Effects of work environment on nurses’ job satisfaction in private hospitals in Nairobi, Kenya

Abstract

The work environment plays a crucial role in shaping job satisfaction, particularly in healthcare, where demanding conditions and workplace dynamics directly impact employee retention and performance. Amid growing concerns about nurse retention in Kenya, it is essential to examine how private hospitals provide conducive environments compared to their public counterparts. In addition, previous studies have shown an increased exodus of nurses from public to private hospitals, with physical, social, and psychological factors being major causes of discontent in public healthcare facilities in Kenya. Therefore, the study sought to explore the effects of the work environment on job satisfaction among nurses in private hospitals in Nairobi, focusing on personal and organizational goals, and physical and psychosocial work environments. A mixed-method research design was used, incorporating qualitative and quantitative strategies. Nurses at three private hospitals in Nairobi were given a structured questionnaire and interview guide. Descriptive quantitative and qualitative thematic analyses were performed using Advanced Excel and SPSS version 23. The study found strong agreement among frontline nurses and nurse managers in private hospitals in Nairobi City County, regarding the effect of physical work environment (adequate facilities and resources), psychosocial work environment (supportive relationships and teamwork), and personal and organizational goals (career advancement opportunities) on job satisfaction in private hospitals. However, the physical work environment and psychosocial work environment variables showed a weak positive but insignificant correlation (coefficient of 0.155, p-value of 0.173), and a similar weak and insignificant correlation was observed between the physical work environment and personal-organizational goals. The qualitative analysis revealed that respondents perceived the physical work environment, psychosocial work environment, and personal and organizational goals as crucial drivers of job satisfaction. The study concluded that the observed association between these factors was weak and did not reach statistical significance, suggesting they do not significantly influence each other. Recommendations included prioritizing ergonomic workspaces, ensuring appropriate staffing levels, fostering open communication channels, and consistently recognizing nurses' contributions to enhance job satisfaction in private hospitals. Further research was suggested to focus on health worker safety in resource-constrained environments, providing insights and recommendations for adequate safety measures.