Satisfaction of pharmaceutical specialists with the material and moral side of their job: a study

Abstract

Aim. Study of the opinion of pharmaceutical specialists working at pharmacies on the role of material and moral incentives and obstacles in their implementation in the process of motivating professionals to work. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in the period from June 26 to August 26, 2020 via an anonymous online survey of 348 pharmaceutical specialists working at pharmacies in Ukraine on a questionnaire developed in Google form and posted in nine pharmaceutical groups on Facebook social network. The respondents represented all regions of Ukraine, except for the annexed Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the occupied territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The marginal sampling error was 5.1%. Results and Discussion. It was found that the vast majority of respondents believe they should be paid higher salaries for that the amount of work they do. The ratio of the average salary of Ukrainian pharmaceutical specialists to the minimum wage in the country is at least twofold less than that of their European counterparts. It was found that among the incentives, employers primarily use the accrual of interest on sales and the bonus system. It is determined that respect on the part of colleagues and visitors of pharmacies, a proper moral climate in the team and good working conditions are important for the respondents. At the same time, the concern of pharmaceutical specialists with a high degree of carried responsibility, very hard work, inexpediency of management requirements, and penalties at the pharmacy was revealed. Conclusion. It is established that pharmaceutical professionals do not receive the desired material and moral satisfaction from working at pharmacies, and employers underuse the existing forms of incentives for work achievements, which leads to disappointment of pharmaceutical professionals in the chosen profession and to the high staff turnover at pharmacies.

Keywords

• pharmaceutical specialist, salary, material and moral incentives