Every employee wants job satisfaction, and every employer wants the same for their employees. Job satisfaction is more than just being satisfied with your job. There are factors in place where an employee is happy and satisfied with their job, and if that is the case, they are more likely to be productive. In this article, we will discuss what is job satisfaction, how is job satisfaction measured, and if hybrid work can lead to improved job satisfaction. With Covid-19 bringing hybrid work to the forefront, it is a big factor in the modern workforce.

What is Job Satisfaction?

Job satisfaction is a term that cannot be quantified. It isn't easy to measure, so it is not easy to understand. In layman's terms, it can be seen as being in a place of emotional positivity when performing your job. Nowadays, with the hybrid solution we will touch upon, companies and organisations are trying to measure job satisfaction, whether through surveys or a job satisfaction questionnaire.

One of the reasons it is hard to measure is that job satisfaction differs from employee to employee. In the exact same company with the same conditions, one employee may not be happy while another may be. It is important to focus on different aspects of why employees are happy in their employment.

How is Job Satisfaction Measured?

There are different ways to measure job satisfaction. One common way is to simply ask employees if they are satisfied with their jobs. This can be through meetings or surveys, questionnaires, and interviews. However, it is important to mention that the employee may not be fully honest, as they may simply want to keep their job even if they are not satisfied with it.

Employee turnover is also a good barometer for job satisfaction. If a company goes through many employees, it is likely that those employees are not happy. A couple of other external things that can be looked into include whether the employee is frequently absent from work and how productive they are on the job. For example, if an employee takes many days off or is simply not productive at their job, they are probably not satisfied with it.

Benefits of Job Satisfaction

There are quite a few benefits of job satisfaction. Let's look at the most important ones.

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• Better productivity: If an employee is satisfied with their job, they can perform better at it and be more focused. This, in turn, leads to better productivity, which is obviously beneficial for the employer but can also benefit the employee, with increased pay or even recognition as a valued worker.
• Improved revenue: If a person is happy with their job and is productive, it is more likely that they will help to increase the company's revenue.
• Decreased employee turnover: If a worker is satisfied with their job, they won’t miss many days and should stay longer at the company. This is a benefit for both the employee and the employer.
• Increased customer satisfaction: If a company provides its workers with competitive pay, a safe work environment, and a positive place to work, it should lead to better job satisfaction. Because of that, the workers will be productive, which can then lead to better customer satisfaction, with those customers getting what they want.
• An improved feeling of self-worth: It is pretty easy to see that if a person has job satisfaction, they have an enhanced sense of self-worth, which can benefit all aspects of their life. 

What Contributes to Job Satisfaction? 

Job satisfaction is not easy and involves paying attention to the workplace and how it operates. As mentioned above, job satisfaction is beneficial to both the employee and the employer. Companies should always strive to give their workers all the tools they need to be happy and productive in their jobs. This is especially the case for hybrid work since the employee is not always physically in the workplace.

Three key factors in achieving this include having an open line of communication, recognising employees for a job well done, and providing opportunities for growth.

Open Communication

If a workplace has open communication between the workforce and the employers, it helps foster a better and happier workplace. Being able to communicate between the two factions also fosters better productivity and better well-being for the workers and the company as a whole.

Being Recognised

If an employee is recognised for their good work, it can help bring about job satisfaction. While it can be through financial incentives, it can also be from a manager or boss telling an employee they are doing a good job. On the flip side, if an employee is not recognised for the good job they are doing, what is their incentive to keep doing it? 

Growth Opportunities

Providing workers with advancement opportunities in the company can bring about better job satisfaction. The worker knows that they can advance in the company and make more money by being productive, so they have an incentive to stay with the company and do what is needed to advance.

A Hybrid Work Environment 

While we have mostly discussed job satisfaction and its importance, it is now time to touch on a hybrid working environment. With the COVID-19 pandemic, many employers had to switch to a hybrid or fully remote working environment. A hybrid and desk-sharing environment can lead to better job satisfaction for several reasons.

First, employees in a hybrid work situation do not have to physically be at work to perform their jobs. This can be beneficial to the employee in terms of travel and simply working from the comfort of their own home. It can give an employee a great sense of self-worth knowing that an employer trusts them to do their job even though they are not physically where the company is located. This self-worth can be incredibly beneficial to job satisfaction, as the worker knows the employer trusts them to do their job no matter where they are.

Here are some other key benefits of a hybrid work & desk sharing work environment:

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• Better productivity: Studies have shown that a hybrid working environment can increase productivity. Workers do not have to commute, and they can work in an environment tailored to their preferences.
• Better mental health: We all know that some workplaces can harm mental health. Flexibility in where an employee chooses to work can lead to more engagement in their work, which can lead to better mental health and a more engaged worker.
• The cost factor: This is a mutually beneficial factor for both the employee and the employer. The employee saves on costs such as travel expenses, food, and work clothing, while the employer can benefit from office space costs, utility costs, and more.
• More talent: In a hybrid working environment, companies have fewer geographical limitations and can hire from a broader talent pool. This can give them an edge in the market and bring about more job satisfaction from employees hired for their skills and not just their location

Desk Sharing Software For More Job Satisfaction 

Desk sharing software, such as Flexopus, can foster job satisfaction. Software such as this can help to save time, offer convenience for a hybrid workplace, and contribute to job satisfaction. Flexopus desk sharing software can integrate into a company and adapt to its needs. Through the software, you can seamlessly organise the work of hybrid teams, giving you the best chance to succeed. With software such as the one that Flexopus offers, you can take care of:

• Workplace booking
• Parking management
• Room booking
• Meeting room displays

Conclusion: How Important is Job Satisfaction?

Job satisfaction is hard to measure. However, the answer to “does job satisfaction affect job performance” is yes. Several factors lead to job satisfaction, and with today’s ever-changing work environment, desk-sharing software can be of great help.