Perceptions of a Quality of Work-Life Survey from the Perspective of Employees in a Canadian Cancer Centre

Abstract

This qualitative (phenomenological) study explored the perceptions of a quality of work-life survey from the perspective of 10 employees from a variety of departments in a Canadian cancer centre. Data were collected through one-on-one interviews at the workplace. The interviews were conducted several months after the survey had been completed and the findings presented to staff. The following themes emerged from the analysis: 1) talking about the survey triggered discussions of quality of work-life issues most of which were not captured in the survey; 2) the impact of the survey was more important than the survey itself; and 3) participants were concerned that departments or groups of employees were labelled based on the survey results. Implications for researchers who wish to use surveys and standardized scales in health care settings are discussed.

The relationship between quality of work life and location of cross-training among obstetric nurses in urban northeastern Ontario, Canada: A population-based cross sectional study

“…Nevertheless, most studies viewed QWL as a subjective phenomenon that is affected by personal feelings and perceptions [7]. Some of these benefits include strengthened organizational commitment, improved quality of care, and increased productivity for both the individual employee and the organization [8][9][10][11][12]. In rural and Northern Canada, insufficient research has been undertaken on the practice environments of registered nurses in regards to their effects on retention.…”