The relationship between happiness at work and organizational commitment: a study of medical secretaries

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between happiness at work and organizational commitment among medical secretaries and to determine the extent to which happiness at work influences organizational commitment. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2025. The research included 394 medical secretaries employed in public and private sector institutions in Mersin, Turkiye, who voluntarily agreed to participate. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Happiness at Work Scale (HWS), and the Organizational Commitment Scale (OCS). Results: The mean HWS score of the participants was 53.41 ± 13.74, indicating a moderate level of happiness at work. The mean OCS score was 66.19 ± 17.87, similarly reflecting a moderate level of organizational commitment. A significant and positive correlation was identified between HWS and OCS scores (r = 0.479; p < 0.01). Additionally, several demographic and occupational variables were found to significantly influence both HWS and OCS scores (p < 0.05). According to the hierarchical regression analysis, HWS (β = 0.462; p < 0.01) and age (β = 0.162; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of OCS scores, together explaining 24.2% of the total variance in organizational commitment. Conclusion: Happiness at work is an important predictor of organizational commitment among medical secretaries. Enhancing employees' happiness at work may contribute to stronger organizational commitment and support more sustainable engagement within healthcare institutions.