A recent report highlights a significant gap in the quality of jobs available to Americans. While the total number of jobs often receives considerable attention, the report delves into what constitutes a quality job and the implications for the workforce. According to Molly Blankenship, the lead author of the study and a director at Jobs for the Future, the research aims to offer a more comprehensive understanding of workers’ experiences in the evolving job landscape.
The report, released on October 12, 2023, by Gallup in collaboration with Jobs for the Future, The Families & Workers Fund, and the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, involved over a year of research and the input of dozens of contributors. More than 18,000 American workers were surveyed to assess their experiences related to pay, workplace culture, and scheduling, covering a wide range of industries and job types.
### The Importance of Job Quality
Blankenship emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the significance of job quality, particularly during events like the “Great Resignation” and the phenomenon of quiet quitting. She stated, “It’s meant to be and was designed to be completely representative of the U.S. labor force,” showcasing the diverse experiences of workers across various sectors.
The findings indicate that job quality is as crucial as job quantity. A quality job not only enhances individual satisfaction but also positively impacts families, communities, and businesses. Blankenship noted that, “satisfaction directly impacts things like workers’ productivity, their engagement level, which has major bottom-line implications for businesses.”
### Key Components of Quality Jobs
The researchers identified five essential components that contribute to a quality job experience. These include:
1. **Fair pay and benefits**: Ensuring workers receive equitable compensation.
2. **Job security**: Providing stability in employment.
3. **Opportunities for growth**: Allowing employees to enhance their skills and advance in their careers.
4. **Voice in decision-making**: Involving workers in choices that affect their jobs.
5. **Work-life balance**: Ensuring sustainable workloads and predictable schedules.
The survey revealed that while 71% of employees reported having the freedom to choose how they perform tasks, 62% indicated they lacked schedules that offered predictability and stability. These discrepancies highlight systemic issues affecting millions of workers across the country.
### Addressing Systemic Issues
Blankenship pointed out that the challenges around scheduling are prevalent, with many workers experiencing unpredictable hours and struggles with maintaining work-life balance. The report also noted that most on-the-job training in the U.S. tends to favor individuals with higher levels of formal education, leaving a gap in skills-based training opportunities for others.
Additionally, more than half of the workers surveyed expressed limited influence over decisions involving technology, while nearly half felt they did not have adequate input in shaping their work conditions. Blankenship described the potential for employers to foster a more inclusive dialogue with employees, stating, “It’s low-hanging fruit for employers to embrace two-way dialogue without employees fearing retaliation.”
### Implications for the Future
The insights gained from this research could also assist educational institutions, such as community colleges and universities, in better supporting students as they navigate an evolving job market. As Blankenship concluded, “If we start to understand what the different aspects of a quality job are, then we can start to look for them and ask for them, or negotiate around them as workers ourselves.”
The findings from this report shed light on the urgent need to prioritize quality in the job market. With a clearer understanding of what constitutes a quality job, workers can advocate for improved conditions that enhance their overall experience and contribute to a more productive workforce.
