Factors affecting job satisfaction among medical laboratory technologists in University Hospital, Oman: An exploratory study

Background The worldwide shortage of health care professionals has prompted Oman to recruit such professionals from other countries. Among such professionals, medical laboratory technologists are key in effective health care delivery, and it is therefore important to discover what influences the job satisfaction enjoyed by them. However, little research has been undertaken in this area; consequently, this study explores the factors that impact upon job satisfaction among medical laboratory technologists in University Hospital, Oman. Method Twelve groups of professionals were involved in Focus Group Discussions. The participants comprised senior and junior medical laboratory technologists. The study was undertaken during the end of 2015 and the beginning of 2016. One general question was presented: Can you please describe your situation at work in this hospital? Results Factors that caused major dissatisfaction at work were identified as follows: workload, promotion, health and safety in the laboratory, relationship with the leaders, professional status (recognition and appreciation), and hospital policies such as appraisal. Stress was the outcome of the presence/absence/quality of these factors. Other factors that emerged as important were autonomy and professional development. The satisfaction factors were identified as salary, the co‐worker relationship, and job security for non‐Omanis. Conclusions These findings call for a reevaluation of the promotion system, improved health and safety within the laboratories, appraisal that relates to the technologists careers within their laboratories, and improved professional training programmes for career enhancement.