Six in 10 health workers in Greater Accra consider quitting their jobs, study finds

A new study by researchers from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and partner institutions has revealed that nearly six out of every 10 health workers in Ghana’s Greater Accra Region are considering leaving their jobs, raising fresh concerns about staff retention and the long-term stability of the country's healthcare system.

The study, published in the scientific journal Heliyon, found that 59.8% of healthcare professionals surveyed expressed intentions to leave their current positions, highlighting persistent workforce challenges facing Ghana’s health sector.

The research was led by Dr Phillip Apraku Tawiah of the KNUST School of Public Health and involved 495 health workers drawn from 10 public and private healthcare facilities across the Greater Accra Region.

Participants included doctors, nurses, midwives, laboratory professionals, physiotherapists, and support staff.

The study sought to identify the key factors influencing workers' decisions to consider leaving their jobs and the broader implications for healthcare delivery.

According to the findings, health workers who frequently worked overtime, exceeded five working days per week, perceived their departments as understaffed, or had experienced workplace violence were significantly more likely to consider resigning.

The study found that:

• Health workers who perceived understaffing in their departments were 40% more likely to consider leaving their jobs.
• Employees who regularly worked overtime were 26% more likely to express turnover intentions.
• Exposure to physical assault in the workplace increased the likelihood of wanting to quit by 21%.
• Supporting staff recorded the highest rate of turnover intentions among all occupational categories surveyed.

Researchers noted that excessive workloads and staffing shortages continue to place significant pressure on healthcare professionals, contributing to frustration and job dissatisfaction.

The study also highlighted workplace violence as a major factor affecting employee retention.

Health workers who had experienced physical assault at work reported higher levels of stress and a greater likelihood of seeking alternative employment opportunities.

The researchers warned that unsafe working environments could further worsen staffing shortages if not addressed through stronger security measures and institutional support systems.

One notable finding was the role of adequate rest in reducing turnover intentions.

Health workers who reported sleeping at least eight hours daily were less likely to consider leaving their jobs.

The researchers suggested that sufficient rest may help reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and increase job satisfaction among healthcare workers.

Although the 59.8% turnover intention rate is lower than figures reported in some earlier studies conducted in Ghana and other African countries, the researchers cautioned that it remains alarmingly high.

They warned that if a significant number of healthcare professionals eventually leave the workforce, healthcare delivery could be severely affected through increased workloads, reduced patient care quality, and growing staff shortages.

“Supporting staff category, worked for more than five days in a typical week, worked overtime, perceived understaff and exposure to physical assault were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of turnover intention,” the authors stated.

To improve retention and strengthen Ghana’s healthcare workforce, the study recommends targeted interventions by policymakers and health administrators.

Key recommendations include:

• Recruiting additional health workers to address staffing shortages.
• Reducing excessive overtime and workload pressures.
• Improving workplace safety and security.
• Introducing staff wellness and mental health support programmes.
• Promoting healthier work-life balance practices.

The researchers believe that implementing these measures could help reduce turnover intentions, improve employee satisfaction, and ensure the continued delivery of quality healthcare services across Ghana.