However, the group says that the figures could conceal deeper problems in the workplace, as there were reports of rising stress and office politics.

According to the organisation’s new Employee Outlook survey, the net proportion of people saying they are satisfied with their job has risen from 26 per cent three years ago to 46 per cent today.

Ben Willmott, senior public policy adviser, adds: ‘Job satisfaction may have edged up – but this could be the employee opinion survey equivalent of a fixed grin. Employees grateful to have a job at all are less likely to grumble.’

The survey also finds that three-quarters of workers believe their organisation has been adversely affected by the economic downturn, while 52 per cent have experienced increased work-related stress and 38 per cent have noticed more office politics.

Last month, the CIPD recommended that managers look for new ways to motivate their staff, following a UK-wide reduction in training budgets and development opportunities.