An assessment of the causes of employee attrition in the health sector : a case study of Ministry of Health of Uganda

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to assess the causes of employee attrition at the Ministry of Health. The research objectives included identifying the underlying root causes of employee attrition in the Ministry of Health, determining the strategies for enhancing employee retention, and examining the consequences of employee attrition. The study employed Systems Theory and utilized a descriptive survey design. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and stratified random sampling, resulting in a 95% response rate. This distribution indicated a predominance of female respondents in the study. The findings revealed several root causes of employee attrition, including heavy workloads, inadequate resources, poor working conditions, low salaries, lack of professional development, and insufficient management support. These factors contributed to employee dissatisfaction and turnover. Additionally, the consequences of this attrition incurred hidden costs related to recruitment and replacement and raised concerns about its impact on organizational performance and service delivery, indicating a need for deeper analysis in these areas. To enhance employee retention, respondents emphasized the importance of competitive compensation, career development opportunities, a supportive work environment, work-life balance initiatives, employee engagement, and recognition programs. Addressing these factors was crucial for the Ministry to foster a more stable and committed workforce, ultimately leading to improved service quality and organizational effectiveness. The study faced several limitations, including a potentially biased sample if the respondents were primarily those who were dissatisfied and chose to participate. Future research should explore the long-term impacts of employee attrition on organizational performance and service delivery within the Ministry of Health, including how turnover affects patient outcomes and continuity of care.