WORK ENGAGEMENT OF HEALTHCARE WORKERS: DO THE WORK ROLE AND SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

Abstract

Work engagement refers to a positive, fulfilling, and work-related state of mind characterized by vigour, dedication and absorption. This study aimed to examine whether there are differences in the work engagement of healthcare workers depending on their work role (doctor/nurse) and socio-demographic characteristics (gender, age, duration of service, work in shifts, income, marital status). The sample comprised 255 healthcare workers (74.7% female) from BIH with a mean age of 40.75 (SD=11.71). We used the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (Schaufeli, Bakker, & Salanova, 2006). The results of ANOVA and post-hock tests showed a statistically significant difference in dedication, taking into account duration of service (F(3,247)=2.970, p=.033, ηp2=.036) and working in shifts (F(1,249)=5.758, p=.017, ηp2=.023). Healthcare workers who have more than 26 years of service, and work in one shift, are the most prone to dedication. Besides, statistically significant difference has been determined in vigour (F(4,246)=10.374, p=.000, ηp2=.143), dedication (F(4,246)=10.639, p=.000, ηp2=.015) and absorption (F(4,246)=7.542, p=.000, ηp2=.109) considering income. Also, statistically significant difference has been determined in vigour (F(1,249)=5.804, p=.017, ηp2=.023), dedication (F(1,249)=5.904, p=.016, ηp2=.023) and absorption (F(1,249)=5.113, p=.025, ηp2=.020) considering marital status. Healthcare workers who are married and completely satisfied with income are the most prone to vigour, dedication and absorption. This study's findings indicate that some socio-demographic characteristics significantly determine healthcare workers' work engagement.