I think the job happiness of the unemployed is zero if it isn't improved by shopping. If you fail a capitalist ultimatum I think it also lowers job quality globally (could also be industrialists, I have forgotten)

Minimize the budget at your work places, turn off the Mandatory Siesta and Happy Meat edicts if you're running them, turn on the Gig Economy edict if you have access to it, and check your buildings for alternate work modes that reduce job quality.

If that isn't enough, consider replacing high-quality jobs with low-quality ones or even creating unemployment.

Originally posted by Mason:

If you fail a capitalist ultimatum I think it also lowers job quality globally (could also be industrialists, I have forgotten)

If I recall correctly, failing the Capitalist ultimatum doubles construction costs while failing the Industrialist one reduces job quality.

El Presidente also has an ability, that raises Productivity but lowers Job Happyness by 2 Points. Never Tryed it, but I think, it's possibible, to change it midgame via the El presidende screene in the palace. You could try that as well.