10 Job Satisfaction Statistics in 2026

Employee Engagement

5 minutes

January 19, 2026

Written by Hirex

Job satisfaction statistics are crucial in the competitive business world, enabling employers to understand employee needs and foster loyalty among their team members.

However, what are the ways to measure job satisfaction, and what is the list of top job satisfaction statistics?

This content will include the job satisfaction definition, methods for measuring it, and job satisfaction stats from around the world.

What Is Job Satisfaction?

The term "job satisfaction", sometimes referred to as "employee satisfaction," means the degree of pleasure employees derive from their jobs and the happiness they experience as a result.

It has cognitive, emotional, and behavioral components, and it is typically classified into two categories: intrinsic (e.g., the work itself, responsibilities, and duties) and extrinsic (e.g., money, supervision, working conditions, and colleagues).

High levels of job satisfaction are associated with lower turnover rates, increased productivity, and greater employee loyalty.

How Can Job Satisfaction Be Measured?

Employee surveys, feedback forms, and interviews are among the effective methods for measuring job satisfaction. These methods help businesses understand how employees perceive their jobs, management, and workplace culture. Measuring the job satisfaction level of employees is essential to boosting motivation and performance.

Statistics on job satisfaction provide a useful tool for examining the information gathered using these methods. They transform employee feedback into measurable insights, including job satisfaction trends and percentages. Businesses can follow changes over time and make more informed decisions that enhance job satisfaction among staff members by utilizing this data.

Job Satisfaction Statistics 2026

Globally, it is an undeniable fact that satisfied employees are more productive. Therefore, in general, successful companies prefer to track statistics related to this, which is one of the most effective ways to increase job satisfaction. Here are the top job satisfaction statistics, as follows:

1. Globally, two out of every three workers report being content with their jobs

Globally, nearly two-thirds of working individuals report being satisfied with their jobs, while roughly half are satisfied with their salaries. The Gallup International Association conducted a recent poll to arrive at these findings. The findings also indicate that global job satisfaction levels have remained largely steady in recent years.

2. 45% of German employees are dissatisfied with their jobs

According to The Stepstone Group's study on job satisfaction in Germany, 45% of German workers express dissatisfaction with their jobs. Employees in skilled trades and customer service are particularly unhappy with their support. This illustrates how job dissatisfaction is prevalent across Germany's various sectors.

3. Job satisfaction differs significantly across countries

StandOut CV shows that statistics about job satisfaction clearly differ between countries. For example, with 89% of workers expressing pleasure, India has the happiest workforce. Unlike India’s job satisfaction, job satisfaction in Japan has a particularly low level, with 21% of workers reporting extreme dissatisfaction.

4. Pay and opportunities for promotion are not as satisfactory to workers

According to the Pew Research Center’s survey analyzing job satisfaction in the United States, about 44% of workers report they are extremely or very satisfied with chances to learn new skills and training, but they are less satisfied with income and career advancement. Only around one-third say they are delighted with their pay (34%) and opportunities for promotion (33%).

This job satisfaction survey demonstrates that although learning opportunities are seen favorably, advancement and pay continue to be major concerns.

5. Many Dutch workers face stress at work

Statistics Netherlands shows that 16% of Dutch workers in 2024 had difficult employment with limited influence over their work. Almost fifty percent of all workers reported low autonomy, and one-third said their jobs were extremely demanding. Workers with both high demands and little control are in the most stressful situations.

6. Working remotely enhances well-being and increases job satisfaction

According to one of the important remote work job satisfaction statistics, remote workers are 24% more pleased with their jobs than on-site workers. Additionally, working remotely enhances well-being and lowers stress. Approximately 79% of remote workers report feeling less stressed, and 82% claim that flexible work improves their mental health.

7. Job satisfaction differs by income level in the US

One of the important US job satisfaction statistics states that compared to individuals with lower and middle incomes, American workers with higher earnings report significantly higher levels of job satisfaction. They are happier with their compensation, benefits, possibilities for training, and opportunities for advancement.

Furthermore, American workers with higher incomes report better health and safety conditions at work, which is also critical information about job satisfaction in the US.

8. In France, work-life balance is the key to job satisfaction

According to Zoe Talent Solutions’ statistics analyzing job satisfaction in France, the country is notable for its emphasis on supportive work environments and work-life balance. 18.9% workers in some areas say they are engaged because their workplaces are supportive. A better work-life balance would also make 36.5% of respondents feel more engaged.

9. While Gen X leads in job satisfaction, Gen Z struggles

Euro News states that Gen X has the greatest job satisfaction rating of 5.5 out of 7, followed by Baby Boomers and Millennials. Gen Z is the least happy generation, with a score of merely 4.76. Overall, other generations report similar levels of job satisfaction.

10. People tend to stay where they grew up

Zoe Talent Solutions shows that employee engagement and access to growth chances are strongly correlated, as evidenced by the fact that 91% of highly engaged employees express satisfaction with their professional development possibilities. According to this statistic, companies that make professional development investments are much more likely to maintain high levels of engagement.

Conclusion

In this content, you have learned the meaning of job satisfaction, how it can be measured, and what the best job satisfaction statistics are to help you retain your qualified employees in your organization.

While job satisfaction statistics are invaluable in today's modern business world, whether you are an employer, HR professional, or simply someone interested in human resources, now is the perfect time to explore more at Hirex!