Abstract
Problem
The midwifery workforce in Australia is impacted by shortages and attrition. Workplace
culture affects midwives’ intentions to stay in the profession and their capacity
to provide woman-centred care for mothers and infants.
Background
Staff attrition in maternity services often relates to midwives’ workplace experiences
and negative perceptions of organisational culture. Broad-based data are essential
to fully understand midwifery workplace culture.
Aim
This study aimed to examine Australian midwives’ perceptions of workplace culture,
using a specifically developed instrument.
Methods
A national online survey of Australian midwives, within a wider project on maternity
workplace culture. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Qualitative data
were analysed using content analysis.
Findings
Overall, 322 eligible midwives rated workplace culture and 150 provided further qualitative
responses. Themes included ‘the ability to be a midwife’, ‘support at work’ and ‘bullying’.
Less than a third of midwives thought their workplace had a positive culture. Many
respondents felt disengaged and unsupported by managers and described an inability
to use all their midwifery knowledge in medically-dominated environments. Many attributed
poor workplace culture to limited resources, poor communication, time pressure and
a lack of leadership in their workplaces. Inadequate staffing levels and poor management
left many midwives feeling disempowered and despondent about their workplace. Others,
however, described highly positive workplace cultures and inspiring role models.
Conclusion
The survey captured a snapshot of Australian midwifery workplace culture. Findings
on leadership, workloads, management support and other aspects of workplace culture
can inform future workforce planning and policies. A larger study of the midwifery
workplace culture is needed.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 29, 2019
Accepted:
September 25,
2019
Received in revised form:
September 11,
2019
Received:
June 30,
2019
Identification
Copyright
Crown Copyright © 2019 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of Australian College of Midwives. All rights reserved.
