Staff Engagement in Male, Female and Non-Binary Doctors Working in Non-Profit Australian Hospitals

What the paper says

Given the importance of equal opportunity for all staff, this study will assist employers and policy makers better understand issues pertaining to engagement differences experienced by male, female and non-binary medical staff working in non-profit Australian hospitals by sex. A survey was emailed to all medical staff working at two public hospitals and five private hospitals in three states, seeking responses to 30 pre-determined items. The survey used a valid and reliable instrument which provided an overall index of medical engagement, against which male, female and non-binary respondents relative engagement is ranked highest to lowest. The results indicate that overall, male doctors (N=659) are more engaged than their female colleagues. Female doctors (N=316) working at the seven sites are less empowered and valued when compared to their male counterparts. The data also indicate that females feel the work culture is less collaborative than it is for males. This is particularly evident when comparing the results to the Australian (AU) norms. Non-binary doctors were significantly more disengaged compared to male and female colleagues. The results vary when compared by site, sex, jurisdiction, and sector. The profile of medical engagement varies at the sites, and by sex. Differences appear to be related to how valued and empowered doctors feel and whether they are encouraged to develop their skills to progress their careers. Activity aimed at female and non-binary staff are required to address the lower levels of engagement then their male counterparts, particularly for non-binary staff.