Relationship between Workload And Work Engagement of Healthcare Workers in Public Level 5 Hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.23244380Keywords:
Workload, Work Engagement, Healthcare Workers, Public Hospitals, Level 5 Hospitals, Kiambu County, KenyaAbstract
Purpose of study:
The study aimed to establish the influence of workload on work engagement among healthcare workers in public level 5 hospitals in Kiambu County, Kenya. It specifically examined whether workload conditions, including staffing levels, patient assignments, shift length, overtime, rest periods, and duty distribution, were associated with healthcare workers’ levels of work engagement.
Methodology:
A correlational research design was employed among healthcare workers in three public level 5 hospitals in Kiambu County. The target population comprised 806 medical, clinical, and nursing officers, from whom 267 respondents were sampled. Data were collected using a structured digital questionnaire incorporating the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) and analysed using SPSS version 29.
Findings:
The findings indicated relatively low work engagement among healthcare workers, particularly regarding vigour and absorption, although dedication and pride in work were comparatively stronger. Respondents reported substantial dissatisfaction with staffing levels, patient assignments, shift length, overtime, rest periods, and distribution of duties. Correlation analysis established a strong, negative, and statistically significant relationship between workload and work engagement (r = −.911, p < .001, N = 235). The findings demonstrate that increasing workload was associated with lower levels of work engagement. Workload therefore emerged as a critical barrier to healthcare workers’ engagement in public level 5 hospitals in Kiambu County.
Conclusion:
Workload significantly undermines work engagement among healthcare workers in public level 5 hospitals in Kiambu County. High workload was associated with lower engagement levels. The study recommends that the Kiambu County Government recruit additional healthcare personnel, address staffing shortages, reduce excessive workloads, and improve patient-to-staff ratios.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Harrison Thumbi Kaburi (Author); Mr. George Gachuru (Supervisor); Dr. Jane Njenga, PhD (Author)
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