Systematic review of work motivation: Health sector employees in Panama City

Abstract

This topic constitutes a critical axis for ensuring the quality of healthcare services, particularly in urban contexts such as Panama City, where demand is continuously increasing. However, working conditions, institutional pressures, and the demands arising from patient care create tensions that can affect the commitment and satisfaction of healthcare personnel. This scenario underscores the need to thoroughly analyze the motivational factors that influence the retention, performance, and well-being of health professionals, as well as the institutional strategies required to strengthen them. The general objective was to analyze the motivation of health sector employees from a multidimensional perspective. Framed within a post-positivist paradigm, the study employed a mixed-methods approach, combining standardized surveys based on both classical and recent theories—such as classical motivational theories, Self-Determination Theory, and the Job Demands–Resources Model—with semi-structured interviews of professionals from various medical and administrative disciplines. A systematic review of chronological documents revealed that the most influential factors in motivation are institutional recognition, professional development opportunities, effective communication with leaders, and a favorable organizational climate. Furthermore, the post-pandemic context continues to act as a catalyst for this labor reflection. It is concluded that motivation does not depend solely on economic incentives but also on psychosocial and cultural variables, which must be addressed through comprehensive public human resource policies. Strengthening a sense of purpose, organizational and emotional equity emerges as a key strategy to foster resilience and commitment among healthcare personnel in the urban context of Panama City.