ABSTRACT
This study examined the benefits, challenges, and job satisfaction of job order workers in the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). It aimed to determine how workers perceive the benefits they receive, the challenges they face, and their overall level of job satisfaction. A descriptive survey method was used, with fifty (50) job order workers as respondents. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a Likert scale. Frequency, percentage, and mean were used to summarize the data, while the Kruskal–Wallis H test was applied to determine significant differences when respondents were grouped according to selected demographic variables. The results showed that the benefits received by job order workers were rated high. The challenges they experienced were also rated high. Despite these challenges, their overall job satisfaction was rated very high. The findings indicate that although job order workers face employment difficulties, they remain satisfied with their jobs. Based on the results, the study recommends strengthening policies and working conditions.
Keywords: Job Order Workers, Benefits, Challenges, Job Satisfaction
INTRODUCTION
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is a cornerstone of Philippine national progress, tasked with the design, building, and upkeep of the country’s infrastructure. To manage its massive scope of work, the agency supplements its permanent workforce with Job Order (JO) personnel, who are essential for day-to-day operations and the successful execution of various projects.
Job Order workers in DPWH perform various administrative, technical, and field-related functions. They contribute significantly to the agency’s efficiency and service delivery. However, unlike regular employees, Job Order workers are hired on a contractual basis and are not entitled to the full range of government-mandated benefits such as security of tenure, leave credits, and other long-term employment privileges. This employment arrangement may influence their overall work experience, motivation, and satisfaction.
While Job Order employment provides opportunities for income generation and work exposure in government service, it also presents certain challenges. These may include job insecurity, limited benefits, delayed compensation, unclear career progression, and heavy workload during peak project implementation periods. At the same time, some Job Order workers may perceive advantages such as flexible employment arrangements, valuable work experience, and opportunities to develop professional skills.
The level of job satisfaction among staff serves as a critical metric for measuring how effectively an organization operates and how stable its workforce remains. When employees feel fulfilled in their roles, they typically demonstrate higher levels of productivity, a stronger sense of commitment, and the motivation required to carry out their responsibilities with greater efficiency. In contrast, dissatisfaction may lead to reduced performance, absenteeism, and high turnover rates. In the context of DPWH, understanding the level of satisfaction among Job Order workers is essential in ensuring continuous and efficient delivery of public infrastructure services.
Despite the significant role of Job Order workers in DPWH operations, limited empirical studies have examined their perceived benefits, challenges, and overall job satisfaction. There is a need to quantitatively assess these factors to provide data-driven insights that may guide policy improvements, human resource strategies, and institutional support mechanisms.
Therefore, this study aimed to examine the perceived benefits and challenges experienced by Job Order workers in DPWH and determine their level of job satisfaction. Through the identification of key drivers of satisfaction, this research aimed to provide actionable insights for enhancing the working environment and management strategies used by the department.
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