Job Satisfaction Drops Despite Abundant Economy, Opportunities

Compiled ByTonya Vinas It was the best of times; it was the worse of times. . . That's the "Tale of Two Job Markets," according to the Conference Board. The business information group has released the results of a survey that show U.S. workers are less satisfied with their jobs today than they were five years ago -- despite a vibrant U.S. economy and hot job market. Overall, less than 51% of surveyed workers are happy with their jobs; that's down from 59% five years ago. Baby boomers -- ages 45 to 54 -- reported the biggest drop in satisfaction, from 57% to less than 47%. The Conference Board reports that workers are unhappy with their company's promotion policies, salaries and wages, bonus plans, and education and training programs. The only areas registering a moderate improvement were "job security" and "pension plans." "Although good economic times continue, many employees do not believe they are getting a fair share of the salary-promotion-and-bonus pie," says Lynn Franco, director of the Conference Board's Consumer Research Center. "It may be that the fast-paced, 24/7 working climate is triggering more workplace malaise than we've imagined." The survey showed that job satisfaction is tied to income, and that younger workers are more satisfied with their jobs.