Can't get no (job) satisfaction?

Quick! Choose five coworkers, and count off three of them. You now have the ratio of American workers who say they are satisfied with their careers.

That's what job search Web site SnagAJob.com discovered when it surveyed 1,000 adults across the country, and learned that 61 percent are “very happy” in their current roles. Other factors that upped the happy ante included working in the West and being married. (Colorado newlyweds must have it great.)

But I'd like to know what “happy” really means for these employees. Happiness could spring from many different sources, like fair bosses and comprehensive health benefits, or flexible hours and fantastic pay. Or maybe it's something individual and intangible, like enjoying where you are in your life, and choosing jobs that fulfill you, rather than pay the bills.

Conversely, why are two out of five workers not so hot for their 9-to-5s? They might have been grumpy or disgruntled the day the survey was taken. Or their response could signal deeper, more lasting workplace issues, such as weak management support, little to no appreciation, or lack of engaging challenges.

It goes without saying that keeping a finger on the employee satisfaction pulse is one of HR's primary functions. I'm curious to hear what managers and employees think about this survey. In your experience, how is job happiness defined? How do you make it happen in your office and in your personal career decisions? Let us know here -- thanks!

Posted by Anna M.