Work motivation and job satisfaction in a time of healthcare reforms

The health sector is characterized by organizational changes and scarce resources. This may contribute to reduced work motivation and job satisfaction among nurses. This article is based on a qualitative study with the purpose to investigate circumstances that led to work satisfaction and motivation at work. Five nurses, who have been employed in the same hospital for more than 10 years, were interviewed. While previous research has shown that varied and inspiring work tasks, autonomy and mutual respect among colleagues are important for wellbeing, our study showed that job satisfaction is a result of appropriate organization of daily work. Appropriate organization of work is complicated, and job satisfaction and motivation are fragile phenomena in a time of changes in work requirements and organizational transformation.