Despite the majority of workers stating that they exceed expectations, they remain dissatisfied with their compensation and the absence of remote work options.

A recent report from Pew Research Center reveals that approximately half of all employed adults are extremely or very satisfied with their jobs, based on a survey of over 5,200 individuals conducted in October.

While 12% of respondents are not satisfied, 38% report feeling somewhat satisfied.

But some workers are more likely to be happy than others.

Those aged 50 and above, who earn a middle- to upper-income or are self-employed, report higher levels of happiness than the typical worker.

Those who do not work for themselves are most content with their relationships with their colleagues, managers, and commuting (among workers who have one).

Workers are unhappy with a lack of remote work and low pay

A significant number of workers, 40%, are not content with their ability to work remotely. Several major corporations, including Amazon, Citigroup, Walmart, and UPS, have recently announced plans to reduce remote flexibility and require employees to spend more time in offices. This has sparked debate among business experts and workers about the future of remote and hybrid work.

The share of people who are dissatisfied with their opportunities to be promoted at work is 38%.

Workers' biggest concerns regarding their job satisfaction are that their salary does not meet their expectations, as 80% of them feel that their pay does not keep up with the cost of living. Additionally, 71% of workers feel that they are being underpaid for the quality and amount of work they do, while 54% feel that their salary is not enough to cover their bills. Lastly, 28% of workers feel that they are paid less than their coworkers who perform similar tasks.

In 2023, the share of people who said they were highly satisfied with their work dropped by 3 to 7 percentage points on seven of the nine items surveyed by Pew.

In February 2023, 44% of workers were happy with their opportunities for training and development, but by October 2024, only 37% felt the same way.

Most workers say they go above and beyond at work

Workers reported decreased satisfaction with both promotion opportunities and the amount of feedback they receive, as well as their employer benefits.

Most workers, 76%, feel that they consistently exceed expectations in their jobs.

Younger workers aged 18 to 29 are more likely to follow expectations at work. As Gen Z gains more influence in the workplace, they are known for setting boundaries between their professional and personal lives and rejecting hustle culture.

In the near future, one out of every four employees anticipates searching for a new job within the next six months. However, they foresee challenges: 52% of them believe that finding a job today will be more difficult than their prospects in 2022.

To earn extra money online, sign up for CNBC's course on passive income streams, which includes tips for getting started and real-life success stories.

Subscribe to CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive expert advice on achieving success in work, finance, and life.