The press has looked at the new Gallup poll and worker compensation satisfaction and proclaimed that people are happier with their pay packages. But the numbers are relative and still indicate that the American worker is sullen but not yet mutinous.
Gallup reports that 45% of US workers think that they are underpaid. This is down from 51% in 2008–thus the “improvement.”
The underpaid numbers are probably due to worker fear of losing jobs. There were still places to find jobs in 2008. It was easier for people to complain about their compensation. Now that workers find it harder to move from their pleasant employment, more are happy with their salaries. Those who are satisfied with their pay rose from 46% to 53% between 2008 and the recent survey.
Satisfaction has a great deal to do with what people can do to change their environment. Most people can do very little about where they work and what they are paid.
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