From COVID-19 to Future Crises: Preparation, Protection, and Support Measures and Their Association with Overall Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intention among Healthcare Workers in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: This study assessed healthcare workers’ (HCWs) experiences with the preparation, protection, and support measures implemented by healthcare institutions in Saudi Arabia during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It also examined HCWs’ overall job satisfaction and their turnover intention. Methods: An online cross-sectional survey was conducted via Google Forms. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses, and binary logistic regression analyses. A total of 414 HCWs completed the survey. Results: Most respondents were satisfied with the preparation (65.2%), protection (74.6%), and support (64.3%) measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among respondents, 71.5% were satisfied with their jobs, 12.8% were dissatisfied, and 15.7% were neutral. In addition, 57.0% stated they intended to remain at their employing institutions, 15.9% stated they intended to leave, and 27.1% stated they were uncertain. Moreover, over half were dissatisfied with staffing levels, support provided to their families, and temporary housing during their duties. In binary logistic regression analyses, overall job satisfaction was significantly associated with respondents’ satisfaction with preparation (B = 1.317, odds ratio [OR] = 3.732, p < 0.001), protection (B = 1.660, OR = 5.260, p < 0.001), and support (B = 2.895, OR = 18.091, p < 0.001) measures, and duration of employment (B = 0.737, OR = 2.089, p = 0.044). In addition, respondents’ overall job satisfaction was significantly negatively associated with turnover intention (B = −2.058, OR = 0.128, p < 0.001). Thus, HCWs who were satisfied with their jobs had lower odds of intending to leave their employing institution than dissatisfied HCWs. Finally, each 1-year increase in age was associated with lower odds of intending to leave (B = −0.044, OR = 0.957, p < 0.001). Conclusion: These findings highlight the importance of preparation, protection, and support measures and their influence on HCWs’ job satisfaction and turnover intention during pandemics. Based on these findings and lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, several recommendations to improve HCWs’ preparedness for future crises are presented.