Farimah HakemZadeh1, Firat K Sayin2, Elena Neiterman3, Isik Urla Zeytinoglu4, Johanna Geraci5, Jennifer Plenderleith6, Derek Lobb7. 1. School of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 1P3, Canada. Electronic address: zadeh@yorku.ca. 2. Sobey School of Business, Saint Mary's University, 923 Robie Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 3C3, Canada. Electronic address: firat.sayin@smu.ca. 3. School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada. Electronic address: eneiterman@uwaterloo.ca. 4. DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M4, Canada. Electronic address: zeytino@mcmaster.ca. 5. College of Midwives of Ontario, 21 St Clair Ave E #303, Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1L9, Canada. Electronic address: johannageraci@yahoo.com. 6. DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M4, Canada. Electronic address: jplend@mcmaster.ca. 7. Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, 1280 Main St W, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L8, Canada. Electronic address: lobbd@mcmaster.ca.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study examines whether alignment of actual and preferred employment policies, including compensation method, employment status, and work schedule, affect midwives' intention to stay in the profession. The study further investigates the moderating effect of financial-rewards satisfaction and compares midwives' policy preferences in urban/rural practices. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey data from 549 midwives across Canada were analysed through descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and hierarchical linear regressions. Further regression analysis separated data for urban/rural practicing midwives. RESULTS: Three-quarters of the respondents are paid through a billable-course-of-care, while only one-third prefer this model. Another one-third prefer a combination of salary and billable-course-of-care. More than three-quarters of the respondents are independent contractors, but half prefer other forms of employee status. Lastly, half prefer a part-time work schedule, while others prefer full-time. Alignment of actual and preferred employment policies significantly explains midwives' intention to stay in the profession. Intentions to stay in the profession for urban midwives is significantly affected by the alignment of actual and preferred compensation methods, but not for rural ones. Both urban and rural midwives report similar preferences for employment status and work schedule policies. Furthermore, satisfaction with financial rewards is significantly associated with their intention to stay. CONCLUSION: Policymakers can positively influence midwives' intention to stay in the profession by facilitating alignment of their actual and preferred employment policies.
BACKGROUND: This study examines whether alignment of actual and preferred employment policies, including compensation method, employment status, and work schedule, affect midwives' intention to stay in the profession. The study further investigates the moderating effect of financial-rewards satisfaction and compares midwives' policy preferences in urban/rural practices. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey data from 549 midwives across Canada were analysed through descriptive statistics, bivariate correlations, and hierarchical linear regressions. Further regression analysis separated data for urban/rural practicing midwives. RESULTS: Three-quarters of the respondents are paid through a billable-course-of-care, while only one-third prefer this model. Another one-third prefer a combination of salary and billable-course-of-care. More than three-quarters of the respondents are independent contractors, but half prefer other forms of employee status. Lastly, half prefer a part-time work schedule, while others prefer full-time. Alignment of actual and preferred employment policies significantly explains midwives' intention to stay in the profession. Intentions to stay in the profession for urban midwives is significantly affected by the alignment of actual and preferred compensation methods, but not for rural ones. Both urban and rural midwives report similar preferences for employment status and work schedule policies. Furthermore, satisfaction with financial rewards is significantly associated with their intention to stay. CONCLUSION: Policymakers can positively influence midwives' intention to stay in the profession by facilitating alignment of their actual and preferred employment policies.
Keywords:
Alignment of actual and preferred employment policies; Compensation method; Employment status; Full-time/part-time; Intention to stay in the profession; Midwives
Authors: Isik U Zeytinoglu; Firat K Sayin; Elena Neiterman; Farimah HakemZadeh; Johanna Geraci; Jennifer Plenderleith; Derek Lobb Journal: BMC Health Serv Res Date: 2022-07-26 Impact factor: 2.908