Alternative Work Arrangements and Job Satisfaction

There has been a rise in alternative work arrangements in recent years, with much variation in who selects these work arrangements and the reasons for doing so. Higher participation rates may stem in part from individual’s needs which are not met in more traditional jobs and is reflected in the impact they have on job satisfaction. This study explores variations in job satisfaction by work arrangement, controlling for both occupation and gender for respondents to the 2006, 2010 and 2014 General Social Survey. The rise in such employment and the prospect of it continuing to rise may have implications for the structure of jobs offered by traditional firms and it may also have important implications for the social safety nets of such workers and their families given the nature of how such benefits are provided in our economy. (updated 3/2018)