Research That Matters Podcast - A Global Deep Dive

Episode 17: Factors Influencing Employee Satisfaction in Nonprofit Organizations in the U.S.

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Publication Date

2-18-2026

Description

In this episode of Research That Matters, we explore what truly drives employee satisfaction in nonprofit organizations in the United States.

Drawing from a comprehensive literature review published in the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation, this conversation examines why nonprofit employees often earn less than their for-profit counterparts—yet still report meaningful levels of job satisfaction. The research highlights the powerful role of mission attachment, intrinsic rewards, autonomy, inclusive leadership, workplace culture, and supportive supervisor relationships in shaping employee well-being and retention.

We discuss how nonprofit leaders can increase satisfaction by fostering purpose-driven work, recognizing contributions, promoting inclusion and innovation, supporting career growth, and building strong relational work environments. If nonprofits want to reduce turnover, increase productivity, and better serve their communities, understanding what keeps employees engaged and fulfilled is essential.

Designed for nonprofit executives, HR leaders, board members, and emerging managers, this episode turns research into practical insights that strengthen organizational culture and impact.

Comments

This episode of Research That Matters is based on the article “Factors Influencing Employee Satisfaction in Nonprofit Organizations in the United States,” published in the Journal of Nonprofit Innovation, Volume 3, Issue 3 (September 2023), available at https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/joni/vol3/iss3/7/. The audio version was created using Google’s NotebookLM to transform the published research into a podcast format, making the findings more accessible through listening for nonprofit leaders and practitioners.

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