February 27th 2026
Job satisfaction is different for everyone
Is it the task itself that energizes you, or the impact you make? A question in our team sparked an open discussion about what job satisfaction means, and how it can vary from person to person.
At the Refugee Talent Hub, we work with a culturally diverse team. Colleagues with roots in various countries, such as Iran, Syria, Ukraine, Turkey, and the Netherlands. This brings diverse perspectives, working styles, and frames of reference. This often leads to valuable new insights.
Our program team meets regularly. We share progress, discuss dilemmas, and raise questions that you can't solve on your own. Adil recently brought up such a question: "Sometimes my manager asks me: what gives you energy in your work? And then I don't really know how to answer."
That question got us thinking. What does "energy" actually mean? Is it about tasks? Does it relate to job satisfaction? We were both curious, so we started talking about it.
For Dennis, energy lies in the concrete.
Which tasks energize me? What am I good at? What do I want to grow in? If that's true, my job satisfaction will grow accordingly.
Adil looks at it differently.
For me, it's less about tasks or "liking" things. I look at the impact. Does my work contribute to something bigger? That increases my job satisfaction.
What then is job satisfaction?
According to Indeed , job satisfaction is the feeling of fulfillment, engagement, and energy at work. Job satisfaction is dynamic and influenced by personal and organizational factors, such as challenge, a positive work atmosphere, and recognition. Energy is a component: the enthusiasm or drive you feel for tasks, projects, or the impact you make.
Does this have to do with culture?
We wondered: does this difference stem from culture? Or is it simply personal?
We believe the definition of job satisfaction varies from person to person. It can be related to cultural background, but just as much to character, motivations, and career stage. In a diverse workplace, you see different personalities. And that's what makes it strong.
We believe diversity isn't just about origins. It's also about how you look at things, what you value, and what motivates you.
What energizes us both? Different perspectives. Enjoying conversations. Challenging and complementing each other. So, from our own team at Refugee Talent Hub. For us, that's the strength of a diverse workplace.
What can you do?
Do you really want to make diversity work in your organization? According to Adil and Dennis, this helps:
- Pay attention to energizers : consider which tasks energize employees and which ones derive motivation from impact or a mission. This allows you to better align work with individual talents.
- Talk about it : Encourage discussions about job satisfaction and motivation within the team. This strengthens collaboration and understanding.
- Ask proactively : ask employees what energizes them, without making assumptions. This makes people feel seen and valued.
Want to know more?
- Watch the entire conversation between Adil and Dennis
- Read Batsheba's blog about culture and unwritten rules in the workplace