Model Answer - Ielts Writing (Task 2)

As most people spend a major part of their adult life at work, job satisfaction is an important element of individual wellbeing.

What factors contribute to job satisfaction?

How realistic is the expectation of job satisfaction for all workers?

Many people spend 8 to 12 hours daily at work so it is vital that they enjoy or are at least satisfied with what they do. Being satisfied at work means you are less stressed and have a healthier lifestyle. You are better able to enjoy your personal life and avoid the Sunday night blues.

People work for money and a major factor contributing to job satisfaction would be a high salary, bonuses, commissions and any other monetary rewards. Those with families might regard flexible working hours and long holiday periods as perks. Ambitious workers might be satisfied with promotion prospects and challenging work. Apart from favourable working terms and conditions and an attractive working environment, job satisfaction depends on personal factors such as working in the profession of your choice, a good working relationships with colleagues etc.

Unfortunately not everyone has their dream job and it’s quite unrealistic to expect all workers to experience job satisfaction. Market demand and supply as well as fierce competition for positions often dictate the kind of work available. Often, due to financial pressure, workers accept positions that don’t match their qualifications or work experience and this makes them feel dissatisfied with their choices. Many small companies and factories cannot offer any benefits, diversity, challenges, and prospects for professional growth to their workers.

In an ideal or utopian world, all workers would be happy to go to work daily and feel satisfied with all work related aspects but in the real world, individuals have their own measure as to what constitutes job satisfaction. Workers’ expectations cannot always be satisfied and this negatively affects their well being.

Cambridge, Ielts 7 past papers, p. 79