Recognition of radiographers in the workplace: Why it matters

Abstract

Introduction: Recognition of radiographers' work has received limited research attention to date, notably its link with wellbeing at work (i.e., job and career satisfaction) and emotional exhaustion. This research focuses on these links and examines more precisely the mediational psychological mechanism (i.e., professional identification) that could explain these relationships.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study with data obtained through an online survey. The sample comprised 713 radiographers working in France. Structural equation modeling was used to test the mediational model.

Results: Results of structural equation analysis suggest that radiographers who perceive more professional recognition from their supervisors, colleagues and patients are those who identify most with their profession and who are most satisfied by their job and their career; they also show lower levels of emotional exhaustion. These results underline the crucial role of recognition in the workplace for these professionals.

Conclusion: Recognition is one of the basic needs of an individual, and satisfying this need is a crucial issue for organizations. This paper focuses on the importance of recognition for radiographers, notably to protect their psychological health and increase their well-being at work and in their professional career.

Practical implications: Health organizations and supervisors should be aware of the importance of recognizing radiographers' work in order to improve their psychological health, enhance their perceived quality of life at work, and have a positive perception of their career and their work.

Keywords: Emotional exhaustion; Professional identification; Recognition; Well-being at work.