Are Americans Satisfied With Their Working Conditions?

There was more good news for the U.S. economy over the past few days as it emerged that 136,000 jobs were added in September. That sent the unemployment rate down to 3.5 percent, its lowest level since 1969. Most Americans are satisfied with the state of the economy but how do they feel about their own working conditions? Gallup has been measuring worker satisfaction across a range of different characteristics over the past 20 years and while Americans are generally satisfied according to the 2019 edition of the research, there are areas where improvements could be made.

Physical safely conditions in the workplace had the highest level of satisfaction with 74 percent of those polled saying they were completely or somewhat satisfied. The turbulent and divisive political landscape in the U.S. doesn't seem to be having a noticeable impact on workplace friendships with 92 percent of Americans positive about relations with their coworkers. Even though warnings about a possible recession have become louder in recent months, 91 percent of workers are satisfied with their current job security.

Health insurance benefits offered by employers is the area with the least satisfaction with 64 percent of workers currently feeling content. Likewise, improvements could be made in retirement plans with 36 percent of those polled saying they are completely satisfied with the options offered by their employer with 30 percent saying they are somewhat satisfied.