Abstract
This chapter explains the process of using cognitive behavioral therapy to improve workplace satisfaction via the reframing of employees' internal perspectives regarding their work environment. The author details common points of dissatisfaction among employees in higher education and explains how these issues might be handled via the use of CBT techniques. Applied CBT interventions in workplace and higher education environments are discussed in order to provide suggestions of how these techniques can be used at the individual and institutional level. Finally, the direct results of CBT application are discussed, including general day-to-day satisfaction, improved work ethic, and a more comprehensive and obtainable approach to long-term career goals.
TopBackground
Job satisfaction is broadly defined as “a perceived relationship between what one wants from his/her job and what one perceives it as offering. Job satisfaction is the collection of feelings and beliefs that employees have about their jobs” (Stankovska, Angelkoska, Osmani, & Grncarovska, 2017, p. 160). It is worth noting the language used in this definition; perceptions, feelings, and beliefs all feature heavily. These internal concepts fall under the control of the individual regardless of what the external realities of an employee’s workplace conflicts and obstacles might be.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Work Engagement: The level of involvement one has in one’s work; individuals with high levels of work engagement are energetic and engaged with their work environment on a consistent basis.
Self-Efficacy: Confidence in one’s ability to complete a task or behave a certain way based on previous experience and understanding of one’s own character.
Presenteeism: Low work performance exhibited when an individual is present at work despite an illness or other distractor.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A process by which one can improve outlook by locating, identifying, and resolving cognitive distortions in one’s daily perceptions.
Absenteeism: Failing to report for work when expected, typically due to illness or emergency.
Cognitive Distortions: Negative thought patterns that are triggered by certain events or exacerbated by specific environments.
Job Satisfaction: How an individual feels about their work; a sense of fulfillment one receives from a job well done.
Burnout: Negative state of being including symptoms of exhaustion and disengagement; typically caused by overwhelming stressors.