Factors affecting quality of work life among generation x and y nurses in a tertiary hospital under Department of Medical Services, Ministry of Public Health
Abstract:
Currently, registered nurses (RNs), the largest group of the healthcare workforce, comprise two types of generations: Generation X and Y. Each generation holds a different set of values, expectations and perceptions of work. This not only creates challenges when managing a multi-generational workforce but also affects nurses perceptions of quality of work life (QWL). The objective of this cross-sectional study is to study the quality of work life (QWL) of two different generations of nurses working in a tertiary hospital under the department of medical services, Ministry of Public Health as well as factors related to QWL. The sample group was 300 registered nurses. Stratified random sampling was used for the selection of the sample, 137 Generation X registered nurses and 163 Generation Y registered nurses. Data was collected using a set of questionnaires. The relationship among personal factors, work environment factors, organizational commitment factors, job satisfaction factors, and quality of nursing work life were examined using chi-square test, Pearsons product-moment correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis. This study showed that the quality of work life of Generation X and Y registered nurses was a high level, with 67.2% and 61.3% of nurses satisfied with their work life (Mean = 189.31, S.D.=18.30, Mean = 188.31, S.D. = 18.56), respectively. The factors significantly associated with quality of nursing work life were salary (r=0.155,p−value<0.05), positive work environment (r=0.406,p−value<0.001), job satisfaction (r=0.567,p−value<0.001), and organizational commitment (r=0.404,p−value<0.001). A negative significant relationship was found between work on weekend / holiday (r=−0.157,p−value<0.05) and quality of work life. Job satisfaction was found to be the best predictor of quality of work life (B = 4.24, 4.75, 3.38), Altogether with organizational commitment and work environment, they could explain 68.4% of variance in quality of work life. The results of the research provide information for nursing and health policymakers to develop policies to improve QWL. To improve quality of work life and support of multiple generations nurses, nursing managers need to consider the job satisfaction, create organizational commitment and work environment.