Agence France Presse

Washington, March 1:

Americans are increasingly dissatisfied with their jobs compared with a decade ago, with discontent especially high in the age group of 35-44, a survey stated. Just 50 per cent reported being satisfied with their jobs, compared with 60 per cent in 1995, The Conference Board report stated. The survey found a decline in job satisfaction among workers of all ages and across all income brackets — but largest decline in overall job satisfaction, from 60.9 per cent to 49.2 per cent, occurred among workers 35-44. And the survey concluded that about one of every found workers is simply ‘showing up to collect a paycheck,’ the report found.

Money was a factor but did not explain the overall results. The survey found that 55 per cent of workers earning more than $50,000 annually are satisfied with their jobs, but only 14 per cent claim they are ‘very satisfied.’ At the other end of the pay scale — workers earning less than $15,000 — about 45 per cent of workers are satisfied, but only 17 per cent express a strong level of satisfaction.

“Rapid technological changes, rising productivity demands and changing employee expectations have all contributed to the decline in job satisfaction,” said Lynn Franco, director of business group’s Consumer Research Centre, “As large numbers of baby boomers prepare to leave the work force, they will be increasingly replaced by younger workers, who tend to be as dissatisfied with their jobs, but have different attitudes and expectations about the role of work in their lives. This transition will present a new challenge for employers.” The survey also found that workers are least satisfied with their companies bonus plans, promotion policies, health plans and pensions. The majority are most satisfied with their commutes to work and their relationships with colleagues.

“Less than one-third of all supervisors and managers are perceived to be strong leaders,” says Shubhra Ramchandani of TNS, which conducted the survey for the Conference Board, “The Enron/Worldcom era of corporate scandals and the outsourcing of jobs have increased the level of employee discontent. Shrugging off employee disengagement would be a disastrous, short-sighted view creating lasting global repercussions for American business.”

The smallest decline occurred among workers 65 and over. Overall job satisfaction declined from 60.8 per cent to 58 per cent, making this group the most satisfied with their jobs.

The report was based on a sample of 5,000 US households.