A major new international study exploring the long-term relationship between job and life satisfaction shows that personal happiness is the major driver for a satisfying work life, not the other way around.

The research, published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior, challenges conventional thinking that job satisfaction has a stronger influence on life satisfaction than vice versa, and provides crucial insights for employers about the importance of work-life balance.

Researchers from the U.S., Germany, and South Australia analyzed data from more than 160,000 people across multiple global studies, demonstrating how the intertwined paths of job and life satisfaction shift and shape each other over time.

The study found that individuals with higher life satisfaction were 32% more likely to experience increased job satisfaction over time. While job satisfaction does have a positive effect on future life satisfaction, it is comparatively weaker and diminishes over time.

Study first author Christopher Wiese, an assistant professor in the School of Psychology at Georgia Tech, says the research highlights the critical role of holistic well-being in professional performance and career fulfillment.

“Organizations that focus solely on job satisfaction initiatives may be missing a fundamental component of employee happiness,” he says. “By prioritizing overall well-being strategies – including mental health support, work-life balance initiatives, and personal development – organizations can foster a more engaged and satisfied workforce.”

Read more in the University of South Australia newsroom.

DOI: 10.1002/job.2861