Good news: US workers are happier than ever

By Kirstie McDermott

Workers voted with their feet during the pandemic and if a job didn't serve them, they simply left it and got something that was a better fit. This sentiment was so widespread that it gave rise to what we now call the "Great Resignation".

It was a massive upheaval: about 50.5 million people quit their jobs in 2022, compared to 47.8 million in 2021, according to Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey data.

American workers quit in unprecedented numbers for many reasons, including taking advantage of a tight labor market that meant coming by more money was far easier, especially for those who switched jobs.

For those simply dissatisfied with work, or those in hostile work environments, the appeal of jumping ship is obvious. Remote work also expanded opportunities for US workers, as they could suddenly look at national jobs as opposed to only looking for local ones.

There were other factors affecting job moves too, for example among those with limited opportunities for career advancement, a lack of benefits, and inflexible remote-work policies.

Moving on

But it's now 2023, and the dust has settled on the Great Resignation, so where do US workers find themselves?

Job satisfaction hit a 36-year high in 2022, according to new data from the business-research organization Conference Board. Last year, 62.3% of U.S. workers said they were satisfied with their jobs, compared to 60.2% in 2021, and 56.8% in 2020.

Workers were polled on 26 aspects of work, and the results found that workers are now most content with their commutes, their co-workers, the physical environment of their workplace and their job security.

Two reasons emerged as the main drivers of worker happiness. The quality of jobs improved as wages and work flexibility increased, and US employees also got the chance to move into positions that were a better fit for them.

Greater availability of hybrid work is a factor in employee happiness levels. As it gives a level of flexibility many workers never had before 2020, hybrid work models offer employees the chance to get work done when, how, and where they're most productive.

Fewer time-consuming commutes (and less money spent on transport) plus more family time combined with in-office days for strategy and meetings, are also really appealing for many.

If you would like to dial up your happiness with your workplace, then the Employee Benefit News Job Board should be your first destination. Packed full of great opportunities, discover three of those below.

HR Analyst, BrandSafway, Atlanta
A leading provider of specialized services to the global industrial, commercial and infrastructure markets, BrandSafway has a vacancy on its growing HR team for a HR Analyst who will be responsible for division based HR-related data analytics. You will maintain all division leadership and SG&A employee records, update items through data entry from workflow requests including new hires, terminations, rate changes, promotions, and address changes, maintain the division's employee Census data and assist with the employee performance process. You will need a Bachelor's degree in HR, or a related field and three to five years' of experience in HR processes and analytics. See all the requirements here.

People Operations Coordinator, Sana Benefits, Remote
Sana Benefits is seeking a highly organized and efficient People Ops Coordinator to join the team and assist in managing the day-to-day operations of its HR and recruitment functions. The ideal candidate will have a strong attention to detail, excellent communication skills, and a proven ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities. You'll enable frictionless touchpoints for employees across their lifecycle at Sana, from onboarding to offboarding and everything in between, own the accuracy of people operations systems (e.g. HRIS), ensuring employee records are updated, and document People Ops processes and track workflows for thorough completion. You will need one year of work experience with an interest in a people or talent career, and strong attention to detail, with excellent organizational skills. Find out more about this position.

Oracle Cloud HCM - Benefits Lead, Cognizant Technology Solutions, Chicago
Cognizant Technology Solutions is seeking an Oracle Cloud HCM - Benefits Lead, who is expert in the Oracle Cloud HCM product suite benefits. You will understand client business requirements, configure the Oracle Cloud HCM solution, demonstrate the configurations through the development of prototype systems, and assist the client in testing the solution. Additionally you'll work with the client to help convert legacy data, complete work assigned by the project manager within the budgeted time allocated and assist the integration consulting team in helping to build, configure and test integrations between HCM and third party/custom solutions. To apply, you'll need a minimum of two full life cycle implementations of Oracle Cloud Benefits, along with six years' implementing human capital management solutions, as well as previous consulting experience with a consulting/software company. To see all the requirements for this role click here.

For thousands more options visit the Employee Benefit News Job Board today