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Updated on 01/14/2026
Do you ever wonder how satisfied people are at work?
The modern workplace is rapidly evolving. Remote work, emphasis on skills over degrees, and a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, reshape how we feel about our jobs.
With employees spending roughly a third of their lives at work, having a healthy work-life balance has never been more important.
Let’s examine the latest statistics to give you an idea of job satisfaction. These statistics reveal what makes employees tick, what drives them away, and what truly matters in workplace happiness.
Here's what we're going to cover:
Factors Influencing Job Satisfaction Statistics
Demographic Variations in Job Satisfaction Statistics
Consequences of Low Job Satisfaction
15 Ways to Increase Job Satisfaction
And much more…let’s get started!
7 General Job Satisfaction Statistics
Let's start with a broad view of workers’ satisfaction at work. Recent surveys and studies paint an interesting picture of workplace happiness.
Here's what global data tells us about how employees feel about their jobs.
A recent survey shows that 39 percent of people see their job as a key part of their identity. This feeling is even stronger among those with advanced degrees, where 53 percent consider their career central to their identity. (Pew Research Center=
Global workplace happiness hit a record high in 2023, with 23 percent of employees saying they're thriving at work - the highest number
Gallup
has seen since they started tracking this data in 2009.
Job satisfaction in the US keeps climbing. The latest data from 2022 shows that 62.3 percent of workers are happy with their jobs – the highest percentage ever recorded in over 35 years of tracking.
For comparison, this is a significant jump from 2020, when only 56.8 percent of workers reported being satisfied with their jobs.
The benefits of happy workers are clear: A study by economists at the University of Warwick showed that happy employees are 12% more productive. More recent studies by the University of Oxford found that delighted employees are 31 percent more productive than their less satisfied colleagues.
When employees are pleased with their jobs, they're 87 percent more likely to stay with their company.
Companies with happy employees perform 20 percent better than their competitors.
98% of workers surveyed by Indeed said they performed better when they felt confident.
It's not as simple as a good paycheck or fancy office perks. Today's employees look for a mix of different factors that add up to true job satisfaction.
So, let's break down the key elements that statistics show matter most to today's workforce!
15 Job Satisfaction Statistics on Compensation and Benefits
Let's face it – money will always be a part of how you feel about your job.
The latest data shows exactly how much your salary and benefits impact your work satisfaction.
People who earn more tend to be happier with all aspects of their jobs, including their benefits, training opportunities, and chances for promotion.
While pay is important, it's not everything - only 20 percent of employees who quit in 2022 left primarily because of salary and benefits concerns. (Work Institute)
A Pew Research study found that 51 percent of workers like their jobs overall, but only 34 percent are truly happy with their paychecks.
The income gap makes a difference: 57 percent of people from high-income households are satisfied with their jobs, with 49 percent happy about their pay.
In contrast, only 45 percent of workers from low-income households like their jobs, and just 25 percent are content with their salary.
Pay satisfaction shows the biggest gap between happy and unhappy workers - there's a 57.4 percent difference between those planning to stay and those looking to leave.
Alaska leads the way in employee happiness with a score of 69.96, helped by good pay ($52,000 average) and shorter work weeks (31.3 hours).
Massachusetts pays the most, with average earnings of $58,450, yet ranks 11th in worker happiness.
People who found new jobs during the pandemic are 3.6 percent happier than those who stayed put, likely due to higher salaries in their new roles. (McKinsey)
Among employees who want to stay at their jobs, 83.4 percent are happy with their pay.
Workers who changed jobs since 2020 rate their pay satisfaction at 66.4 percent, while those who stayed in their pre-pandemic jobs rate it at 55.6 percent.
63% of people have never asked a coworker about their pay. (Indeed)
75% are more likely to apply for a job if the salary range is listed, and 56% are more likely to apply for a company they don’t recognize if salary range is provided (Indeed)
84% of employees who believe they are being paid fairly are more engaged and productive at work, and 83% feel more confident. (Indeed)
80% of 1,500 people surveyed said fair pay is a top consideration when accepting a new job. (Indeed)
7 Work-Life Balance on Job Satisfaction
Maintaining a healthy balance between professional and personal life has become increasingly important in today's fast-paced world
These numbers show exactly how work-life balance affects overall job satisfaction.
