According to Forbes magazine on June 24, 2014, 52.3 % of Americans are unhappy at work based on a report by the Conference Board. The top three areas of dissatisfaction are job security, wages and promotion policy.
On wages, “Workers making more than $125,000 were the most satisfied with 64.1% saying they were happy with their compensation.” Conversely with those making less than $15,000 only 24.4% of those workers were satisfied with their jobs. Frankly, who could blame them? It is difficult to make ends meet making less than $15,000 in the US. Low wages one of the main issues discussed among the presidential candidates and it has generated the support of many Americans.
Job security is the biggest concern of employees. Only 46.6% of employees are confident in their job. In this age, no one works for the same company from being hired to retirement. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics report “Number of Jobs Held, Labor Market Activity, and Earnings growth among the Youngest Baby Boomers: Results from a Longitudinal Survey,” published in March 2015, younger baby boomers held an average of 11.7 jobs from ages 18 to 48. Since younger Americans are working longer and loyalty to employees is even less than in the Baby Boomer years, the average number of jobs will be higher for generation X, Y and the millennials.
The third area of job satisfaction is promotion policy. Many workers believe there is a glass ceiling and promotion policies have unwritten rules. Employees face many challenges when it comes to promotion. One of the biggest challenges is actually asking for a promotion or raise. According to CNBC, January 12, 2015, “Only 43% of the 31,000 respondents in a survey released by Payscale.com said they’ve asked for a raise. Another recent survey by Salary.com found 55% of employees didn’t ask for more money during the last 12 months and 23% more have never asked.”
Given the previous statistics of job satisfaction, people must realize the final decision is with the man (or woman) in the mirror. If they are not satisfied with their job, they must start out asking God for direction for fulfillment at work. Next, they have to listen for His answer. The answer may come in the form of a new idea on processes at work. Or the answer may come in a still small voice giving guidance as to the next steps that should be taken. The answer may even be as simple as a scripture read during a quiet time of meditation. One thing is certain, God leads us to a new level of satisfaction when we ask. His promises are true.
Prayer for the unhappy employee:
Father God,
“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm34:1 NKJV) I am grateful for Your many blessings. I am thankful for my current job. But, I am not totally satisfied with my career. I feel as if there is something missing. I feel that I am not where I should be. God, only you know what is best. You know the path I should take to fulfillment at work. Please anoint my thinking and assist me in making wise decisions. I trust You with my life. You know everything! Thank You for leading me to a better employment situation. I stand on your word in Psalm 32:8 (NKJV) “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye.”
In Jesus’ Name I pray,
Amen