The progress of reforms: Job satisfaction in a typical hospital in Estonia

Abstract

Objective. To evaluate the level of job satisfaction among the staff at an Estonian hospital and to describe factors related to their job satisfaction. Design. Questionnaire survey. Setting. Pärnu County Hospital in Estonia. Study participants. All staff members of the Pärnu County Hospital (n = 673), except 56 staff members who were away from work during the study. Results. Respondents (n = 473) indicated an average job satisfaction level of 3.86 ± 0.81 on a 5-point scale. The efficiency of hospital management as measured by planning, relationships with supervisors, knowledge and communication regarding hospital goals, plans, quality of services, budgetary situation, and staffing problems was positively correlated with job satisfaction. Stress and unrealistic expectations were negatively correlated with job satisfaction. The feeling of being part of the organization was also correlated with job satisfaction. Recognition from supervisors and discussions with colleagues were found to be weakly correlated with job satisfaction. There were differences between occupational categories. Conclusion. The management of Pärnu County Hospital has been able to create good supervisory relationships with staff by providing sufficient information about the goals of the hospital, the quality of services, the budgetary situation, and staffing problems that arise. Stress levels reported are not excessive and staff are loyal to their hospital. © International Society for Quality in Health Care and Oxford University Press 2004; all right reserved.