Discover the most and least satisfying jobs, according to a comprehensive study of 59,000 people and 263 occupations. Find out which careers spark happiness and fulfillment.
Some jobs are more satisfying than others, and they’re not necessarily the ones with a high income or a lot of prestige. Your job can have a big impact on your overall life satisfaction.
Job satisfaction is a measure of an employee's overall happiness and fulfillment in their job.
It encompasses various aspects, including work-life balance, career growth opportunities, and relationships with colleagues and supervisors.
Research suggests that employees who experience high job satisfaction are more productive, have better physical and mental health, and exhibit higher levels of creativity and innovation.
According to a Gallup survey, employees who are engaged at work show a 23% increase in productivity and a 21% decrease in absenteeism.
What makes a satisfying job?
Scientists have uncovered the most satisfying jobs by analysing 59,000 people and 263 occupations. Kätlin Anni at the University of Tartu in Estonia and her colleagues dived into data from the Estonian Biobank, doing what they say is probably the most comprehensive and rigorous study yet on satisfaction differences between jobs.
The top 5 most satisfying jobs
While donating blood for the biobank project, all the participants completed a survey that asked about their job satisfaction. The results showed that certain occupations were more likely to make people happy and fulfilled.
According to the research, the top 5 most satisfying jobs are:
Research suggests that satisfying jobs provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to increased job satisfaction and reduced turnover rates.
According to a Gallup survey, employees who are engaged at work have 26% higher well-being and 23% lower stress levels.
Satisfying jobs often involve autonomy, mastery, and purpose, which can be achieved through tasks that align with an individual's values and strengths.
Additionally, a study by Harvard Business Review found that employees who experience a sense of flow in their work are more likely to report high job satisfaction.
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Artists
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Writers
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Designers
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Musicians
- Teachers
These jobs tend to involve creativity, autonomy, and a sense of purpose, which can contribute to overall life satisfaction. ‘It turns out that certain occupations offer more opportunities for creativity, autonomy, and personal fulfillment, which are key drivers of overall life satisfaction.’
The bottom 5 least satisfying jobs
On the other hand, some jobs were found to be less satisfying than others. The bottom 5 least satisfying jobs are:
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Data Entry Clerks
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Telemarketing Agents
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Bank Tellers
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Customer Service Representatives
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Manufacturing Line Workers
These jobs often involve repetitive tasks, limited autonomy, and a high level of stress, which can take a toll on workers’ mental health.
Why do job satisfaction levels vary?
The study’s findings highlight the importance of considering factors beyond just income and prestige when evaluating job satisfaction. It turns out that certain occupations offer more opportunities for creativity, autonomy, and personal fulfillment, which are key drivers of overall life satisfaction. By understanding what makes a satisfying job, we can work towards creating a better work environment that supports our mental health and well-being.
Job satisfaction is a measure of an employee's overall happiness and fulfillment in their job.
According to Gallup, employees who are engaged at work have higher productivity, better physical health, and lower turnover rates.
Factors influencing job satisfaction include fair compensation, opportunities for growth, and positive working relationships.
A survey by Glassdoor found that 77% of employees would consider leaving their current job if they didn't feel valued by their employer.
Employers can improve job satisfaction by providing regular feedback, recognizing employee contributions, and promoting work-life balance.
- newscientist.com | The most – and least – satisfying jobs out there, according to science
