MANAGEMENT

Does a Happy Workforce Lead to a More Profitable Organization?



Does a Happy Workforce Lead to a More Profitable Organization?

Introduction

Job satisfaction aids in identifying the degree of contentment that an individual has with its job. Job satisfaction is an employee or an incumbent's definition of sense of achievement along with the definition of success. Job satisfaction is termed as an individual's state of mind as well as the perception and the feelings associated with the nature of the work. Job Satisfaction is impacted by numerous factors, and few of them are the degree of quality relationship that exists amidst the employee and the boss, the quality of the tangible environment, degree of job security etc. The Harvard group of professionals conducted a study in 1998 which stated that job satisfaction is a vital ingredient that eventually leads to higher recognition, increments along with accomplishment of goals in an effective and efficient manner. All this will inevitably lead to a feeling of self actualization along with other factors being fulfilled. Job Satisfaction cannot be linked with motivation or the concept of aptitude however; the two factors do have an impact on Job satisfaction itself (Cranny, 1992, pp.64).

Job Satisfaction is said to be very vital attribute, which is rarely, prioritized by organizations. Organizations, in order to have an effective work force need keep a check on the level of satisfaction that a job incumbent has with his job. Although job satisfaction is intangible by nature but it can be measured. The level of job satisfaction can be measured through rating scales via which employees report their reactions to the different activities that are constituted in the job. The reporting of behavior can be done via questionnaires. Questions can be related to pay rates, set of responsibilities that the job entails, the numerous of tasks undertaken, opportunities of promotion, colleagues and subordinates and work related aspects. However, there is a concern that questionnaire might reveal the incumbents name, and it might put the job at stake. But, organizations should ensure that either the questionnaires are kept confidential, or anonymity is should be maintained (Arthur, 1998, pp.32).

Importance of Work and Organization

Putting higher levels of hard work, efforts and dedication on the job requires a higher level of self-esteem and dedication. Job responsibilities tend to lower one's self-worth and tend to induce anxiety of higher levels. Similarly, routine-oriented jobs or monotonous jobs tend to wear off an individual's level of initiation, enthusiasm and eventually lead to absenteeism. Higher absenteeism eventually leads to turnover rates.

At an organizational level, job satisfaction is mandatory as it brings forth employees that are highly motivated also brings forth quality-oriented performance. It brings about a higher output per hour which in turn boosts productivity in quality as well as in quantity.

The literature of past decades has an absence of consistency as well as correlation amidst job satisfaction and job output in terms of productivity. However, Herzberg's studies dating back to 1957 has shown correlation stating that higher the morale of ...