JOB satisfaction is an important part of today’s workforce, influencing not only individual well-being but also an organization’s success and employee retention.
In the Philippines, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), knowing the elements that contribute to job satisfaction is critical, especially among the burgeoning Gen Z workforce.
Not likely to be satisfied
According to a recent Jobstreet by SEEK’s Employee Job Happiness Index 2024 survey, Gen Zs and NCR employees are the least likely to be contented with their current occupations.
The poll asked respondents to score their satisfaction on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. Gen Zs were the least likely to be satisfied, with an average score of 4.28 out of the highest rating.
“This may be inferred from a widening gap of perceptions when it comes to work culture and work-life balance among younger and older colleagues,” said the leading online job portal, Jobstreet.
Employees from the NCR also had the lowest job satisfaction rating, at 4.46. According to Jobstreet, this could be due to high traffic congestion and difficult mobility, making the commute to work stressful for employees.
This prompted republicasia to speak with a few Gen Zs who are already in the workforce. Asking about their thoughts on why the current generation is dissatisfied with their work.
Let’s talk about it
In an interview, news analyst Ian Capati says there are numerous reasons why Gen Z and NCR workers are dissatisfied with their current jobs, particularly in metropolitan regions.
“Unang-una kasi diyan ay ang mataas ang expectations ng Gen Z pagdating sa work-life balance at career growth. As a Gen Z myself, I can attest to that. Gusto ko may patutunguhan ang tinatahak ko na career,” he explained.
“Gusto ng mga karamihan sa amin ay maging bahagi ng isang kumpanya na nagbibigay ng halaga sa aming well-being at nag-o-offer ng mga oportunidad para mag-improve personally and professionally.”
However, Capati argues that these requirements are often not met, particularly in urban regions where demand and pressure are at an all-time high. Not to mention the mental issues that this generation endures.
Meanwhile, 24-year-old Reymond Santos says it is difficult for this generation to live paycheck to paycheck given that the expenses continue to rise, while wages do not increase.
“It just stacks up you know, yung pagod mo sa trabaho papatungan pa ng pagod sa commute at sa panahon sa Pilipinas na titiisin mo ang napaka-init na panahon o ang bugso ng ulan,” said Santos.
“It’s like a wall that closes in on you, gusto mo makatipid = kakainin oras mo; gusto mong maging mabilis para makapag pahinga = kakainin budget mo; and so on and so forth.”
What satisfies the Gen Zs?
Gen Zs are easy to satisfy in terms of what they want in the workplace. Gaby Agbulos, a 23-year-old writer, considers only three factors while picking the ideal workplace.
“I think the three biggest factors for a Gen Z to be happy with their work are decent pay, good work-life balance, and a healthy environment,” said Agbulos.
“We work best in an environment wherein we feel that our efforts are appreciated and rewarded when needed, as well as in one that respects our boundaries not just as employees, but as people.”
“We want to work for companies who treat all their employees as equals no matter their status — one where everyone feels important. As such, this should be reflected in things like our pay, the feedback we receive, and the like.“
Capati expressed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of staff well-being. For him, Gen Zs are concerned not only with their salaries, but also with their personal finances.
“Para maging satisfied ang Gen Zs sa trabaho, kailangan bigyang-pansin ng mga kumpanya ang paglikha ng work environment na may malinaw na direksyon para sa aming career development,” said Capati.
“Bukod pa doon ay ang competitive na sahod, at maging malinaw ang konsepto ng work-life balance. Gusto natin na hindi na tayo nagtatrabaho once we get back home.”
“Hindi lang sweldo ang tinitingnan namin, gusto rin naming maramdaman na may contribution kami sa kumpanya on a greater scale. We want to become beacons of change and innovation,” he added.
Remote workers, or those employees who are working from home, scored higher on job satisfaction, with totally remote employees rating 4.82 out of 7.
It also stated that the poll found that people who work remotely are more likely to be content with their jobs, demonstrating how the pandemic impacted conceptions of work and normalized the work-from-home arrangement.
According to the study, the most important factors contributing to respondents’ job satisfaction were career development and advancement, training opportunities, and income.
