Effect of Motivation on Job Satisfaction of Health Workers in a Tertiary Hospital in Southern Nigeria

Background: Motivation of health workers is important in improving their job satisfaction and overall health outcomes. The objective of the study was to determine the motivations that will improve job satisfaction of health workers in our setting. Methodology: It was a quasi-experimental study. Following ethical approval, data collection was carried out with the aid of semi-structured, self-administered questionnaires using the Likert scale. Data collection was done before and after interventions in the form of improved supervision and leadership enhancement for supervisors, staff involvement in decision-making and presentation of awards to outstanding staff. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The frequencies, percentages and means of the parameters were obtained. The critical mean rating (MNR) of ‘3’ was selected as the neutral point. Results: Following the interventions, the following parameters showed increased mean rating: interest in career improvement (8.7%), provision of adequate leadership by supervisors (15.7%), effective communication from supervisors (9.4%), involvement in decision-making (2.7%) and opportunity for skill improvement (8.7%). About one-third (28.3%) of the respondents believed that training would improve their job satisfaction. One-third (33.3%) of the supervisors suggested their staff would be motivated by training, 24.2% suggested financial incentives while 15.1% suggested provision work materials. Conclusion: Leadership enhancement, involvement in decision-making, reward system, training, financial incentives and provision of work materials are the motivations needed for job satisfaction. Policies from the management to enhance productivity of should include these interventions.