Why Workers Are Happier With Their Job Than Ever Before

Workers report the highest satisfaction with their jobs, as unemployment rates are low, average wage increases are on par with inflation, and more workers are in hybrid jobs.

Business insight and analysis organization The Conference Board’s most recent Job Satisfaction survey found that American workers were the happiest since the survey started in 1987, with more than two-thirds of workers reporting satisfaction with their jobs. The survey was conducted in January and published last week.

Workers, however, are not satisfied across the board. While overall satisfaction jumped, workers under 25 reported declining satisfaction. Only 57% of workers in that age group said they were satisfied with their jobs, while 72% of their counterparts who are 55 and older were.

Certain economic factors were the most likely to have impacted workers’ satisfaction rates.

For example, job satisfaction levels have risen significantly since the post-pandemic surge in open jobs, which has allowed many workers to self-select jobs that more closely align with their preferences and interests.

In addition, the average American worker’s wages have risen in line with inflation increases, which is “likely lifting perceptions of financial well-being among incumbent workers,” wrote researchers for The Conference Board.

Satisfaction with work arrangements has also increased, likely reflecting higher amounts of hybrid jobs, which are often associated with higher job satisfaction. In addition, more workers felt better about their work culture, reporting the highest level of engagement in their job, intent to stay, level of effort, level of mental health, and sense of belonging since these questions were included in the survey three years ago.