Job Satisfaction Among Physiotherapists

Abstract

Background: Job satisfaction among physiotherapists influences workforce retention, productivity, and service quality, particularly in early career stages when professionals are adapting to workplace demands and professional accountability. Objective: To determine overall job satisfaction and domain-level satisfaction patterns among early-career physiotherapists working as clinicians and lecturers in Lahore using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ). Methods: This observational cross-sectional study recruited early-career physiotherapists from universities, clinics, and hospitals in Lahore using purposive sampling. Demographic and occupational characteristics were recorded, and job satisfaction was assessed using the MSQ. Data were analyzed in SPSS version 25 using descriptive statistics and presented as frequencies, percentages, and mean ± standard deviation. Results: A total of 183 physiotherapists participated (51.9% female). The mean age was 26.57 ± 2.10 years and mean experience was 1.89 ± 0.99 years. Overall MSQ scores ranged from 44 to 100, with a mean of 71.40 ± 10.53. Based on MSQ scoring categories, 70 (38.3%) participants were highly satisfied and 113 (61.7%) were moderately satisfied. Satisfaction was strongest for autonomy-related domains and workplace environment indicators, while comparatively lower satisfaction was observed for pay relative to workload and praise/recognition. Conclusion: Early-career physiotherapists in Lahore reported moderate to high job satisfaction, with improvement opportunities centered on compensation and professional recognition