Investigation of employee satisfaction level in natural gas distribution companies: AĞDAŞ case

Human resources are of paramount importance to any business, and the degree of satisfaction of employees directly affects their behavior and success, which plays a key role in the survival and development of businesses. The fact that the employees and their satisfaction levels are in a critical position increases the importance of the researches conducted in this field. Within the scope of this research, it is sought to answer the question of the level of employee satisfaction in natural gas distribution enterprises. From this point of view, compiling a comprehensive valid and reliable scale that will provide the factors that affect the general satisfaction of the employees, which is the most valuable resource of the enterprises, and determining the employee satisfaction level in a healthy way, better recognition of the employee, increasing employee satisfaction and reducing the turnover rate contribution is aimed. As a company with EFQM and Great Place to Work awards, AGDAŞ attaches great importance to ensuring employee satisfaction and development of improvement policies. Over the years, many different employee satisfaction surveys have been conducted in AGDAS, but the targeted width in terms of coverage has not been achieved. The satisfaction scale compiled as a result of this study can provide a healthier measure of satisfaction in all enterprises, especially in natural gas distribution companies, and contribute to the development of efficient improvement policies in this regard. Quantitative approach was adopted in the research and questionnaire method was used to collect data during the application phase of the study. The statements in the questionnaire were compiled from the scales in the literature and tested with the data obtained from 187 participants working in AGDAŞ. As a result of the analyzes, it was concluded that a valid and reliable scale was compiled. The fact that the compiled scale has the power of explaining the case to 81% indicates that a good alternative is proposed for the institutions or researchers aiming to demonstrate employee satisfaction in a realistic manner. Within the scope of the research, general satisfaction, pride, communication, personal development and career, team spirit, change management, respect, reliability and equity were examined under the title of employee satisfaction. As a result of the analyzes on employee satisfaction level within the scope of the research, the satisfaction level of AGDAŞ employees was determined as 83.4%. The relationship between satisfaction level and various demographic characteristics such as gender, working area or duration of the employment were also taken into consideration in the analyzes, and comments and recommendations regarding the findings were reported in the conclusion section of the research.