Key determinants of hospital pharmacy staff's job satisfaction

Background: The level of job satisfaction among pharmacy personnel is of importance because it may affect performance and retention.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) examine the level of job satisfaction among pharmacists and pharmacy support personnel practicing in Australian hospitals, (2) compare the level of job satisfaction with career satisfaction, (3) investigate the key factors determining hospital pharmacy staff's job satisfaction and their relative importance, and (4) identify the influential factors on their perceptions related to the ideal job.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to 350 pharmacy staff in Australia. Participants had the option of returning the completed survey by means of mail or online. Previously validated 5-point scales measured each of the study variables. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of variance, factor analysis, and multiple linear regression.

Results: Responses were received from 188 subjects (53.7%). Job satisfaction was 3.62 ± 0.77, which was significantly higher than career satisfaction 3.38 ± 0.85. Different job satisfaction mean scores were seen among age groups (F=2.718, P<.05). Percentage of time spent in dispensing was negatively correlated to job satisfaction (β=-0.202, P<.01). Sex, job positions, education levels, size and location of the hospitals, and work experience were not significant factors in determining job satisfaction. Job-related predictors of job satisfaction were ability utilization and recognition. Ability utilization was the most important factor in their perception of the ideal job.

Conclusion: The primary determinants of job satisfaction were intrinsic aspects of the job; that is, what makes people satisfied is the work that they do or the way they are used. Hospital pharmacy staff need to feel certain about their future, so managers should strive to secure the pharmacist's role in the provision of health care. It is suggested that pharmacy managers focus on altering the job to provide greater use of skills and abilities and to provide increased challenge in the work. Further research should focus on other predictors of job satisfaction and possible ways to enhance satisfaction level.