One in four employees (26 percent) quit their job because of work-life balance concerns in 2022. (PwC)
Despite having paid time off, half of workers don't use all their vacation days. Many worry about falling behind at work or creating extra work for their colleagues, while some simply feel they don't need the time off. (Hacker News)
Two-thirds of employees feel their work hours are just right. Interestingly, lower-paid workers often want more hours, while those earning more typically feel overworked. (International Labour Organization)
An overwhelming 95 percent of workers say that work-life balance is essential for their job satisfaction.
Flexible work hours matter a lot - 83 percent of employees say it's one of the main things that keeps them happy at work. (Forbes)
When companies take mental health seriously and provide support, it makes a difference - 70 percent of workers report higher job satisfaction at these companies. (National Institutes of nHealth)
Companies that actively support work-life balance see much happier employees, with satisfaction rates 25 percent higher than at other organizations.
4 Work Environment Statistics
Everything from office culture to team dynamics shapes employee job satisfaction.
Office design, collaborative spaces, and workplace atmosphere contribute to daily employee experiences.
Let's look at what the data says about creating spaces where people want to work and stay productive.
In 2022, workplace culture and engagement were the biggest reasons people left their jobs, accounting for 40 percent of all departures. (EMEA)
Pay isn't the only thing keeping people at their jobs. Good leadership, a positive company culture, and a healthy work-life balance play just as big a role in whether employees stay or go.
Nearly 9 in 10 workers say getting along with their colleagues makes them happier at work. (CNBC)
Having friends at the office makes a huge difference - employees who've built friendships at work are 50 percent more satisfied with their jobs.
6 Career Development Statistics
Growth opportunities significantly influence how employees feel about their jobs.
Companies are increasingly recognizing that workers want more than just a steady paycheck - they want to make sure they have a chance to grow in their career.
These statistics highlight how professional development and advancement possibilities affect overall workplace satisfaction.
72 percent of workers say they're happier when their job includes variety and chances to learn new things. (Addison Group)
Two-thirds of employees want to be challenged - 65 percent say tackling difficult tasks makes their job more satisfying.
Career growth matters a lot - 79 percent of workers say clear opportunities for advancement make them more satisfied at work.
Young workers care more about career paths than older ones do. About 60 percent of employees aged 18-34 say this is crucial, while only 45 percent of those over 50 feel the same. (Flair HR)
Three out of four employees say having access to training makes them happier at work. (Survey Monkey
Companies see 34 percent higher satisfaction rates among their workers when they invest in employee development.
19 Employee Recognition and Retention Statistics
Feeling valued at work is essential.
Organizations worldwide are discovering that appreciation goes beyond occasional rewards or annual reviews – it's about creating a culture of continuous recognition.
The numbers show clearly how consistent acknowledgment and appreciation drive employee satisfaction and engagement.
Most employees today get standard employer benefits, including paid time off, health insurance, and retirement plans.
When it comes to benefits, workers value health insurance most, followed by retirement plans and paid time off for vacations and doctor visits.
Employee retention is a major concern for 93 percent of companies, especially since first-year turnover is 20 percent higher now than before the pandemic. (LinkedIn report)
Workers who want to quit their jobs report low satisfaction - just 19.9 percent.
In contrast, employees who want to stay at their jobs are much happier, with 76.3 percent satisfaction.
Workplace relationships play a huge role in job satisfaction: interactions with colleagues affect 39 percent of an employee's work experience. (McKinsey)
Manager relationships matter even more - they influence 86 percent of how satisfied employees feel at work.
More than half of U.S. workers (56 percent) plan to look for new jobs in 2024.
Job security is a growing concern - one in 10 American workers worry about keeping their jobs, likely due to recent layoffs.
The Great Resignation had some positive outcomes, with job changers reporting 65.7 percent satisfaction in their new roles.
Those who stayed at their jobs reported slightly lower satisfaction at 62.1 percent.
Among job changers, 61 percent like their training opportunities, versus 44.5 percent of those who stayed put. (International Labour Organization)
Mental health support is better at new jobs - 60 percent of job changers are happy with their company's policies.
Career growth looks better for job changers too - 62 percent see good opportunities, compared to 50 percent of those who stayed.
Nearly two-thirds of workers (64 percent) want better feedback from their managers. (All Voices survey)
Employee recognition is improving - 52.1 percent felt appreciated last year.
That's up from 48.4 percent the year before.
About half of the American workers (49 percent) are very satisfied with the feedback they get at work. (Pew Research Center)
When employees feel their voice matters, they're 4.6 times more likely to perform well at work.
Demographic Variations in Job Satisfaction Statistics
Not everyone experiences workplace satisfaction the same way.
