The Effect of Incentive Management System on Turnover Rate, Job Satisfaction and Motivation of Medical Laboratory Technologists

OBJECTIVES: We investigated factors affecting turnover and assessed satisfaction with an existing Incentive Management System and to which extent it motivates employees. We also provide recommendations to improve the Incentive Management System. METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study utilizing a convenience sample from of a population of 250 Medical Laboratory Technologists. FINDINGS: 100 medical laboratory technologists responded to the survey. We found discrepancy in wage allocation to be the most prominent factor affecting turnover intention with 51% strongly agreeing, followed by low incremental system with 48%. Other factors were: limited opportunities for promotion, insufficient allowances and benefits, and lack of continuing education and professional growth opportunities with 49%. 26% of respondents found lack of autonomy/independence to be a factor. Poor workgroup cohesion was least ranked (17%). 39% reported dissatisfaction with workload, 31% were dissatisfied with their provided allowance, with management support, and the working hours, and opportunities for promotion (44%). Opportunities for career growth and higher pay were highest ranked as incentives to remain, and additional vacation time and supportive colleagues to be the least relevant factors. There was a significant correlation between age and motivation levels (r = 0.223, p = 0.026). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Burnout and turnover can be costly to healthcare organizations, due to the impact on productivity and healthcare quality. Human resource departments must ensure to not only attract skilled employees, but also influence their motivation and retention due to the impact on productivity and health care quality. Incentive management systems support practices to enhance skills, knowledge, abilities and retention rates for healthcare employees. Our study findings support the continued improvement of Incentive Management Systems within the healthcare organization to reduce turnover rates, maximize quality outcomes, and increase the levels of commitment and motivation of employees.