Association for Behavior Analysis International

Job satisfaction may appear to be an irrelevant construct in behaviorally-oriented companies. However, a more nuanced view reveals that although the concept may seem amorphous and mentalistic, it is essential in all organizations as both a management tool and responsibility. This discussion brings together researchers and practitioners who have studied and facilitated job satisfaction in the workplace. Conceptualizing job satisfaction as a general affective response to work and the work environment, the panelists explore its increased importance in a post-COVID work environment. The discussion will focus on how issues such as staff retention and turnover, burnout, spillover to clients and their families, motivating a diverse workforce in a rapidly evolving work environment, counterproductive work behaviors, and health and wellness are related to job satisfaction. In addition, the panelists will dismiss the myth that job satisfaction causes job performance. The ethics of job satisfaction as an organizational imperative will be emphasized throughout the discussion.

The target audience for this presentation is behavior analysts working in management or supervisory roles interested in how a behavioral approach to job satisfaction and organizational behavior management may impact areas such as staff retention and motivation.