Differences in Job Engagement and Job Satisfaction in Private Sector and Public Sector Employees

Abstract

This study investigates the disparities in work engagement and job satisfaction between employees in the public and private sectors. In order to complete the study, data from 105 individuals who fall between the age range of 25 to 50 years old was collected. The approach of purposive sampling was utilized to recruit employees from two distinct groups: public sector and private sector who were working in Delhi NCR. Analyzing data from a diverse pool of workers across various industries, the findings shed light on the nuanced experiences of employees in different sectors. In terms of work engagement, significant differences emerged between the two sectors. Employees in the private sector exhibited higher levels of vigor, devotion, and absorption compared to their counterparts in the public sector. This suggests that factors such as autonomy, performance-based incentives, or transparent performance measurements prevalent in the private sector may contribute to heightened work engagement among its employees. The study found no notable variance in job satisfaction between public and private sector employees. Despite differences in work engagement levels, both groups reported similar levels of satisfaction with their jobs. This suggests that while public sector workers may experience lower levels of work engagement, they still find fulfillment in other aspects of their profession. These findings have implications for organizational management and policy development in both sectors. For public sector organizations, strategies aimed at enhancing work engagement, such as providing more autonomy or performance-based incentives, may help bridge the gap with the private sector. Additionally, understanding the factors contributing to job satisfaction in both sectors can inform efforts to improve employee well-being and organizational performance. Overall, this study underscores the importance of considering sector-specific dynamics in understanding employee experiences and highlights avenues for promoting greater work engagement and job satisfaction across different sectors.