Belongingness, Work Engagement, Stress and Job Satisfaction in a Healthcare Setting

Abstract

Research has indicated that belonging, employee engagement and stress play an integral role in perceived job satisfaction. Belonging, engagement and stress were explored as potential predictors of job satisfaction in an Irish geriatric healthcare organisation. Seventy nine nursing home employees completed four psychological measures including: Utrecht Work Engagement Questionnaire; Psychological Sense of Organisational Membership Questionnaire; Occupational Stress Index; Job Satisfaction Survey. Findings indicated that belongingness, stress and work engagement are predictors of job satisfaction in an Irish healthcare setting. Significant unique contribution was made by belonging and stress but not engagement. There was no interaction effect between gender and belonging on job satisfaction; no difference in scores on belongingness, stress, work engagement and job satisfaction between healthcare and support staff; and lastly, no relationship between employee length of service and job satisfaction. Findings highlight the important role of stress, belonging and, to an extent engagement, in relation to job satisfaction. Author Keywords: Belonging , Engagement, Stress, Job satisfaction