The Effect of Workload and Physical Work Environment on Teacher Job Satisfaction at SMK XYZ

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Cimahi, West Java— The Influence of Workload and Physical Work Environment on Teacher Job Satisfaction at SMK XYZ. This research was conducted by Vuvuy Wulan Dewi and Dian Lestari from the Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Jenderal Achmad Yani University, in a scientific article published in the East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR) in 2026.

Research conducted by Vuvuy Wulan Dewi and Dian Lestari revealed that teachers' job satisfaction does not only depend on individual motivation, but also on the balance between job demands and comfortable work environment conditions.

Teacher job satisfaction and challenges in the field

Based on school administration data analyzed by researchers, the teacher attendance rate at SMK XYZ has increased throughout 2025. Within a few months, the absenteeism rate was in the high category, which is often an indicator of job dissatisfaction.

Researchers found that many teachers face complex workloads, including high teaching hours, administrative tasks, as well as additional responsibilities such as being homeroom teachers or performing school managerial functions. This condition makes some teachers have to complete work outside of working hours.

In addition, the condition of the physical work environment is also a challenge. Some classes still use open spaces due to limited facilities, while the distribution of air conditioning is not even. High ambient temperatures and suboptimal ventilation also affect the comfort of the teaching and learning process.

Workload isn't always negative

Interestingly, this study found that workload can actually have a positive impact on job satisfaction if managed properly. A workload that matches an individual's abilities provides a sense of accomplishment and professional meaning.

The results of the analysis showed that workload had a positive and significant influence on teacher job satisfaction. This emphasizes that it is not the number of tasks alone that determines satisfaction, but how the tasks are organized and supported by the school management.

However, the researcher also noted that the use of working time is an aspect that needs to be improved. Many teachers feel that their working time is not optimal so that work is often carried to the home.

Physical environment is a dominant factor.

In addition to the workload, the physical work environment has been shown to have a strong influence on teacher job satisfaction. Aspects such as lighting, air ventilation, workspace safety, and learning facilities play a direct role in creating a sense of comfort and safety while working.

Respondents' assessments show that classroom lighting is the best aspect, while odor management and air circulation still need to be improved. Comfortable physical environment conditions help teachers improve concentration, productivity, and emotional well-being.

The study also found that positive perceptions of the physical work environment correlated with higher levels of job satisfaction.

Three key findings of the study

The study noted several key findings related to the relationship between workload, physical work environment, and teacher job satisfaction:

  1. A proportionate workload increases job satisfaction when it matches the individual's capacity.
  2. A comfortable and safe physical work environment has a significant influence on teacher well-being and satisfaction.
  3. The combination of the two factors was able to explain about 71.9 percent of the variation in job satisfaction, showing a strong influence.

These findings confirm that teachers' job satisfaction is the result of the interaction between job demands and the quality of the work environment, not influenced by one factor alone.

Implications for the world of education

The results of the study provide an important message for school managers and education policymakers. Improving teacher job satisfaction is not enough with administrative policies alone, but requires a comprehensive approach that includes workload management and improvement of physical facilities.

The researchers recommend several strategic steps, including:

1.      Prepare a more proportionate and efficient teacher work schedule.

2.      Reduce excessive administrative burden through a better work management system.

3.      Improving the quality of physical facilities such as ventilation, air conditioning, and cleanliness of the school environment.

4.      Provide time management training for teachers so that assignments can be completed effectively.

Author profile

Vuvuy Wulan Dewi –Faculty of Economics and Business, Jenderal Achmad Yani University.

Dian Lestari – Management Study Program, Faculty of Economics and Business, Jenderal Achmad Yani University.

Research source

Dewi, V. W., & Lestari, D. (2026). The Influence of Workload and Physical Work Environment on Teacher Job Satisfaction at SMK XYZ.

East Asian Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (EAJMR), Vol. 5 No. 2, pp. 403–416.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/eajmr.v5i2.7

Official URL : https://journaleajmr.my.id/index.php/eajmr


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