Impact of Physical, Psychological and Environmental Factors on Job Satisfaction in Employees of Higher Education Sector

This study investigates the impact of physical, psychological, and environmental factors on job satisfaction among faculty members in the higher education sector. Using a mixed-methods approach, primary data were purportedly collected through a structured questionnaire from 140 college and university teachers across various disciplines. The questionnaire comprised 12 items covering workplace physical conditions, psychological well-being, and organisational environment, along with overall job satisfaction. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multiple regression analysis to examine relationships between the factors and job satisfaction. In addition, semi-structured interviews with a sub-sample of participants were thematically analysed to provide deeper insights into contextual influences on satisfaction levels. The results indicate that psychological factors such as autonomy, motivation, and stress management have the strongest positive association with job satisfaction, followed by environmental factors such as organisational climate and collegial relationships. Physical factors, while significant, showed comparatively lower predictive power. The qualitative findings highlight that faculty members value supportive leadership, academic freedom, and recognition over infrastructural improvements alone. The study underscores the need for higher education institutions to adopt a holistic approach that addresses psychological and environmental dimensions alongside physical resources to enhance faculty satisfaction, retention, and productivity