Motivators for Seeking In-Service Training Among Healthcare Sector Employees in the Riyadh Region

Background and Aims: Understanding employee motivations for in-service training is vital for effective human resources development strategies that seek to improve healthcare quality. This study aimed to identify drivers of in-service training among healthcare employees in the Riyadh Region and examine factors associated with personal and professional development as motivators for in-service training. Methods: This cross-sectional study collected data via an electronic questionnaire from 319 health practitioners and administrative personnel working in the governmental and private health sectors in the Riyadh Region, selected through convenience sampling. The collected data included background and job related information and the drivers for in-service training whether work enhancement, professional development or personal development. Analysis, by SPSS version 21, included descriptive statistics and subgroup analysis using chi square test and odds ratio. Result: For 36.8% of respondents, the primary driver for training was work enhancement, followed by 26.7% who had no specific preference. Around 24% identified personal development as their main motivator, while only 12.3% cited professional development. Combined, personal and professional development accounted for 36.5% of respondents’ training motivation. Males were more likely than females to select professional or personal development as their primary training motivator (odds ratio: 2.271, 95% CI: 1.358–3.799, p < 0.05). Age, years of experience, qualifications, employee type, and sector of employment showed no significant association with professional and personal development as in-service training drivers. Conclusion: Healthcare employees pursued both job performance improvement and career growth, highlighting the need for training programmes that align organizational goals with individual development.