A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that while most American workers put in extra effort at their jobs, they remain frustrated with compensation and workplace flexibility. The comprehensive study, which polled over 5,200 employees, paints a complex picture of today's work environment.
Despite 76% of workers reporting they exceed job expectations, satisfaction levels have declined compared to 2023. Only half of employed adults describe themselves as extremely or very satisfied with their current positions.
Pay remains a major pain point. A striking 80% of workers feel their wages haven't kept pace with rising living costs. Additionally, 71% believe they're underpaid for their work quality, while 70% say their compensation doesn't match their workload.
The remote work landscape presents another challenge, with 40% of employees expressing dissatisfaction with their flexibility to work from home. This comes as major corporations like Amazon, Citigroup, and Walmart have recently scaled back remote work policies, requiring increased office presence.
Career advancement opportunities also emerged as a concern, with 38% of workers dissatisfied with their promotion prospects. Training and development satisfaction dropped notably, falling from 44% in early 2023 to 37% by late 2024.
Younger workers, particularly those aged 18-29, are leading a shift in workplace attitudes. This generation is more likely to stick to defined job responsibilities, pushing back against traditional "hustle culture" expectations.
Looking forward, 25% plan to seek new employment within six months. However, 52% anticipate more difficult job hunting conditions compared to 2022.
The survey did reveal some bright spots: employees reported high satisfaction with coworker relationships, manager interactions, and commuting arrangements. Self-employed individuals and workers aged 50 and above reported higher overall job satisfaction than their counterparts.