Abstract

GANDARILLAS GONZALEZ, Marco et al. Job satisfaction and perceived social support among workers from a tertiary hospital. Med. segur. trab. [online]. 2014, vol.60, n.234, pp.64-89. ISSN 1989-7790.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0465-546X2014000100007.

Objective: To evaluate the perception of satisfaction and perceived social support in the workplace among staff of University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla. Workers and methodology: Descriptive and analytical, cross-sectional study among responders who selfcompleted a questionnaire about sociodemographic variables, and about the items from the questionnaires specifically developed by Warr, Cook y Wall (1979) 'Job satisfaction: Overall Job Satisfaction Scale' and House y Wells (1978) 'Social support', both validated by the INHT. Questionnaire was available for all workers, the response was voluntary and anonymity was preserved. Results: 676 workers completed the questionnaire, 14.6% out of the whole staff. Perceived overall Job Satisfaction was neutral. Statistically significant diffferences were found according to occupational area (p=0.005), age (p=0.01) and civil status (p=0.01). The best valorated elements were the relationship with workmates, direct supervisor, assigned responsibility, taks variety, job security and timetable. Salary, feedback to suggestions, promotion possibilities, and the way of organization management were specially unsatisfactory. A higher satisfaction regarding tasks to perform was observed among doctors, nursery and laboratory staff; and a lower satifastion was observed among nursery assistants and porters (p<0.00005). According to age, satisfaction was lower among 31-40 years old (p=0.05). Regarding the work conditions in which such tasks are performed, a higher satisfaction was also observed among doctors, nursery and laboratory staff in contrast to nursery assistants and porters (p<0.00005). In relation to work setting, satisfaction was higher in consulting rooms, hospitalization floors, and surgery area with respect to central offices, ICUs and Emergency (p=0.004). Satisfaction with people at organization was associated to work setting (p<0.00005), occupation (job tittle) (p=0.001) and age (p=0.005). Instrumental support at work showed a strong correlation in relation to satisfaction with the superior hierarchical level supervisor (r=0.77; p<0.00005) and relationship with executive management (r=0.70; p<0.00005). Healthcare staff perceived a higher instrumental support than Non-Healthcare staff (p=0.01). Instrumental support was lower in central offices (p<0.00005). Emotional support at work showed also a strong correlation in relation to satisfaction with the superior hierarchical level supervisor (r=0.75; p<0.00005) and relationship with executive management (r=0.69; p<0.00005). Less strong correlations were found in relation to satisfaction with workmates, recognition and use of proffessional capacitation. A strong correlation was observed between work conditions and satisfaction regarding tasks to perform (r=0.84; p<0.00005). Likewise, strong correlations were found between overall Job Satisfaction, satisfaction regarding tasks to perform, work conditions, workmates, and emotional and instrumental support at work. Multivariable analysis showed an independent association between overall Job Satisfaction and emotional (p=0.0001; OR: 1.16-1.61) and instrumental support (p=0.0018, OR: 1.15-1.97). Conclusions: Overall Job Satisfaction was on average neutral, but there were differences according to occupational area, age and civil status. The three best valorated elements were relationship with workmates, assigned responsibility, and job security. The three worse valorated ones were salary, feedback to suggestions, and the way of organization management. Intrumental and emotional support were independent variables associated with job satisfaction. These aspects must be strengthened whereas worse valorated elements must be improved.

Keywords : Job Satisfaction; Social Support; Hospital Administration.

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