Work motivation and job satisfaction of healthcare professionals in the Vojvodina, Serbia

Introduction/Objective: Employees' job satisfaction represents an integral element of the quality of work in health care institutions and stems from adequate motivation of employees for work. The aim of the study was to examine whether there is a difference in work motivation and job satisfaction among health care professionals in Vojvodina, Serbia. Methods: The study was conducted on a sample of 719 health care professionals, employed in three health centers. A self-administered questionnaire was used for data collection. Student t-test, Spearmen's rank correlation coefficient, ROC analysis and binary logistic regression analysis were used in statistical data analysis. Results: Health professionals were significantly more motivated than satisfied with the following factors of work motivation: achievement of health institution goals, recognition of good performance, good interpersonal relationships, possibilities of promotion and advancement, personal qualities of an immediate manager, monthly income, working conditions, cooperative work atmosphere, secure job, managerial support, availability of up-to-date work equipment, and rewards for exceptional work. Health professionals were significantly less motivated by the factor of work motivation - expert supervision of their work, compared to the degree of its fulfilment/satisfaction provided by their healthcare institutions. Conclusion: Healthcare professionals are more motivated to work than satisfied with the work they do. In order to improve the quality of work in healthcare institution and the provided health care, as well as to increase the satisfaction among the users of health services, it is necessary that management of health care facilities continuously conducts studies on work motivation and job satisfaction.