A recent report from the Washington Post examined data that gauged the satisfaction of US adults in their work. It found that those in the “personal care and service” category were at the top of the list for the most satisfied workers in the nation, and among these are religious workers.
The report explained that the data was drawn from responses to four statements: “I am proud to be working for my employer,” “My main satisfaction in life comes from work,” “My workplace contributes to the community,” and “I contribute to the community through my work.”
Respondents would then indicate the rate at which they felt the statement was true.
The survey had some interesting findings, such as: even though outdoor jobs tend to be more dangerous, they also tend to produce happier workers; workers tend to enjoy their job more the older they get; and those with higher levels of education are more likely to feel that their job benefits the community, but they also tend to feel that their main satisfaction in life comes from their job.
Meanwhile, those who are self-employed were twice as likely to take pride in their job and their employer.
Those in the “personal care and service” jobs were at or near the top of all four statements, with only “forestry” scoring higher on the topic of “pride in your employer” and “life satisfaction.”
While the Washington Post estimated that there are about 100 jobs under the category, religious workers and clergy members were the most likely to strongly agree with each statement.
Overall, religious workers reported the highest rates of happiness, finding the most meaning, and incurring the least amount of stress in their jobs.
This was mirrored by the data that considered the best places to work, where it was found that “houses of worship” were the happiest, most meaningful, and least stressful “places on earth.” They were, however, closely followed by “the outdoors,” “someone else’s home,” and “a restaurant or bar.”
The Post spoke with Olga Popova, an economist of the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies, who explained that past studies have found a strong link to religious life and personal well-being. She noted that religious careers generally draw more altruistic workers who have a “strong sense of purpose.” This, in general, more easily facilitates a sense of well-being.
Furthermore, Pavlova suggested that the work of clergy tending to their congregation prepares them to cope with their own lives:
“It’s plausible that clergy, through their constant work of helping others cope, develop a heightened ability to contextualize their own struggles,” Papova said. “By guiding parishioners through difficult times, clergy may acquire valuable skills and insights that buffer their own well-being.”
Read more interviews and see the charts at the Washington Post.