Different demographic groups report varying satisfaction levels based on unique challenges and experiences they face.
Understanding these differences helps organizations create more tailored approaches to employee satisfaction.
Gender Differences
The data reveals distinct patterns in how men and women experience job satisfaction.
Factors like gender wage gap, advancement opportunities, and workplace culture affect each gender differently.
Recent studies have uncovered key insights into these variations and their underlying causes.
Female workers consistently demonstrate lower job satisfaction compared to their male counterparts across multiple workplace categories. Notable disparities emerge in several key areas including sick day policies, bonus plans, mental health benefit policies, and communication channels.
Male employees appear to have a more positive workplace experience, not only earning more on average but also reporting higher job satisfaction. Survey data reveals men experience elevated satisfaction levels across every job dimension. The overall job satisfaction score for participating male workers stands impressively at 64 percent, while female workers report an average satisfaction of 60.1 percent. (Select Software Reviews)
Men feel more recognized at work than women - 54.7 percent versus 48.6 percent.
The gender divide in job satisfaction becomes most pronounced when examining sick day policies. Men report a 60.4 percent satisfaction rate with these policies, in stark contrast to women's 51 percent satisfaction level, representing a significant 9.4 percentage point difference.
Bonus plans represent another arena of workplace dissatisfaction for women. Male workers report a 50.5 percent satisfaction rate with bonus structures, whereas women's satisfaction plummets to 42.3 percent, highlighting a notable 8.2 percentage point gap in perceived compensation fairness. (CESifo)
Mental health benefits further illuminate the workplace satisfaction disparity. Men demonstrate a more positive perspective, with 53 percent expressing satisfaction with the mental health support provided at their workplace. In comparison, women's satisfaction with mental health benefits sits markedly lower at 44.9 percent, underscoring a substantial 8.1 percent point difference in perceived workplace wellness support.
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Quick Tip
Do you want to know about demographic and gender differences in the workplace? Here’s all you need to know about the gender wage gap!
Race and Discrimination Statistics at the Workplace
Workplace discrimination remains a serious concern affecting employee satisfaction across industries. Research shows that racial bias impacts everything from hiring to daily workplace experiences.
Here's what the latest data reveals about racial disparities and their effects on job satisfaction.
Black workers report the highest rates of workplace racial or ethnic discrimination, with 41 percent experiencing such incidents, in contrast to only 8 percent of white workers reporting similar experiences. (Pew Research Center)
A significant majority of professionals – 74 percent – believe that companies emphasizing diversity and inclusion initiatives achieve higher levels of employee satisfaction.
Unemployment rates in 2022 revealed disparities across racial groups: Black Americans experienced rates of 6.3 percent for men and 6 percent for women, compared to around 3 percent for White and Asian men and women, and approximately 4 percent for Hispanic men and women.
When examining workplace fairness, 41 percent of Black workers report experiencing discrimination in hiring, pay, or promotions due to race or ethnicity. This contrasts sharply with other racial groups: 25 percent of Asian workers, 20 percent of Hispanic workers, and 8 percent of white workers report similar experiences.
Racial discrimination has escalated since the pandemic's onset, with particularly notable impacts on Asian and Asian American communities. In 2020, over 1,100 cases of harassment and discrimination were documented. By 2021, 58 percent of Asian Americans reported experiencing workplace discrimination. Sexual orientation discrimination accounts for 33 percent of reported employment discrimination cases.
Transgender employees face the most severe workplace discrimination, with an alarming 90 percent reporting experiencing harassment, mistreatment, or violence in their professional environments. (Williams Institute)
Workplace discrimination continues to affect minority groups significantly, with 24 percent of Hispanic and Black employees reporting discrimination in the past year. Additionally, approximately 35 percent of Native Americans have encountered workplace slurs. (Gallup)
2 Job Satisfaction Statistics Among Different Age Groups
From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, each generation brings unique expectations to the workplace.
Their career priorities, communication preferences, and work values often differ significantly.
These age-related insights help companies build better strategies for engaging employees across generations.
Job satisfaction varies significantly by age, with workers 65 years and older being the most content. Two-thirds of older employees report being extremely or very satisfied, compared to just 44 percent of workers aged 18 to 29. (Pew Research Center)
Age discrimination affects 5 percent of American workers, with older employees facing challenges like forced retirement, missed opportunities, and harassment. The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) protects legal workers 40 and older against such discriminatory practices. (U. S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
Influence of Different Work Models on Job Satisfaction
The rise of remote and hybrid work has changed everything about how we do our jobs.
