4 Ways to Ensure Student Job Satisfaction

By Alicia Geigel on October 31, 2017

In a perfect world, we all love our jobs, have the best co-workers, admire our bosses, and are fulfilled with the work of our job. Unfortunately, we do not live in a perfect world full of people without flaws and this reality can make it difficult to go to work and be satisfied with your job.

We have all heard the horror stories of a terrible job, and student job horror stories can be even worse. Student workers are more vulnerable to be taken advantage of by employers due to the fact that they are so new to the working world (in most cases). As a result of this phenomenon, it can be hard for students to be satisfied in their jobs and content with the work they are producing.

You may be wondering, “Alicia, how can I make students satisfied in a job?” Though I cannot make work problems go away, I can certainly offer advice on how to push through them and thrive as best you can!

Do you have a student that is currently dissatisfied with their job but wants advice on how to make the best of it? Check out my four tips on how to increase student job satisfaction. Trust me, you are going to wish you had these sooner!

Image via Pexels

1. Change the way they mentally approach work: Have you ever heard of or considered the notion of positive thinking and the power it holds? Positive thinking and a positive mindset can influence and change the trajectory of your life, literally just by thinking. Think of it like this: if you are anxious about a test and tell yourself you are going to fail, what motivation would you have to not fail this test since you already convinced yourself you would fail?

The same mindset and belief system applies to life, and particularly your job. If your students go to work every day and tell themselves they are going to have a miserable day, chances are they probably will! Instead, encourage your student to change how they mentally approach the workday.

Like I said, positive thinking is a way of life, and Remez Sasson of SuccessConsciousness.com states that, “with a positive attitude we experience pleasant and happy feelings. This brings brightness to the eyes, more energy, and happiness. Our whole being broadcasts goodwill, happiness, and success. Even our health is affected in a beneficial way. We walk tall, our voice is more powerful, and our body language shows the way we feel.”

2. Build strong work relationships: I understand; students are not going to get along with everyone at their job because some personalities just clash. However, students can build great relationships with most of their co-workers by communicating with them. Encourage your employees to make small talk, talk about the office’s next project, the holidays, etc. This helps build a personal bond with workers and makes the environment less awkward and stressful to be in.

Also, communication can be a tool used to relay criticism, constructively. If your student workers are having a problem with how other co-workers or bosses/managers talk to them, politely bring that up to them. Doing so can only help you help your students, and if their reaction is that bad then perhaps that can serve as a learning experience on places where they want to work and where they do not.

3. Reward and recognition: Humans perform better when their work is recognized, period. According to David Novak in an interview with Forbes, “in simply showing employees how much they are appreciated and recognizing their great work and ideas, leaders can create an energized work environment.”

Novak further discusses a study of workers by KRC Research, stating “lack of acknowledgment has a direct impact on productivity as well, with 40 percent of employed Americans saying they’d put more energy into their work if they were recognized more often.”

Not only can rewards and recognition create an energetic atmosphere at work, but it can also foster better relationships and restore confidence in workers.

4. Make values consistent: In stressful situations, humans act, well human. Under stress, we can all crack, which means all morals and values go out the window. This can be not only unprofessional but also discourage employees from staying at your company. Company values are an important aspect of working and workers want to make sure that employees and bosses uphold those values regardless of the situation.

Joseph Folkman of Forbes referenced an assessment of job satisfaction at an undisclosed company that notes, “leadership values seemed to apply in good times, but to dwindle or even disappear during stress. This organization, however, held tightly to its core values as the economy turned. Employees began to more fully appreciate those values as well when they saw what was happening in other companies during difficult times.”

Image via Pexels

Whether it’s the boss, co-workers, or workload, working in a difficult job environment can be tough for students. However, there are ways that both bosses and student employees can make the most of their job experiences by following these four simple rules. If you do, I guarantee you will see and feel a change in your work environment. As always, good luck!

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