The Influence of Employee Salaries and Employment Benefits on Job Satisfaction and Morale in the Primary Schools Operated by the Sabah Adventist Missionby Charlie Bryant Bagah

This study examined the influence of employee salaries and employment benefits on job satisfaction and morale among primary school employees in the Sabah Adventist Mission. Using a mixed-methods approach, data was collected from 68 participants across 12 Adventist primary schools through surveys and open-ended responses. Through statistical analyses, specifically ANOVA and regression modeling, the study found that while salary alone did not exert a significant direct effect on job satisfaction, employment benefits—including social security protection, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development—demonstrated a strong positive association with job satisfaction. Furthermore, the study found a very strong positive correlation between job satisfaction and job morale, highlighting that employees who felt more satisfied with their work conditions also demonstrated higher levels of motivation, enthusiasm, and emotional well-being.

Keywords: Teacher salaries, employment benefits, job satisfaction, morale, primary schools, SDA, Seventh-day Adventist, Sabah, Malaysia