Organizations now manage teams across multiple work arrangements, each impacting employee happiness differently.
Let's break down how each work model affects how employees feel about their jobs:
5 On-Site Work Job Satisfaction Statistics
Despite remote work being on the rise, traditional office work remains essential in many industries and roles.
That said, the office environment continues to evolve to meet changing employee expectations.
Current data reveals how on-site workers view their satisfaction compared to other work models.
Employers' recent calls for a return to full-time office models have encountered substantial pushback. A Deloitte survey found that two-thirds (66 percent) of remote and hybrid workers would likely resign if mandatory full-time office attendance were implemented.
Technological infrastructure emerges as another critical factor, with 80 percent of employees asserting that having the necessary tools and technology positively affects their workplace experience and satisfaction.
Workplace environment plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction, with 84 percent of employees reporting that a comfortable, ergonomically designed workspace directly influences their job contentment. (Research Gate)
According to the SSR survey, 69.8 percent of workers declared they would willingly endure a two-hour commute for a job they genuinely desire, rather than settling for a mediocre position located mere minutes from home.
The impact of the physical work environment is further underscored by the fact that 73 percent of workers believe natural light significantly enhances mood and productivity, thereby increasing overall job satisfaction. (Flair HR)
3 Hybrid Work Job Satisfaction Statistics
The blend of office and remote work has created a unique dynamic in employees' lifestyles.
For this reason, organizations are still fine-tuning the right balance between home and office time.
Recent studies show how this flexible approach affects employee satisfaction and productivity:
Hybrid work arrangements emerged as the sweet spot for job satisfaction, outperforming both fully remote and fully on-premises work models. While hybrid workers showed marginally lower job security satisfaction, they reported higher contentment with pay, benefits, and professional development opportunities.
The Conference Board's research attributes the recent surge in worker satisfaction primarily to the expansion of remote and hybrid work policies. Work/life balance saw a remarkable jump, with 60.1 percent of surveyed workers expressing satisfaction—a 5.8 percentage point increase from 2021, representing the most significant improvement across all job satisfaction metrics.
Among the various work models, hybrid workers consistently reported the highest satisfaction scores across most dimensions. Interestingly, on-premises employees maintained the strongest sense of job security, with 68.3 percent expressing confidence in their employment stability.
9 Remote Work Job Satisfaction Statistics
Working from home has increasingly become the status quo in 2026 - and this shift has started since 2020.
The data shows how remote work continues to impact overall job satisfaction and engagement:
The National Institute of Health published findings on work-related well-being that state working from home increased the likelihood of job stress by 26 percent.
Despite an increase in workplace stress, the same study found remote work increased the likelihood of job satisfaction by 67 percent.
A rigorous work schedule is the enemy of job satisfaction. The report cited above found that changes in job schedules decreased the likelihood of job stress by 20 percent and increased the likelihood of job satisfaction by 60 percent — a testament to how much workers value flexibility in when and where they work.
The freedom to take time off work more than doubled the likelihood of job satisfaction.
Other components of job satisfaction related to remote work are commute (67.7 percent satisfaction, up from 66.4 percent in 2021) and flexi-time policies (54.2 percent satisfaction, up from 52.4 percent in 2021).
As one would expect, remote workers are the most satisfied with their working environment. 70.2 percent are happy with their everyday surroundings, while 64.6 percent of in-office workers said the same.
Remote workers, with a score of 58.7 percent feel the least secure about their employment.
Among people who temporarily left the workforce in recent years and returned, the top reason for returning to the workforce, cited by 44 percent of respondents, was the promise of workplace flexibility. (McKinsey)
Notably, two of the top ten U.S. states with the highest percentage of remote workers in 2023 also rank among the top five on the SSR Employee Happiness Index. Specifically, these states are Colorado and Minnesota.
23 Statistics on Consequences of Low Job Satisfaction
Employee dissatisfaction can affect the entire company. Low satisfaction leads to higher turnover, reduced productivity, and poorer customer service.
These statistics reveal just how much unhappy employees can cost a business.
Organizations face staggering financial losses between $450 billion to $550 billion annually due to disengaged employees. (Gallup)
Globally, 65 percent of employees report experiencing some degree of job dissatisfaction, highlighting a widespread workplace challenge.
The potential for workplace disruption is significant, with 1 in 3 workers contemplating resignation within the next year due to their dissatisfaction.
High job dissatisfaction correlates with a 25 percent increase in employee turnover rates for affected companies.
