The effects of communication competence, meaning of work, and work-life balance on turnover intention in Generation Z nurses in South Korea: A cross-sectional study

Aim

This study aimed to identify the effects of communication skills, meaningfulness of work, and work-life balance on turnover intention in Generation Z nurses, and investigate the correlations between these factors.

Background

Nursing organizations need to reassess staff retention strategies to accommodate the unique attributes of Generation Z, which is just beginning to enter the workforce.

Methods

Data were collected from July 24 to September 10, 2023, using a convenience sample of Generation Z nurses employed in three university hospitals, each with over 500 beds, in D Metropolitan City. A total of 179 nurses participated in the study, all born after 1995 and with >6 months of clinical experience.

Results

Turnover intention was significantly correlated with meaningfulness of work (r = –0.327, p < 0.001) and work-life balance (r = –0.613, p < 0.001). However, communication skills were not found to be significantly correlated with turnover intention. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis revealed statistically significant relationships between turnover intention and clinical experience (β = 0.139, p = 0.020), engaging in hobbies once a month (β = –0.166, p = 0.036), and work-life balance (β = –0.603, p < 0.001). The explanatory power was 45.6 % in model 3.

Conclusions

Based on these results, it is recommended that organizations develop and manage intervention programs for Generation Z nurses to improve their satisfaction with their current work units. Additionally, measures to promote work-life balance should be explored and implemented to reduce turnover.