Job Satisfaction among Retail Pharmacists in Eastern Region of Saudi Arabia

Aim of the Study: This study aims to highlight the factors that contribute to less job satisfaction for pharmacists, working in private community pharmacies in Eastern region of Saudi Arabia.

Material and Methods: A self-administered survey was distributed among pharmacist using a cluster area sampling method. The data was entered into a statistical software i.e.Statistical package for Social sciences (SPSS v 22) using a significance level of p < 0.05. The data analysis was done through descriptive statistics and Chi-square for finding association between variables.

Results: Majority of the respondents (79.6%) were Egyptian origin pharmacist with bachelor of pharmacy qualification (78.6%) working in chain pharmacies however none of the Saudi national pharmacist was observed in the study. Regarding degree of job satisfaction and allowances provided, most of the pharmacist seemed dissatisfied with working hours (52.4%), working shifts (37.9%) and weekend breaks (50.5%). On the other hand, some of the pharmacists looked satisfied with regard to allowances provided such as; bonus (39.8%), vacations (45.6%), tickets (65%), housing allowance (33%) and health insurance (48.5%). Regarding salaries, although half of the pharmacist (54.4%) were satisfied with salary range of SAR > 5000 however pharm-D graduates as well as pharmacists with an experience more than 10 years expressed their dissatisfaction with current salary. Furthermore, the study observed lack of Saudi national pharmacist working in any chain pharmacy which may be attributed to the fact that current salary scale is too low as compared to government sectors.

Conclusion: Though non-native pharmacist seemed satisfied with current salary wages and allowances provided with however the duration of work, work load and shifts were the most widely observed dissatisfaction factors to them. In addition, much efforts are required on behalf of government agencies and employer in order to improve the salary wages and allowances and to make it comparable up to the level of government sectors so that a competitive environment may be produced and attract more Saudi pharmacist to work and start career in private retail pharmacies.