Post by Veronica Eyenga, contributing Women On Business writer

Despite the still-weak economy, Americans of all ages and incomes are continuing to grow increasingly unhappy at work.  According to a study conducted for The Conference Board, only 45% of people in 5,000 U.S. households surveyed said they were satisfied with their jobs.  In 1987, when the survey was first conducted, 61.1% of those surveyed were satisfied with their jobs.

So, what has changed so drastically in the last 23 years?  According to The Conference Board, the drop in job satisfaction can be attributed to a number of factors including interest in work and job security.  One of the main drivers of this trend is a lack of confidence in leaders and organizations.

Today, workforces are ill-prepared for the adaptation that must come with economic instability and change.  Leaders must be able to anticipate what’s going to happen next and should inspire confidence and excitement about the future in their employees.  Inspired employees who are able to place trust in their leaders are increasingly satisfied with their current positions

Below are 5 qualities that all inspiring leaders share.  Do you think you have what it takes to inspire your employees and buck the decreasing job satisfaction trend?

1. Anchored
Anchored leaders are well-positioned in an organization’s culture and flow.  They understand contemporary trends and how they affect business.

2. Optimistic
The most inspirational leaders share a world view of possibility and choose to focus on future success rather than dwell on challenges and difficulties.

3. Purpose-driven
Leaders who inspire understand that a workforce will embrace a well-communicated purpose.  Inspirational leaders coax results through sharing a vision that engages employees.

4. Unselfish
Leaders who focus on creating a positive environment for employees first are often considered inspirational.  Unselfish leaders are also more likely to make decisions to benefit the business in the long-term.

5. Respectful
Inspirational leaders recognize that, with the economic dust starting to settle, businesses may require extreme changes.  They appreciate the value of treating employees with respect and keeping the lines of communication open.

Are you an inspirational leader?  Do you think that you have what it takes to turn around job satisfaction numbers?  What advice do you have for other leaders to help them increase job satisfaction in their own companies?