Exploring the Factors that Affect the Happiness of South African Veterinarians.

Happiness is a new field of study in various fields, including health care and veterinary science. Workplace-related happiness, or subjective well-being in the work environment, has become a prominent research field. The happiness of veterinarians has gained academic interest globally over recent years. Previous research indicated that increased happiness levels of employees have social, personal and possible financial gain for employers and employees. The objectives of this study were to determine the factors that affect the happiness of South African veterinarians and develop a conceptual model based on the identified factors. A cross-sectional study using a quantitative survey was conducted using a standardized questionnaire. Of 2,182 registered veterinarians, 360 practicing veterinarians completed the survey and the results were statistically analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. The results indicated that the factors influence in the workplace, social relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, work stress, and leisure were identified as having significant statistical relationships with the happiness of veterinarians. Managerial recommendations are provided based on the research findings. This study is the first known study to examine the factors that affect the happiness levels of veterinarians. The study forms the base for similar research to be conducted in other countries.

Happiness among South African private sector physiotherapists.

BACKGROUND: Happiness of people can affect their daily functioning and work performance. There is limited research assessing the happiness levels of various disciplines within the health care industry. This article is the first attempt to evaluate the happiness levels of private sector physiotherapists in South Africa. OBJECTIVES: Research in happiness and physiotherapy studies are two research areas that are not associated with one another in a global perspective. The objective of this study was to assess the happiness levels of private sector physiotherapists in South Africa. METHODS: A hypothesised model was statistically tested using a quantitative questionnaire, which was completed online. The target population of this study were all private sector physiotherapists who are members of the South African Society of Physiotherapy. A total of 395 respondents participated in the study. RESULTS: This study confirmed that factors such as influence, social relations, life balance, optimism, work and leisure are all positively associated with the happiness levels of private sector physiotherapists in South Africa. These variables are recommended as key focus areas for physiotherapy practice owners to address, in order to positively affect the happiness levels of all people in their workplace. CONCLUSION: The study concludes the following: if happiness becomes a priority, then owners of physiotherapy practices need to generate a workforce who are more productive, demonstrate greater collaboration with colleagues and patients, are more positively energised, are less absent and are more loyal to the practice. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The contribution of this study is that it highlights the importance of managing staff in private physiotherapy practices in a holistic manner.