Rising Job Satisfaction Numbers Mask Hidden Concerns in the U.S. Workforce

Despite data showing an overall increase in job satisfaction reaching its highest level since 1987, a survey published by The Conference Board also found that U.S. workers are less satisfied across all 26 specific subcategories of job satisfaction compared to 2022.  

According to the research, the 26 subcategories of job satisfaction include areas like wages, job security, commutes to work, and organizational culture, among others. 

In the survey, 62.7% of U.S. workers reported being satisfied with their jobs in 2023 — which was only a minor increase compared to 62.3% in 2022. The report suggests that the slowing overall growth and decrease amongst the subcategories signals a potential plateau in the long-term trend of increasing job satisfaction over the past 13 years. 

Although job satisfaction is the highest since the survey began 37 years ago, the research also highlights the persistently growing disparities between genders in the workforce. 

According to a report on the data published by The Wall Street Journal, the study reveals that women are generally much less satisfied than men across nearly all measurements of job satisfaction. Men reported, on average, a higher satisfaction rate than women (65% vs. 60%), and the gap reflects differences in how both genders perceive financial benefits. 

According to the survey, the largest disparities in job satisfaction for women pertain to “bonuses, growth opportunities, and mental and physical health benefits.” 

Overall, (men and women included) the data also reveals that the rise in job dissatisfaction has been notably steep for categories like wages, promotions, health plans, and bonuses. 

Workers with six months to three years of tenure reported the lowest overall job satisfaction. Additionally, job security remains a big concern for many employees, with nearly a quarter (23%) of CEOs surveyed earlier in the year by The Conference Board indicating they anticipate layoffs in the coming year.  

The survey data also showed work culture and flexibility have become increasingly significant factors in job satisfaction. Remote and hybrid workers expressed the highest satisfaction, compared to those who work fully on-site. 

Amid a cooling job market in the U.S., and persistent economic uncertainties surrounding inflation, rising living costs, and wage stagnation, efforts to improve or maintain high workers’ job satisfaction could prove challenging