Statistics Canada studies suggest that one-third the country’s work force is unhappy in their jobs. Night, evening, and shift workers are among the most dissatisfied.

Many studies suggest that shift work is detrimental to one’s health. Depression, sleep deprivation, family turmoil, and general mental health issues are all linked to shift work. When a worker is suffering from any of these, job productivity is likely going to suffer as well.

Alberta’s Federation of Labour’s Bill McGowan says, “Job dissatisfaction was related to the number of disability days. It has been suggested that job dissatisfaction is more strongly associated with an employee’s mental health and well-being than any other work characteristic.”

According to Statistics Canada, the jobs that appear to spawn the greater amount of dissatisfaction are sales, service, processing, manufacturing, and utilities. Career professional ranked the most satisfied.

As one might have guessed, money talks, especially for men. The Statistic Canada study suggests income directly affect oneâ€™s job satisfaction. Men making less that $20,000 annually showed the highest job dissatisfaction. Whereas only 5% of males with earnings greater than $60,000 a year reported dissatisfaction in their jobs.

So what do employees want? Security, recognition, and independence it appears. When employers provide this, chances are good their employees will take notice and workplace morale will improve.

Valerie Dykstra writes at

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