GHTM | IHMT-NOVA, in collaboration with the WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Workforce Policy and Planning, coordinated the first nationwide study on job satisfaction and retention of medical and nursing professionals in Portugal. The study covers both the public (SNS) and private healthcare sectors and was published today by PLANAPP – the Public Administration Competence Centre for Planning, Policy, and Foresight, as part of its mission to support evidence-based public policy in health.
Led by Professor Tiago Correia, together with Dr. Rita Morais and Dr. André Beja, the study was supported by a broad network of health sector experts and institutions. This research marks a significant milestone in understanding the current dynamics of the Portuguese health workforce, with particular emphasis on the factors that influence job satisfaction, workforce retention, and the risk of burnout. The data presented offer a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the realities faced by doctors and nurses across diverse professional and regional contexts.
Key Findings
The study highlights that overall job satisfaction among health professionals is moderate, with notable differences depending on the sector, region, and type of healthcare facility. In the public sector (SNS), clear signs of dissatisfaction were identified, particularly related to pay, career progression, and training opportunities. Nonetheless, factors such as team relationships, working conditions, and access to technological resources emerged as crucial for the well-being of professionals.
A consistent association was also found between job dissatisfaction and extreme exhaustion (burnout), particularly among younger professionals, those with multiple job contracts, rotating shifts, and heavy family responsibilities. This level of exhaustion poses a serious threat to the retention of both doctors and nurses within the SNS.
While salary remains an important factor in decisions to stay or leave the public system, the study found that it is not the only one. Professional recognition, work-life balance, job stability, and opportunities for career development and progression are equally valued by healthcare workers.
Regional and Sectoral Differences
Regionally, dissatisfaction among doctors is more pronounced in the Algarve and Lisbon and Tagus Valley regions, whereas among nurses, higher levels of discontent are reported in the North. Satisfaction also varies by type of facility, with lower satisfaction levels observed in hospital settings compared to primary healthcare units.
Policy Recommendations
In light of these findings, the authors call for urgent action to implement continuous monitoring systems for job satisfaction and workforce retention, to strengthen career structures with appropriate incentives, and to promote mental health support programmes. They also recommend regulating exclusive employment regimes and addressing the challenges of multiple job holdings. Additionally, it is vital to create enabling conditions for professional development and the recognition of merit.
Click here for the full report.