Job satisfaction falls to two-year low

The number of people satisfied with their job in the UK has plunged to a two-year low putting pressure on employers to change policies to boost productivity.

According to new figures from HR body the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development, one in four workers are looking to leave their jobs because their managers are failing to engage and retain staff.

The survey into employee attitudes found that a large number of the least satisfied worked in the private sector. Interestingly those working in firms with less than 10 employees had the highest level of job satisfaction – but they were still less satisfied than they were last August.

Over a fifth of employees said unfair management processers were their biggest bugbear, with over a quarter declaring that they did not have the chance to develop their skills in their current role. Just over a third, 36%, said they were unlikely to fulfil their career aspirations in their current role.

Regarding pay around 41% of employees said they were satisfied with current levels with 36% believing they should be paid more.

Clare McCartney, research adviser for resourcing and talent planning at CIPD, said: “Although many organisations are flatter in structure and have adopted matrix ways of working, this can mean routes for career progression are not as clear. Despite wider global economic uncertainty, employers need to think of new ways to keep their employees engaged and committed.”

That included, she added, giving employees opportunities to improve skills in different areas of a business.

Professor Sir Cary Cooper, president of the CIPD, said: “Since the recession, the nature of work has changed very dramatically. There are fewer people in the work environment, they’re doing more work than ever before. They’re feeling more job insecure, they’re working longer hours, and they’re being much more micro-managed.”