A recent report highlights a significant gap in job quality in the United States, revealing that only **40%** of American workers believe they hold quality jobs. The report, published on **October 5, 2023**, by **Gallup** in collaboration with **Jobs for the Future**, **The Families & Workers Fund**, and the **W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research**, examines the essential elements that contribute to job quality.
Lead author **Molly Blankenship**, a director at Jobs for the Future, emphasized the need for a more nuanced understanding of employment in America. “The way we measure jobs in this country hasn’t kept pace with how work actually operates,” she stated. This study involved over **18,000** American workers across various industries to gain insights into their experiences regarding pay, workplace culture, and job security.
The research examined the impact of the **Great Resignation** and the phenomenon of quiet quitting during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the importance of job quality alongside job quantity. Blankenship asserted that the quality of a job can significantly affect an individual worker, their family, and their community.
Five Key Components of Quality Jobs
The report identified five critical components that contribute to a quality work experience. According to Blankenship, these elements include fair pay and benefits, job security, opportunities for skill development, a sense of belonging at work, and manageable schedules. “A good job for one person isn’t necessarily a good job for another,” she explained, noting that younger workers often prioritize advancement opportunities.
The findings revealed systemic issues affecting workers across the board. Despite **71%** of employees reporting they had the freedom to decide how to perform their tasks, **62%** expressed dissatisfaction with their unpredictable work schedules. Many workers reported feeling overwhelmed, struggling to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Moreover, the report highlighted the disparity in on-the-job training, which tends to favor employees with higher levels of formal education. This trend raises concerns about the availability of skills-based training and non-degree hiring practices that could better serve a diverse workforce.
Empowering Workers and Communities
The research also indicated that many employees feel they lack the necessary input in workplace decisions. More than half of the participants reported limited influence over technology-related decisions, and nearly half felt their voice was not adequately represented in shaping their working conditions. Blankenship described this as “low-hanging fruit” for employers, suggesting that fostering open dialogue could enhance employee satisfaction without fear of retaliation.
The implications of this study extend beyond individual workers. Community colleges and universities can utilize these insights to better support students as they navigate a changing job market. Blankenship believes that understanding the elements of a quality job empowers individuals to seek out and negotiate for better working conditions.
“If we start to understand what the different aspects of a quality job are, we can begin to look for them and ask for them,” she stated. This knowledge can also help guide future generations as they enter the workforce, equipping them with the tools to advocate for better job quality.
In summary, the report sheds light on the pressing need for a comprehensive approach to job quality in the United States. As conversations around employment continue to evolve, this research serves as a crucial resource for workers, employers, and educational institutions alike.