Recent research indicates that Overall Job Satisfaction scores between male and female employees vary by dimension. Learn which factors affect which gender most strongly, and gather tips for how best to leverage these differences in the workplace.
HR Solutions Inc. recently conducted a study of approximately 10,000 multi-industry employee engagement surveys, analyzing gender differences with regard to overall job satisfaction. Five survey questions yielded notable differences between the sexes:
Survey Item:
This organization provides me the opportunity to improve my professional knowledge and job skills.
Female % Favorable: 73%
Male % Favorable: 66%
Survey Item:
My job gives me the opportunity to do the things that I do best.
Female % Favorable: 73%
Male % Favorable: 67%
Survey Item:
Senior management of this organization is concerned about the employees.
Female % Favorable: 46%
Male % Favorable: 49%
Survey Item:
I have an opportunity to participate in decisions made by my supervisor that affect my work environment.
Female % Favorable: 59%
Male % Favorable: 63%
Survey Item:
All in all, I am satisfied with my job.
Female % Favorable: 74%
Male % Favorable: 72%
The data indicates women generally respond more favorably on survey items regarding job fit, career development, and ultimately Overall Job Satisfaction. Interestingly, men tend to respond more favorably when asked if they felt included by their supervisor in decisions affecting them and whether senior management was concerned for employees.
According to HR Solutions Principal Consultant Murat Philippe, "Gender-based differences on key engagement questions may indicate the need for a customized approach to actively engaging your workforce. Furthermore, these findings raise other questions about gender differences in career development and the effect of predominantly male management staffs in today diverse workforce."
It is well documented that males and females have different communication and management styles. Therefore, it is not surprising that each gender has a different opinion on job satisfaction and may react differently to varied levers of employee engagement which the aforementioned scores support.
HR Solutions advocates companies embrace gender differences as an opportunity to develop and retain your employees. Consider workshops or seminars for your management team to raise awareness and understanding of gender differences. Not acknowledging these differences could have a negative effect on the organization unless managed properly. Possible effects include loss of productivity, lack of commitment to the organization, higher turn-over and even increased employee stress.
Noted for its comprehensive research and actionable data, HR Solutions Inc. is an international Human Capital Management consulting firm located in Chicago IL specializing in Employee, Management, and Customer Satisfaction survey design and analysis.
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