Happiness at work among oncology professionals: a challenge for organizational management
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29352/mill0224e.41504Keywords:
happiness; oncology; hospital; health management; health professionalsAbstract
Introduction: Effective organizational management in healthcare is essential for fostering healthy work environments, particularly in oncology, where frequent exposure to suffering can affect both health and professional satisfaction. Happiness at Work (HAW) can mitigate these effects, promoting well-being and organizational commitment.
Objective: To identify the levels of HAW among healthcare professionals in an oncology context and to analyse the relationship between HAW and sociodemographic and professional variables.
Methods: A descriptive, correlational, and cross-sectional study was conducted at a hospital in northern Portugal, using a convenience sample of 285 professionals. Data were collected through a questionnaire that gathered sociodemographic and professional data, along with the Shorted Happiness at Work Scale (Salas-Vallina & Alegre, 2018; Feitor et al., 2023). Data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis.
Results: Most participants were women, aged between 41–50 years, nurses, held bachelor's degrees, had permanent contracts, and worked rotating shifts. The mean overall HAW level was 4.37, with the highest mean score in the Engagement dimension (M=5.11) and the lowest in Job Satisfaction (M=3.27). Significant associations were found between HAW and sociodemographic and professional variables, particularly age, marital status, educational level, career, type of service, professional category, work experience, and work schedule, across the three dimensions: Engagement, Job Satisfaction, and Affective Organizational Commitment.
Conclusion: HAW among oncology professionals was higher in the Engagement dimension and lower in Job Satisfaction, suggesting a sense of fulfilment despite emotional strain. Sociodemographic and professional characteristics are crucial for guiding more sustainable organizational strategies. The role of nurse managers in promoting healthy work environments is particularly highlighted, as similar services showed different HAW levels.
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