Relationship between employee engagement and staff morale: Case of public nursing staff

Abstract

Background: Nurse’s engagement is associated with positive outcomes, such as improved staff morale. This, in turn, motivates nursing staff to achieve organisational goals that elevate patient care. However, few studies have been conducted on this subject within the nursing staff of South Africa’s public sector.

Aim: The study explores the correlation between staff morale and engagement, though correlation doesn’t imply causation. Further research is needed to determine any causal relationship.

Settings: The study was conducted in the public health sectors in South Africa in six provinces; namely, Western Cape, Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and North West as per the approval received from each province.

Methods: A quantitative methodology, using self-administered questionnaire from validated instruments consisted of measuring scale developed by Gallup (2006) and the scale developed by Nolan, Brown, Naughton & Nolan (1998). The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24. Pearson correlation analysis was used to test for relationship between employee engagement and staff morale.

Results: Employee engagement, including compensation, career growth, and work environment, was discussed. For staff morale, rewards, recognition, and job satisfaction were explored. The study found a significant relationship between employee engagement and staff morale.

Conclusion: This study suggests that nursing management foster a supportive work environment and provide sufficient resources to boost nurse engagement and morale.

Contribution: The study will help management understand factors affecting nursing staff engagement and morale, and guide with improvements.