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Corbis
Piles of work may stress us out, but most Americans say they get along well with their co-workers.
There are things we like about work: Most of us feel safe on the job, for example, and many of us like our co-workers.
But most of us don't like the stress that comes with work. Oh, and we'd like a raise, please.
Just 29 percent of workers surveyed by Gallup this year said they were completely satisfied with the level of job-related stress they have to deal with. That’s little changed from 2001, the first time Gallup did this survey, and 2011.
Our paychecks aren't thrilling us, either. Just 30 percent of full- and part-time workers said they were completely satisfied with the money they earn, also little changed from 2001 and 2011.
About 33 percent of workers surveyed by Gallup this year said they were dissatisfied with the amount of stress related to their job, while 28 percent were dissatisfied with the money they earn. The rest were either somewhat satisfied or completely satisfied on those measures.
Health benefits was another common area of complaint. Only 35 percent of those surveyed were completely satisfied with their health benefits, down from around 43 percent in 2009.
The tight job market certainly has made work worse for a number of people. The unemployment rate is still high, despite falling in the past few months, and about 12 million Americans are actively looking for work.
Related: Hey Gen X, tell us how you're feeling about the economy
In addition, many employers expect the people who do have jobs to be working harder and harder for the same or even less pay.
But it’s not surprising that pay and stress are long-running complaints. Real median household income – or the midpoint of American household earnings – has been falling for the past few years and is about the same as it was more than a decade ago.
There are some things people generally like about work.
About 69 percent of workers said they were completely satisfied with their relations with co-workers, and 60 percent were satisfied with the flexibility of their hours.
About half said they were completely satisfied with their job security.
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Why wouldn't you like your co-workers? What other choice do you have plus they are in the same rut you are; working and being abused on the bottom rungs for a pittance.
Because co-workers often stab you in the back and kiss a*s to the "important" people. I am nice to everyone and pretty laid back and even with that type of personality...I find that people are often "trying" me or just being jerks because they are racist, sexist or whatever else is going on with them.
Shining example? Just this morning, a co-worker b*tched because I simply told her that she had a nice suit on and that I rarely see her in suits. She kind of was talking to the benefit of the woman behind me who I guess the suit wearer deems more important because of who the woman behind me works for. I thought the whole exchange was weird. I gave you a compliment...just say thank you so I can get back to work. Ugh!
Then another co-worker picked a fight with me b/c I have President Obama on my desktop. Am I wrong for being happy with who is my president?
I, personally, believe a lot of b*tchiness comes toward me b/c I'm a black woman. People are always saying silly things then expecting me to get an attitude. Can I just enjoy my day at work? Why do people always try to make me mad? Am I entertainment now? Then they wonder why I come to work and keep to myself. That's why. I'm a hardworker and if you can't be nice to me then don't say anything at all to me until you need to for work-related reasons.
But to be fair, I cannot speak for other races b/c I'm not other races. I feel like coworkers get bored so they like to start drama or find the "easy target". I don't have time for any of the kiddie crap which is why I'd rather work from home and avoid all of it. Then I can actually get some work done without all the fluff that comes with working in the office. I definitely will not drop the ball next time and that will be my highest priority is being able to telework at my next job. I feel like no matter how nice you are, people don't get me and they just rub me the wrong way contanstly. I always come to work with my guard up, not sure who will say something stupid or mean to upset me.
I get most of my happiness from loving what I do for a living. My pay and benefits aren't bad either and in a recession, I was able to manage a step up on the corporate ladder so I try not to complain. I usually just take my coworkers BS with a grain of salt and forget about them time I leave work for the day.
I usually work with the happy anticipation of the weekend. How bad is that? LOL
@Jaevis-you sound a bit defensive. Are you using the "I am black" excuse as an excuse? It gets a bit old and many other races are good at not utilizing that. I do not mean to jump on you. I am just suggesting you be objective.
And yes. I am black.
American jobs pay about the same as those in China or India. Time for a move to somewhere like Europe. The US doesn't have a good job market.
The EU is crumbling and the tax rates are miserable. No thank you.
This video definitely says it all. Very funny, you have to watch this -- 3 HOUR GIVE A @!$%#: A drink that makes us care about our jobs.
This hysterical video says it all -- a little fun drink that makes you care about your job. You have to watch this:
Being an office worker sucks these days. That is one of the reasons so many workers have left the work force.
Work harder for the same pay I earned over a decade ago. Backstabbing coworkers, Bully bosses, out of control cost for healthcare benefits. Whats to like about it.
At least, we have a job. No complaining.
Once upon a time when I had a job, about a year ago, I loved my job. My boss was a beast and the most difficult man I've ever worked for and I worked for 40 years. But, I worked for a nonprofit and felt I was doing something positive with my life. As for liking my coworkers, I worked with about 160 people. Some I didn't care for, and the feeling was probably mutual. But, you don't get to choose your coworkers. Your boss does that for you. What you do have to do is be polite, civil and respectful to everyone you work with. Hopefully, they'll treat you the same way.
Sounds like most of the people they interviewed are a bunch of whining complainers.
I'd work for free if my co-workers kept me laughing as they did in my early 20s.
I would, too. That is what I miss the most at my current job--laughter.
It reminds me of the old Gallup Survey that showed that if you had a friend at work, that was the most compelling factor to enjoying work! In the end, it always comes down to people connecting with people as a major factor in increasing happiness and reducing stress!