FACTORS INFLUENCING TURNOVER OF HEALTH STAFF WORKERS IN PUBLIC HOSPITALS.A CASE STUDY OF: MBAGATHI LEVEL 4 REFERRAL HOSPITAL IN KENYA.

Abstract

Public hospitals' excessive employee turnover was a serious problem since it degraded patient care and placed a burden on healthcare systems. This study examined the variables that influenced turnover of health staff in public hospitals with a focus on mbagathi level 4 referral hospital with a particular emphasis on important determinants including salary, reward and recognition, performance improvement programs and working conditions. A survey questionnaire was issued to 133 respondents to help examine the influence of these variables on turnover of health staff workers at Mbagathi referral hospital. This study examines the relationship between these factors and employee retention and turnover intentions, guided by Herzberg's Two-Factor Theory and Human Capital Theory. To ensure representation across all hospital departments and staff levels, a stratified sample technique was used to collect data for the descriptive research design. Poor working conditions, insufficient performance development initiatives, and little recognition were found to be important predictors of turnover of health staffs. Another important consideration was salary, with better pay linked to lower turnover rates. These results concluded that in order to retain qualified healthcare workers in public hospitals, healthcare organizations should make investments in bettering work environments, expanding support services, and providing attractive compensation packages.