Working Environment and Employees’ Job Satisfaction:

Abstract

This study examined the effects of the working environment on job satisfaction among public sector employees, focusing on physical, psychological, and social working environments in Ruangwa District Council. A quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional research design was adopted. Out of a target population of 1,633, a sample of 321 employees was randomly selected. Data were collected using self administered questionnaires, and inferential statistics were applied to determine the strength and direction of relationships between aspects of the working environment and employee satisfaction. Regression analysis was conducted to assess these effects. The findings revealed a positive but weak relationship between the physical working environment and job satisfaction, indicating that improvements in physical conditions, such as workspace arrangement and lighting, are linked to increased satisfaction, though to a limited extent. The psychological working environment showed a very weak and statistically insignificant relationship with job satisfaction, suggesting that factors such as mental well-being and job autonomy play a minimal role in influencing satisfaction levels in this context. In contrast, the social working environment demonstrated a moderate positive relationship with job satisfaction, highlighting the importance of social factors such as teamwork, communication, and supportive relationships in the workplace. In conclusion, the study finds that while all three aspects of the working environment—physical, psychological, and social—affect employee satisfaction, their impacts vary considerably, with the social environment playing a more influential role. The study recommends that public sector organizations, particularly Ruangwa District Council, prioritize improvements in the working environment, with a specific focus on enhancing the social aspects of the workplace. Emphasizing these improvements could lead to greater job satisfaction and, potentially, higher employee performance. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics between the working environment and job satisfaction within public sector settings, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to workplace enhancements. The study recommends the improvement of the working environment in public sector organizations, with a specific focus on Ruangwa District Council, to enhance employees' job satisfaction. vi