Turnover Intentions and Effects on the Health Sector in Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study investigates turnover intentions and their effects on the health sector in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. The research explores the prevalence, underlying causes, and consequences of turnover intention among healthcare professionals working in public health facilities. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a purposively selected sample of 50 health workers, including doctors, nurses, and primary healthcare providers. The findings reveal a high prevalence of turnover intention, primarily driven by factors such as insufficient medication, low salaries, poor working conditions, limited career advancement, inadequate management support, and job dissatisfaction. The study also highlights the negative impact of turnover intention on healthcare service delivery, including increased workload for remaining staff, reduced patient care quality, low staff morale, and heightened operational costs. Respondents unanimously acknowledged the economic and social disruptions caused by staff turnover, emphasizing its adverse effect on institutional knowledge and healthcare outcomes. Based on the findings, the study recommends improved compensation, better working environments, enhanced professional development opportunities, and stronger leadership as strategies to curb turnover intentions. The study concludes by calling for further research into the long-term impact of staff retention interventions and comparisons between public and private sector healthcare settings in Zimbabwe.