The impact of working conditions on the productivity of nursing staff in the Midwife and Obstetrical Unit of Pretoria West Hospital

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the working conditions on the productivity of the nursing staff in the Midwife&Obstetrical Unit of Pretoria West Hospital. It was important to establish the working conditions prevailing within the unit and further to determine which factors related to the working conditions that influence productivity of the nursing staff. The findings of the research are intended to provide guidance to the management in dealing with issues regarding working conditions so as to improve the productivity of the nursing staff in the unit. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used, specifically the dominant-less-dominant model. The research approach was predominantly quantitative with lesser qualitative components incorporated for respondents to give recommendations intended for management so that improvement in their working conditions could be implemented Applied research was relevant in this study as the knowledge gained, can be utilised to address productivity problems emanating from working conditions. The aspects of working conditions that impact on productivity were explored and discussed in the literature study. The literature study also included a discussion on the cost of work stress on individuals and organizations. The section concluded with a discussion on the role of Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) in an organization. A self-developed questionnaire was used as a research tool to collect data from the respondents. No sampling was done because of the small size of the population, hence all members of the population were included in the study. The findings of the study were based on thirty-four questionnaires that were returned by the respondents. The findings were analysed and presented using tables and graphs which were then interpreted in words. The study revealed that the majority of the nursing staff in the Midwife Obstetrical Unit of Pretoria West Hospital perceives their working conditions as being stressful. The working conditions are negatively impacting on their well-being and job performance. The study also revealed that EAP has been implemented at the hospital, but the services of the programme are not being utilised by the majority of the nurses in the unit. Based on the findings of the study conclusions and recommendations were made regarding strategies to improve working conditions and to increase productivity. The important limitation of the study was that through reflections of some of the respondents’ views regarding sensitive issues were not obtained. Participants were given a choice of three responses which included remaining neutral. Unfortunately some respondents chose this option rather than taking a firm stand.