Job satisfaction among nursing staff: Influence of managers on employee retention within the company

Problem description: Due to demographic developments and advances in medicine, the demand for nursing staff will continue to rise in the coming years. Nursing staff represent the largest cost factor in hospitals. It is therefore becoming increasingly important for managers to retain qualified and well-trained staff in their companies, as every employee who leaves means costs for new hires or replacements and a loss of experience and expertise for the company. Objective: This paper examines whether managers can influence staff retention by promoting job satisfaction among nursing staff. Factors that promote job satisfaction include: opportunities for self-determination, increased autonomy, good relationships with colleagues and other professional groups, organisational skills of managers, and good relationships with superiors. Managers play a central role, as their actions have a positive or negative influence on the job satisfaction of their employees.