The Importance of Monitoring the Work-Life Quality during the COVID-19 Restrictions for Sustainable Management in Nursing

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the work-life quality and related workplace factors of nursing employees working in hospitals during the COVID-19 restrictions. Employees in nursing carry out nursing care at various levels of healthcare. Work-life quality refers to an individual’s feelings concerning work and outcomes and depends on different working characteristics and conditions. Quantitative research based on a cross-sectional study was used. This cross-sectional study included 486 employees in nursing from four Slovenian acute care hospitals. The results showed that most employees in nursing assessed the work-life quality on a moderate level: 76% were satisfied with their work, and 89% assessed their well-being at the workplace as positive. Considering the leaders’ support, the number of patients, adequate information, teamwork, working position, use of days off, and equipment for safe work, we can explain the 53.5% of the total variability of work-life quality. We also found that work-life quality had an essential effect on well-being at the workplace (β = 0.330, p < 0.001) and work satisfaction (β = 0.490, p < 0.001) of employees in nursing. Work-life quality refers to an employees’ feelings about their workplace, and its monitoring is important for higher employees’ well-being and health. For management and policymakers in nursing, it is important to design strategies to ensure an adequate number of competent employees and establish a supportive leadership system. Work-life quality is an important factor in the recruitment and retention of the nursing workforce. Flexible working conditions and policy changes can improve work-life quality and balance. Nursing management must understand the influencing factors of work-life quality to improve nursing employee retention strategies.

Factors affecting the quality of working life among nurses caring for Syrian refugee camps in Jordan

“…The QWL comprises several aspects, including job satisfaction, work-related stress, workload, organizational support, and the general well-being of healthcare employees [ 6 ]. In the context of nurses working in settings marked by humanitarian crises and healthcare delivery to marginalized people, comprehending the determinants that impact their QWL is not just a question of professional significance but also an ethical obligation [ 7 ].…”

“…It is essential to acknowledge the intricate and challenging circumstances under which healthcare personnel function inside Syrian refugee camps [ 4 ]. The healthcare worker above encounter various problems that substantially influence the quality of their professional experiences and their capacity to provide efficient treatment [ 7 ]. The challenges faced by healthcare professionals in emergency and critical care settings include factors such as a significant influx of patients, scarcity of resources [ 3 ], regular exposure to traumatic and distressing circumstances [ 7 , 8 ], difficulties arising from language and cultural differences [ 9 ], and the demanding nature of emergency and critical care services [ 2 ].…”

“…The healthcare worker above encounter various problems that substantially influence the quality of their professional experiences and their capacity to provide efficient treatment [ 7 ]. The challenges faced by healthcare professionals in emergency and critical care settings include factors such as a significant influx of patients, scarcity of resources [ 3 ], regular exposure to traumatic and distressing circumstances [ 7 , 8 ], difficulties arising from language and cultural differences [ 9 ], and the demanding nature of emergency and critical care services [ 2 ]. Furthermore, the situation surrounding these refugee camps is further intricate due to resource limitations, overcrowding [ 10 ], and the immense scale of the catastrophe [ 11 ].…”

“…High staff turnover rates, burnout, and job dissatisfaction can disrupt the continuity of care, which is especially critical in healthcare settings dealing with vulnerable populations [ 1 – 3 ]. This disruption can lead to fragmented healthcare services and increased patient vulnerability [ 5 , 7 ]. Investigating and addressing factors affecting QWL can help satisfaction and staff turnover and promote the continuity of care [ 12 , 13 ].…”

Work-Life Balance and Employee Satisfaction during COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Effectively managing work and personal commitments has become essential for employees and organizations, directly impacting employee performance and satisfaction. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between work-life balance and employee outcomes, highlighting its potential to positively or negatively influence factors such as employee satisfaction, motivation, and turnover intention [4][5][6][7][8]. However, it is imperative to conduct empirical investigations examining specific contexts and utilize robust analytical methods to comprehensively understand this complex relationship.…”