Workaholism, engagement and family interaction: Comparative study in portuguese and spanish nurses

Abstract

Aim: To identify and compare workaholism, engagement and family interaction levels among Portuguese and Spanish nurses.

Background: The contribution of nursing management and leadership to workers' health and well-being is cardinal to ensure a healthy work environment. However, factors such as workaholism, engagement and family interaction can strongly influence nurses' performance, well-being and safety.

Method: A multicentre, comparative and cross-sectional study using 333 Portuguese (54.1%) and Spanish (45.9%) nurses working in hospitals.

Results: Portuguese nurses showed higher levels for workaholism, negative work-family interaction and negative family-work interaction, while Spanish nurses presented higher levels of engagement, positive work-family interaction and positive family-work interaction. Gender, age, job experience time, academic training, working schedule and type of employment contract influenced workaholism, engagement and work-family interaction among nurses from both countries.

Conclusion: During their professional practice, nurses perceived their stress differently according to each country, with Portuguese nurses presenting worst psychological conditions than Spanish nurses, namely higher workaholism, negative work-family interactions and lower engagement.

Implications for nursing management: Workaholism, engagement and work-family interaction are important areas in which nursing managers must invest to better respond to the new challenges of work contexts.

Keywords: comparative study; family interaction; nursing management; work; work engagement; workaholism.