Let’s discuss some characteristics that likely influence job satisfaction. Generally, interesting jobs that provide training, variety, independence, and control satisfy most employees. Feedback, social support, and interaction with managers are also strongly related to job satisfaction. Job conditions—especially the intrinsic nature of the work itself, social interactions, and supervision—are important predictors of satisfaction and employee well-being.

People who have a positive core self-evaluation (CSE)—who believe in their inner worth and basic competence—tend to be more satisfied with their jobs than people with negative CSEs. Pay does correlate with job satisfaction and overall happiness for many people, but the effect can be smaller once an individual reaches a standard level of comfortable living. An organization’s commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR), or its self-regulated actions to benefit society or the environment beyond what is required by law, increasingly affects employee job satisfaction. CSR can contribute significantly to increased employee job satisfaction when managed well.