The influence of job enrichment on job embeddedness and sick presenteeism among nurses.

Aim: To understand how job enrichment influences job embeddedness and sick presenteeism among nurses.

Background: Job satisfaction and retention are critical issues in healthcare, particularly among nurses. Job enrichment has been identified as a potential strategy to enhance job satisfaction and reduce turnover rates. Understanding its impact on job embeddedness and sick presenteeism can inform policies to improve nurse well-being and organizational effectiveness.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive design following STROBE guidelines was used. Data were collected from 360 nurses working in critical care units of a large university hospital. Three scales were used to measure job enrichment, job embeddedness, and sick presenteeism.

Results: Nurses reported high job enrichment and embeddedness levels. However, a significant proportion also exhibited high levels of sick presenteeism. Strong positive correlations existed between job enrichment, job embeddedness, and sick presenteeism. Regression analyses revealed that job enrichment significantly predicted job embeddedness and sick presenteeism.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the complex interplay between job characteristics, organizational commitment, and employee health behaviors among nurses. Job enrichment emerged as a critical factor influencing job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and sick presenteeism. The study underscores the need for health policies that promote job enrichment strategies, as they can contribute to nurse retention, reduce sick presenteeism, and enhance productivity in healthcare settings.

Implications for nursing and health policy: Nurse retention and job satisfaction can be improved by implementing job enrichment practices in healthcare organizations. Policies to reduce sick presenteeism should prioritize creating healthier work environments and promoting employee well-being. Understanding the cost-effectiveness and productivity gains associated with job enrichment can inform workforce planning and staffing policies, ensuring adequate nurse staffing levels and quality patient care.