The relationship between workplace learning and employee satisfaction in UAE healthcare professionals

<p dir="ltr">This research explores the mediating role of motivation between workplace learning and employee job satisfaction of doctors in the UAE’s healthcare organisations. This research uses an explanatory mixed-method research design where qualitative and quantitative methods elicit the necessary responses in addressing the topic under study. A survey using a questionnaire with 150 doctors, and interviews with 12 doctors, were conducted to determine their perceptions about workplace learning, motivation, and employee satisfaction. The questionnaire employed a 5-point Likert scale and questions were developed from pre-existing scales to determine the relationships between workplace learning, motivation, and employee job satisfaction empirically. The interviews were conducted to obtain detailed perceptions from doctors about how they feel motivated and satisfied and engaged in learning practices. The quantitative analysis was done using descriptive analysis, correlation analysis, and regression analysis to determine the mediating effect of motivation on the relationship between workplace learning and employee job satisfaction. The findings showed that workplace learning is positively correlated with job satisfaction, with motivational conditions mediating the relationship. In particular, perceived motivation about the learning environment is also positively correlated with job satisfaction, where job satisfaction was defined as doctors’ overall perceived satisfaction with their jobs. This study reveals that organisational supportive policies of workplace learning alongside motivational support enhance job satisfaction. This brings the debate on training doctors at the workplace in tune with motivational antecedents, such as recognition, development opportunities and incentives to improve satisfaction and engagement among the doctors. Thematic analysis conducted for qualitative data also led to the development of four themes, formal workplace learning, informal workplace learning, general employee engagement and development, and impact of workplace learning on job satisfaction. In addition, speciality training courses can be formulated as per the doctors’ career paths and motivation to improve satisfaction among doctors. Healthcare policymakers and administrators could also use these findings to influence the design of professional development programs and integrate motivational factors in work-related learning to enhance employee satisfaction and, consequently, healthcare delivery.</p>