Poll: U.S. workers least happy with pay

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PRINCETON, N.J., Nov. 12 (UPI) -- Less than one-third of U.S. workers say they are satisfied with their pay, while one-third are very unhappy with their job stress, a survey indicates.

Gallup's annual Work and Education poll found things are much different in 2012 than in 2001.

U.S. workers were most satisfied with the physical safety of their workplace at 73 percent, followed by their relations with co-workers at 69 percent.

The poll, conducted Aug. 9-12, found 35 percent of U.S. workers said they were completely satisfied with the healthcare insurance their employer chose, while 33 percent said they were completely satisfied with the retirement plan their employer offered.

Fifty-four percent in the survey said they were completely satisfied with their boss or immediate supervisor, while 33 percent said they were completely satisfied with their prospects for promotion.

Gallup said there was little change in workers' satisfaction with each of the 13 work attributes this year versus last year, but compared with 2001, satisfaction was slightly lower this year for physical safety conditions, vacation time, amount of work required and health insurance benefits -- but within the margin of error.

Both for the good of individuals and the health of the economy, it is important that workers feel encouraged and connected at work, Gallup said.

The survey of 1,012 adults has a margin of error of 4 percentage points and a margin of error of 6 percentage points for the 492 adults employed full or part time.