The JobSync Blog
Family genes affect job satisfaction
August 30, 2011
Not happy with your current job? If so, there’s good news: You can blame your parents for this one, too.
Recently, the Wall Street Journal featured a story about a new study that appeared in the Journal of Applied Psychology that focused on the role that genes play in being happy at work. Nearly 1,800 people participated in the study, and researchers discovered two genetic markers linked to job satisfaction. While the study’s researchers insist the findings are preliminary and the impact of the two genetic markers was relatively small, they nonetheless concluded that job satisfaction is inherited.
The notion of job satisfaction having a genetic basis runs counter to traditional wisdom, which ascribed misery on the job to poor work conditions, low pay, mistreatment from colleagues, or a lousy career fit. The implications for managers are startling. On one hand, improving work conditions may have little to no impact on those employees with the genetic marker who are predisposed to being unhappy on the job. On the flip side, letting work conditions deteriorate for those with the other gene marker that leaves them inclined to be happy may not affect their job satisfaction at all. Regardless, it seems imperative that it is in the best interest of companies to be aware of the role genes play in job satisfaction. However, companies should nevertheless work continually to improve conditions for all employees in consideration of those without these genetic markers.
Unsure if you have one of these markers? Play it safe and find a job based on your experiences, qualifications, and fit. Your genes – and parents – will thank you later.
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