The Food Service Worker in the Military Dining Facility: Job Satisfaction, Training, and Human Factors

Abstract

Surveys and interviews were administered to both civilian and military food service workers at two Air Force bases to assess job satisfaction, opinions about environmental and equipment features relevant to potential human factors problems, and opinions about additional training. Results indicated that while military personnel were somewhat more unhappy about their work, civilian workers also expressed dissatisfaction. Overall, the workers were least satisfied with promotions, pay, and the work itself; and more satisfied with their co-workers and supervisors. In the human factors area, workers were particularly concerned with the heat in their kitchens and the inadequacy (both agewise and qualitywise) of their equipment. Several young military workers expressed a desire to leave the food service area. A recommendation for the inclusion of the worker-human factors analysis in future assessments of food service systems is made.