaction is ensured. Companies should therefore continually strive to provide their employees with the necessary resources and support to make them both happy and productive. This is particularly important in the context of hybrid work, as employees are not always physically on site.

Three key factors to promote this are: open communication, regular recognition of good performance and the provision of opportunities for development and advancement.

Open communication

Open communication between employees and employers in the workplace contributes to a better and more satisfying working environment. The ability to communicate between the two groups also promotes the productivity and well-being of employees and the company as a whole.

Be recognized

When an employee is recognized for their good work, this can contribute to greater job satisfaction. This can be done through financial incentives, but also by a supervisor or boss telling an employee that they are doing a good job. Conversely, if employees are not recognized for their good work, what is the incentive to continue doing it?

Growth opportunities

Offering employees opportunities for advancement within the company can lead to greater job satisfaction. Employees know that they can advance within the company and earn more if they are productive, which gives them an incentive to stay with the company and take the necessary steps to advance.

A hybrid working environment

While we have so far mainly talked about job satisfaction and its importance, it is now time to address the hybrid work environment. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many employers to switch to a hybrid or fully remote work model. A hybrid work environment with desk sharing can lead to higher job satisfaction for several reasons.

First, in a hybrid work situation, employees do not need to be physically present at the workplace to perform their tasks. This can be beneficial for employees as they can avoid commuting and work from the comfort of their own home. It can give them a strong sense of self-respect when they know that the employer trusts them to do their job even without being physically present at the company site. This trust strengthens self-esteem, which in turn can have a positive impact on job satisfaction, as employees feel that their employer trusts them regardless of where they work.

Here are some other key benefits of a hybrid working and desk sharing model:

• Higher productivity: Studies have shown that a hybrid work environment can increase productivity. Employees do not have to commute and can work in an environment that suits their individual preferences.
• Better mental health: We all know that some jobs can be detrimental to mental health. The flexibility to choose where to work can lead to greater involvement in work and thus to better mental health and higher levels of engagement.
• Cost factor: This aspect is beneficial for both employees and employers. Employees save costs such as travel expenses, meals and work clothing, while employers benefit from reduced expenses for office space and operating costs.
• Greater talent pool: In a hybrid work environment, companies are less geographically constrained and can draw from a broader talent pool. This can give them a competitive advantage and lead to higher job satisfaction, as employees are hired based on their skills rather than just where they live.

Desk sharing software for greater job satisfaction

Desk sharing software, such as Flexopus, can promote job satisfaction. Such software helps save time, provides convenience for a hybrid work environment, and contributes to job satisfaction. The Flexopus Desk Sharing software can be integrated into a company and adapted to its needs. The software allows you to seamlessly organize the work of hybrid teams and thus ensure the best chance of success. With software like Flexopus, you can manage the following tasks, among others:

• Workstation booking
• Parking space management
• Room reservations
• Electronic door signs for meeting rooms

Conclusion: How important is job satisfaction?

Job satisfaction is difficult to measure. Nevertheless, the answer to the question “Does job satisfaction influence job performance?” is clearly yes. Various factors contribute to job satisfaction, and in today's ever-changing work environment, desk sharing software can be a great help.