Influence of working conditions on employee commitment in the public health sector in Uganda: a case of Wakiso district.

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the influence of work conditions on employee commitment in the public health sector a case for Wakiso District. The study was guided by these four objectives: (a) to examine the effect of remuneration,(b) to analyze the effect of physical environment, ( c) to examine the effect of flexible working hours and also (d) to assess the effect of employee relations on commitment of the Health Workers in Wakiso District Health Units. The study took quantitative and qualitative approaches using cross sectional survey design involving 215 health workers filling questionnaires and 25 key informants interviewed. Data was collected and analyzed and presented as frequencies and descriptive summaries. Quantitative data was analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) software while qualitative data was analysed using the pragmatic content analysis (PCA). The findings revealed that (a) close to half 49% of respondents expressed strong dissatisfaction with their salary and 49% .of Health Workers were involved in other forms of employment to make ends meet; (b) 44% of the respondents disagreed with their current work conditions being conducive for effective performance; (c) 61 % of respondents confirmed that work-family balance had been achieved; and (d) 60% of respondents thought they related well with management and colleagues at work. It was therefore concluded that low pay and the deplorable work conditions seem to be some of the causes of Health Workers' dissatisfaction in the health sector. The study finally recommended that the right package of financial and non-financial incentives; and conducive physical work conditions be provided to enhance employee loyalty hence commitment to serve the population where they are located.