Institutional Factors Shaping Job Satisfaction Among U.S. Federal Employees

This study examines the influence of intersectional identities on job satisfaction among federal employees, addressing the increasing diversity within the public sector. Using data from the 2023 US Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey, which includes responses from over 500,000 federal employees, the research examines how the intersection of race, gender, disability, and Hispanic ethnicity influences workplace experiences. This study applies an intersectional framework to reveal how overlapping identities shape satisfaction in inclusive versus non-inclusive settings, providing empirical insights for the implementation of DEI in federal HR systems. Findings reveal that intersectional identities have a significant influence on job satisfaction in nuanced and sometimes unexpected ways. For example, while being male or nondisabled is generally linked to higher satisfaction, the combination of being white and male does not always result in increased satisfaction, challenging conventional assumptions. The study also highlights the critical role of inclusive work environments in moderating these relationships. An inclusive workplace enhances job satisfaction and promotes equity by valuing the diverse backgrounds of its employees. These insights have implications for public sector leadership and workplace strategies that address the complexities of intersectional identities.