Factors influencing job satisfaction among public-sector employees in the united arab emirates: a cross-sectional study

Alounoud AlMarzooqi; Nivine Hanach; Heba Hijazi; Eman Rashed; Mahra AlKetbi; Amina AlMarzouqi; Mohamad Alameddine

doi:10.1038/s41598-025-98696-4

Factors influencing job satisfaction among public-sector employees in the united arab emirates: a cross-sectional study

Sci Rep. 2025 Jul 1;15(1):22294. doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-98696-4.

Authors

Alounoud AlMarzooqi¹, Nivine Hanach², Heba Hijazi^{1

3}, Eman Rashed⁴, Mahra AlKetbi⁴, Amina AlMarzouqi^{1

2}, Mohamad Alameddine^{5

6}

Affiliations

¹ College of Health Sciences, Department of Health Care Management, University Of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
² Health and Workforce Studies Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
³ Department of Health Management and Policy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
⁴ Health Promotion Department, Supreme Council for Family Affairs-Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
⁵ College of Health Sciences, Department of Health Care Management, University Of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. malameddine@sharjah.ac.ae.
⁶ Health and Workforce Studies Research Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. malameddine@sharjah.ac.ae.

Abstract

Job satisfaction is a critical factor influencing service quality, organizational success and employee engagement and well-being. This study aims to assess job satisfaction levels, identify key influencing factors, and examine the relationship between burnout and job satisfaction among public sector employees in the Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 22 public sector entities in Sharjah from October to December 2023. Participants completed an anonymous self-administered electronic questionnaire involving sociodemographic and work-related characteristics, Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). Descriptive statistics, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed. A total of 818 full-time employees participated in the survey, with the majority being female (58.1%), UAE nationals (78.9%), married (69.3%), and aged between 31 and 40 years (43.9%). The overall job satisfaction score was 71.7 ± 16.98, reflecting relatively high satisfaction levels, particularly in relation to personal accomplishments, work environment, and compensation. However, aspects such as the perceived value of work, promotion opportunities, and autonomy showed potential for improvement. Sociodemographic factors, including lower income and having children under 12, were associated with reduced satisfaction, while non-UAE citizens reported higher satisfaction. Additionally, professional burnout, especially emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, were strongly correlated with lower job satisfaction. This study highlights the multifaceted factors influencing job satisfaction among public-sector employees in Sharjah. Findings emphasize the need for a collaborative, cross-organizational approach to improve job satisfaction and develop targeted interventions addressing professional burnout. Future research should adopt a longitudinal approach to explore the dynamics between burnout, job satisfaction, and personal factors.

Keywords: Burnout; Depersonalization; Emotional exhaustion; Job satisfaction; Personal accomplishment; Public sector; United Arab Emirates.

MeSH terms

Adult
Burnout, Professional* / epidemiology
Burnout, Professional* / psychology
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Job Satisfaction*
Male
Middle Aged
Public Sector*
Surveys and Questionnaires
United Arab Emirates / epidemiology