Unsatisfied employees contribute to substantial productivity losses, with businesses losing an average of 15 workdays per year per discontented worker. (McKinsey)
The financial impact of employee replacement is substantial, ranging from 50 percent to 200 percent of an employee's annual salary. (SHRM)
Absenteeism from low job satisfaction results in a 20 percent reduction in team productivity.
Loyalty appears fragile, with only 40 percent of unsatisfied employees expressing commitment to their current employer. (HR Cloud)
Dissatisfied employees are 50 percent more likely to avoid optional company events or training opportunities.
A striking 30 percent of unsatisfied employees cannot envision themselves in their current role beyond two years.
Companies experiencing high job dissatisfaction observe a 20 percent decline in overall productivity.
Unengaged employees spend approximately 2 hours daily not fully focused on their tasks. (Pollack Peacebuilding)
Low job satisfaction correlates with a 15 percent decrease in business profitability. Research Gate)
Employees with low job satisfaction are three times more likely to report depression symptoms.
Work-related stress affects 45 percent of workers experiencing job dissatisfaction. (International Labour Organization)
1 in 4 unsatisfied employees has sought counseling for work-related mental health concerns.
Sleep disturbances plague 35 percent of employees with low job satisfaction. (National Institutes of Health)
2 in 5 dissatisfied employees report physical ailments like headaches or back pain directly linked to work stress.
Unsatisfied employees take 20 percent more sick days compared to their satisfied colleagues. (UNUM)
The global economy suffers an estimated $450 billion annual loss due to low job satisfaction.
Companies with high job satisfaction experience a 30 percent higher annual stock price growth. (Science Direct)
Businesses with satisfied employees achieve a 20 percent higher customer satisfaction rate.
Teams with more than two members expressing job dissatisfaction face a 40 percent decrease in collaborative effectiveness.
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Quick Tip
To figure out how to raise employee satisfaction and avoid these consequences, read these 80+ HR statistics and trends for 2026!
11 Ways to Increase Job Satisfaction
Research has identified clear strategies that boost workplace happiness and organizations that put them into practice see real results.
Companies using these methods consistently report better retention and engagement rates.
Let's look at specific steps any business can take to improve employee satisfaction:
Research what employees want. Regular surveys and feedback sessions help companies understand their workforce's changing needs and preferences.
Ensure employees get respect. Creating a culture of mutual respect makes people feel valued and more engaged in their work.
Review pay and benefits packages. Regular compensation reviews and competitive benefits show employees their value and motivate them.
Enhance job security. Clear communication about company stability and plans helps employees feel more secure.
Create opportunities for skill development. Providing chances to learn and grow keeps employees engaged and helps them advance their careers.
Improve supervisor relationships. Training managers in effective leadership and communication directly impacts team satisfaction.
Demonstrate organizational stability. Transparent communication about company performance and plans builds trust.
Recognize job performance. Regular acknowledgment of achievements, both big and small, boosts morale and motivation.
Prioritize corporate social responsibility. Supporting community initiatives helps employees feel proud of their workplace.
Welcome ideas from all levels. Creating channels for employee input makes everyone feel like a valued contributor.
Create an inviting workspace. A comfortable, well-designed office environment supports productivity and well-being.
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Key Takeaways
And that's the end of our article. The data tells us a lot about what makes employees happy at work and how different factors influence workplace satisfaction.
Before you go, let's do a quick recap of the most important findings from our research:
Global job satisfaction is trending upward, with 23 percent of employees worldwide reporting "thriving at work" - the highest level ever recorded by Gallup.
While money remains important, it accounts for only 20 percent of reasons people leave their jobs, showing that factors like culture and growth opportunities play equally crucial roles.
Remote work increases job satisfaction by 67 percent, despite raising stress levels by 26 percent, highlighting how flexibility impacts employee happiness.
Demographic differences are significant - men report higher job satisfaction (64 percent) than women (60.1 percent), and older workers are generally more satisfied than younger ones.
Work relationships matter tremendously - 88 percent of employees say positive relationships with colleagues enhance job satisfaction, while employee-management relationships account for 86 percent of job satisfaction.
Low job satisfaction has serious business impacts, costing organizations between $450-550 billion annually through reduced productivity and higher turnover.
Companies that actively promote work-life balance see 25 percent higher employee satisfaction rates, showing the importance of supporting employee wellbeing.
Well-designed workspaces make a difference - 84 percent of employees report that a comfortable, ergonomically designed workplace directly impacts their satisfaction.
