The effect of workplace relationships on employee job satisfaction for 25 to 35 year olds

Work and job satisfaction has been shown to impact upon an individual's mental and physical health and overall satisfaction with life. Previous research into employee job satisfaction has explored workers' relationships to their work tasks and their organisation. Less research has been conducted into the impact an individual's workplace relationships has on their level of job satisfaction, with even less research in this area focusing on younger workers. The aim of the present study was to determine the role an employee's co-worker and direct supervisor relationships had in predicting their level of job satisfaction. Sixty-nine individuals participated in the study, 35 males (Age: M=31.8, SD=6.0) and 34 females (Age: M=29.5, SD=5.0). Fifty-three participants indicated that they were employed full time; twelve indicated that they were employed part time; and the remaining participants indicated that they were employed casual or 'other'. Work and job satisfaction was measured using the Job Descriptive Index (JDI) and Job in General (JIG) scales. Results indicate that 52.1% of an employee's job satisfaction can be predicted by the quality of their workplace relationships, with an individual's relationship with their co-workers the strongest predictor. Results indicate that the quality of an employee's co-worker and immediate supervisor relationships does not significantly predict their level of well-being. Implications of the study's finding with respect to workforce planning are discussed and suggestions for further research are made.