Workers Have Job Satisfaction, but Dislike Change

By Dennis McCafferty | Posted 2017-06-27

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Workers Have Job Satisfaction, but Dislike Change

Job satisfaction and motivation among employees remain high, but workers who experience changes on the job are more likely to suffer from chronic stress.
Happy Days

76% of the more than 1,500 employees who took part in the research said they are satisfied with their job.
Fully Engaged

77% said they are motivated to do their "very best" for their employer, and 60% said their organization makes them feel valued.
Favorable Arrangement

66% of the employees surveyed said they are happy with their work-life balance.
Well-Done

59% said they are satisfied with the way their organization recognizes employees' work contributions.
Two-Way Street

69% said their company regularly communicates with employees, and their employer routinely seeks feedback from staffers.
Top Work Issues That Cause Stress

Low pay: 47%, Lack of opportunity for advancement: 42%, Heavy workloads: 39%
Coping Mechanisms

62% of the employees surveyed said they have the resources they need to manage stress during the work day.
Wave of Change

50% said they have either been affected by organizational changes within the past year, are currently being affected or expect to be affected over the coming year.
Taking a Toll

55% of workers experiencing recent, current or anticipated change said they suffer from chronic work stress, compared to just 22% of employees who aren't experiencing change.
Cordial Colleagues

85% of the employees surveyed said they have a positive relationship with their co-workers, and 75% said the same about their boss.
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All employees have some gripes about work, but most of us are satisfied with our job, according to a recent survey from the American Psychological Association (APA). The "2017 Work and Well-Being Survey" reports that overall indicators are encouraging: The vast majority of professionals are motivated to do their "very best" for their employer, and most feel valued at work. The employees surveyed have the resources required to manage stress, and most are even content with the state of their work-life balance. There is one dynamic, however, that can reverse such sentiments: change. In fact, those who experience recent, current or anticipated changes on the job are more likely to suffer from chronic stress. "Change is inevitable in organizations, and when it happens, leadership often underestimates the impact those changes have on employees," said David Ballard, head of APA's Center for Organizational Excellence. "If they damage their relationship with employees, ratchet up stress levels, and create a climate of negativity and cynicism in the process, managers can wind up undermining the very change efforts they're trying to promote." More than 1,500 employees took part in the research, which was conducted by Harris Poll.

Dennis McCafferty is a freelance writer for Baseline Magazine.