Factors impacting job satisfaction of employees in the fast food industry in Cape Town

Abstract

Job satisfaction increases the level of performance in any organisation including the fast food outlets. Job satisfaction helps to stimulate employees' commitment in the workplace. In other words, employee satisfaction is vital for organisational development and growth. The fast food workers are unique and have their individual needs, potentials, values and goals. Job satisfaction can also enhance the level of motivation in the workplace. Hence, when the workers are satisfied, they also tend to be motivated towards organisational goals. This paper aims to look at factors impacting the job satisfaction of employee within the fast food industry, in order to proffer ways of improving the level of job satisfaction of fast food employees, in order to achieve a high level of employee and organisational performance. A survey concentrated mainly on the fast food industry. Only fast food employees with at least six (6) months experience were selected for the study, in order to obtain a reliable and valid response. Data was obtained from both the operational workers, administration, cashiers and the managers. A total of 200 closed-ended questionnaires were distributed and 123 employees responded, which gave a response rate of 62.5%. Research finding shows that the rate of personal growth of the employees in their workplace was not satisfactory with a rate of 56.1% respondents. Also, the flexible time plan was not very satisfactory to the workers since they were given a flexible time sometimes during busy periods. In addition, the employees were not allowed to participate in decisions that affects them. It is thus proposed that fast food employees should be empowered through effective participation in decision making. Moreover, the employee skills should be improved through coaching and feedback system.