Working conditions, job stress and work-related consequences among hospital employees—differences by professional group, working hours and job levels: A cross-sectional study

TL;DR

Hospital workers, especially nurses and part-time staff, face high job stress and poor work conditions, leading to dissatisfaction and intentions to leave their jobs.

Contribution

The study identifies how job stress and work-related consequences vary across professional groups, working hours, and job levels in hospitals.

Findings

Nurses reported the lowest effort-reward balance and highest job dissatisfaction.

Part-time workers felt less control and cooperation at work and were more likely to consider leaving.

Leadership roles were associated with better psychosocial outcomes.

Abstract

Hospital employees face significant occupational stress that negatively impacts both their well-being and organizational outcomes. This challenge is amplified during times of staff shortages, economic difficulties and conflicting roles. To support hospital workers effectively and create a positive work environment, it is crucial to identify specific groups experiencing greater challenges. This study examines how working conditions, job stress, and related consequences vary across professional groups, working hours, and job levels within hospitals.

The study analyzed data from 406 employees (66% female) across three German hospitals, collected between December 2019 and January 2020 as part of the SEEGEN (Mental Health at the Hospital Workplace) study on mental health in hospital workplaces. Group differences in target variables were investigated via between-group one-way independent analyses of variance.

Results showed that nurses, part-time employees, and non-leadership staff reported the most significant needs for improvement. Nurses experienced the lowest effort-reward balance, reduced job satisfaction, and the highest intention to leave their jobs. Part-time workers felt less control over their work decisions, perceived poorer cooperation among occupational groups, and reported a weaker psychosocial safety climate compared to full-time employees. They were also more irritated, less satisfied, and more inclined to consider leaving their jobs. Additionally, part-time workers rated their employers as less attractive and were less likely to recommend them. Leadership positions appeared to offer a protective effect against some of these negative outcomes.

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive view of the differing work stressors and consequences faced by hospital staff based on their roles, work hours, and job levels. These insights emphasize the importance of tailoring interventions to target specific groups within hospitals to enhance occupational health and create supportive work environments.

German Clinical Trial Register (DRKS): DRKS-ID DRKS00017249 (Registration Date: 8th October 2019).

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