NFP Workers Happier and More Satisfied with Job

Not for Profit workers are happier and more satisfied than those working in other sectors, according to a new workplace report.

The report: Maxxia Workplace Insights found 58% of NFP workers were extremely satisfied or very satisfied with their current employer, compared with 51% of total workforce employees.

When assessing role satisfaction, 66% of NFP employees stated they are extremely
satisfied or very satisfied compared with just 56% of total workforce employees.

The study revealed the strongest correlation with employer and job satisfaction
involved the working environment, a sense of achievement and belonging, the level of
enjoyment and recognition, with NFP employees outperforming the broader workforce
across these drivers.

The study also examined the primary drivers for staff to consider leaving their employer, which included issues such as limited career paths, low wages, poor morale, management and stress being common departure triggers across both NFPs and the total workforce.

NFP managers are harder to keep and attraction and retention remained challenging, according to the study.
It found 50% of NFP managers have considered leaving their organisation, compared with 36% of total workforce managers.

Thirty-four (34%) of NFP managers surveyed had actively explored opportunities outside the organisation compared with some 26% of managers in the total workforce.

Finding and retaining staff was also identified as one of the most significant challenges that the NFP sector faced- 45% of NFP HR leaders surveyed said this was their foremost challenge, followed by a lack of funds (11%), finding suitable managers (9%) and managing staff morale (8%).

Three demographics were most attracted to the NFP sector which included women, over 55s and part-timers.

The pre-disposition of over-55s in particular to work in the sector was significant in view of Australia’s ageing population. The survey said this indicated an opportunity to access a growing pool of valuable mature workers who can make a significant contribution to the NFP sector and society more broadly.

Key findings of major demographics in the NFP sector:

Over 55s

• The over 55s demonstrated higher levels of employer satisfaction (61%) and role satisfaction (70%) than the younger age groups;
• They were also stronger advocates (+15%) for their current employer than younger age groups (+10%).
• The pre-disposition of the over-55s to aspire to work in the sector could potentially provide a fertile ground for NFPs to access an employee demographic that brings with it both lived and professional experience that younger employees are generally less able to offer. 
• Given Australia’s ageing population, the research indicates an opportunity for the NFP sector to access a growing pool of valuable mature workers who can make a significant contribution and provide it with a more fertile recruiting ground in future years.

Part-timers

• Part-time workers were found to be more satisfied with their employer and their specific role than full-time and casual equivalents;
• Part-timers were also stronger net promoters of their current employer (+19%) than full-timers (+8%) and casuals (+9%), making them greater advocates for the sector.
• Without discounting whatsoever the contribution other employee demographics can offer NFPs, or other efforts to increase representation of minority demographics, the sector may be able to realise greater recruitment efficiencies by playing to its recruitment strengths.

View the report.

Maxxia website link: www.maxxia.com.au