Exploring Sustainable Career Development among Healthcare Professionals in Punjab, Pakistan: Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Response to Evolving Labor Market Dynamics, with Emphasis on the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly altered the landscape of healthcare, impacting the career trajectories and mental health of healthcare professionals. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing strategies to support healthcare workers and enhance career sustainability in the face of future healthcare challenges.

Objective: To investigate the factors contributing to career sustainability among healthcare professionals in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on the challenges and opportunities arising from their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 44 healthcare professionals from two distinct groups (22 in each group), differentiated by their level of direct exposure to COVID-19 patients. Data were collected using standardized questionnaires designed to assess career sustainability factors, job satisfaction, and career development prospects from September 2023 to January 2024. Statistical analyses included mean and standard deviation calculations for continuous variables, with comparative analysis conducted using t-tests to determine significant differences between the groups.

Results: Healthcare professionals in the high-exposure group reported higher mean scores in career sustainability (7.8 ± 0.9), job satisfaction (8.1 ± 1.0), and career development prospects (7.5 ± 1.3), compared to those in the low-exposure group, who scored 6.5 ± 1.1, 7.0 ± 1.2, and 6.1 ± 1.4, respectively. The differences were statistically significant, with p-values of 0.02, 0.01, and 0.03 for career sustainability, job satisfaction, and career development prospects, respectively.

Conclusion: The study concludes that direct exposure to COVID-19 patients correlates with higher career satisfaction and perceived career sustainability among healthcare professionals. These findings suggest that facing pandemic-related challenges may enhance resilience and career satisfaction among healthcare workers.