Structural empowerment and work ethics influence on the work engagement of millennial nurses

AIM: This study investigated the influence of structural empowerment and work ethics on work engagement among millennial Saudi clinical nurses.

BACKGROUND: No extensive research has been conducted on the structural empowerment, work ethics and work engagement of millennial nurses, especially in Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia.

DESIGN: This study utilized descriptive correlation quantitative design.

METHOD: A total of 250 millennial Saudi nurses participated in the online survey containing the Multidimensional Work Ethic Profile-Short Form, Conditions for Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale.

RESULTS: Descriptive analyses revealed the highest mean for 'delay of gratification' for work ethics (M = 4.38, SD = 0.66), 'access to opportunity' for structural empowerment (M = 4.28, SD = 0.78) and 'dedication' dimension for work engagement (M = 5.02, SD = 1.10). Regression analysis revealed that marital status, employment status, type of hospital, structural empowerment and work ethics influenced the work engagement of millennial Saudi clinical nurses.

CONCLUSIONS: Personal and organisational factors, work ethics and structural empowerment contribute to the work engagement of millennial Saudi clinical nurses.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: This study discusses the importance of formulating strategies such as recognition, rewards and incentives for good nursing practice to foster the work engagement of millennial nurses.