Hospital Employees Fixed Shifts and Burnout Discussion
Hypothesis
The hypothesis is that rotating shifts account for a higher level of occupational burnout in hospital employees than fixed shifts. Let R = Rotating shifts. Let F = Fixed shifts. In this case, the null hypothesis is: Ho: R > F. In turn, the alternative hypothesis is H1: R < F. Independent variables for this hypothesis are fixed shifts, rotating shifts and hospital employees, while dependent or outcome variable is job burnout.
In order to prove or disprove the hypothesis by determining the relationship between the variables we are to apply quantitative analysis. Depending on the current situation with shift scheduling in the hospital of interest, the research can be either descriptive (if both types of job shifts are present) or experimental (if only one type of job shifts is present). In the first case, the research may start with gathering primary data through questionnaires while making sure that employees working both types of schedules are equally represented in the sample. In the latter case, we are first to design an experiment where the experimental group works the type of shifts that is not usual for the hospital, whereas the control group follows the usual schedule. This stage will be followed by the primary data collection as well.
In both cases questionnaires will attempt to establish the level of exhaustion, lack of motivation and enthusiasm among the members of the compared groups to determine their level of job burnout. Questions presented to the respondents may include: “Have you become more intolerant and aggressive at work?”, “Do you feel productive while performing your duties?”, “Does your job bring you happiness and satisfaction?”, etc.
For the ease of further processing, it is recommended to use Likert scales in the body of the questionnaire. After the numerical data collection took place, statistical analysis of the returns is required (e.g. Mann-Whitney U-test may be applied here), and, finally conclusions can be drawn on the base of it. As a result, we will be able to state either that rotating shifts are more likely to cause occupational burnout than fixed schedule, or vice …
