Career outlook and satisfaction in the presence of workload intensification-a survey of early career pharmacists.

Background: The demographics of the pharmacy workforce is changing with an increased proportion of pharmacists less than 30 years old (early career pharmacists-ECPs). In parallel, the profession has experienced workload intensification and workforce attrition. It is important to understand ECPs career satisfaction to retain this section of the pharmacy profession.

Objectives: This study aimed to collect data on the current career satisfaction of ECPs, and identify workplace factors that were most important to this group. Further, to use these findings to inform sector recommendations.

Methods: A steering group of ECPs in Aotearoa New Zealand developed a survey based on one used previously. An invitation email was sent to all pharmacists who had been registered for less than 10 years and were members of the Pharmaceutical Society of New Zealand.

Results: A total of 1418 ECPs were identified and invited to participate, and responses were received by 416 of these. While 90% believe that they are making a useful contribution to the health of their patients, over half are unhappy and discontented, with over a third dissatisfied with their careers. A large proportion (44%) were considering leaving the profession in the next 5 years. The top three factors for career satisfaction were ability to progress and learn new skills, the people they work with, and the remuneration.

Conclusions: This study provides a starting point for understanding the current environment and level of dissatisfaction of young pharmacists. There are several areas of concern that need to be addressed if a strong vibrant viable pharmacy profession is to be achieved.