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Overeducation, Overskilling and Job Satisfaction in Europe: The Moderating Role of Employment Contracts

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Listed:
  • Giuliano, Romina

    (University of Mons)

  • Mahy, Benoît

    (University of Mons)

  • Rycx, François

    (Free University of Brussels)

  • Vermeylen, Guillaume

    (University of Mons)

Abstract

This paper is the first to examine whether and how overeducation and overskilling, considered separately and in interaction, influence workers' job satisfaction at European level. It also investigates the moderating role of employment contracts. Our results, based on a unique pan-European database covering 28 countries in 2014, show that overeducation and overskilling reduce the probability of workers being satisfied with their jobs, but also that the drop in job satisfaction is almost double for genuinely overeducated workers (i.e. workers that are both overeducated and overskilled). These adverse effects on job satisfaction are found to be more pronounced among mismatched workers (whether overeducated, overskilled or both) on fixed-term rather than indefinite contracts.

Suggested Citation

  • Giuliano, Romina & Mahy, Benoît & Rycx, François & Vermeylen, Guillaume, 2024. "Overeducation, Overskilling and Job Satisfaction in Europe: The Moderating Role of Employment Contracts," IZA Discussion Papers 16913, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp16913
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    job satisfaction; overeducation; overskilling; labour contracts; Europe;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • J24 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Human Capital; Skills; Occupational Choice; Labor Productivity
    • J28 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Safety; Job Satisfaction; Related Public Policy
    • J41 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Particular Labor Markets - - - Labor Contracts

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