Satisfaction matters: Job satisfaction among physiotherapy professionals in Sri Lanka

Abstract

A major portion of a person’s life is spent at work. Hence, it is important to analyse job satisfaction to improve employees’ performance and productivity. The aims of this study were to describe the job satisfaction level and factors that influence job satisfaction among physiotherapists in Sri Lanka. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted. A close ended self-administrated questionnaire was implemented for the data collection using an online survey. Likert Scale was used to measure the responses. Descriptive statistics and Chisquared test were performed using SPSS software. A total of 88 physiotherapists participated in this study. Out of them, 53.5 % were male participants and 79.1% were employed in the government sector. Only 15.1% of participants were very satisfied in respect of overall job satisfaction. Out of them, 11.63 % were very satisfied with resources available under the criteria of work condition, 3.4% were very satisfied with the salary they receive, 9.3% were very satisfied with the opportunity for career skills development. In conclusion, a minority of physiotherapists were very satisfied in regard to their overall job satisfaction. Less than 50% marked ‘very satisfactory’ for factors under achievement, salary and career advancement. Interpersonal relationships, salary and working conditions were marked as major factors for job satisfaction by majority of physiotherapists. There is a significant difference in overall job satisfaction with different years of experience and entry level qualifications. It is suggested that attention should be given to improve salary, advancement and achievement criteria to improve overall job satisfaction among physiotherapists in Sri Lanka.