[Generation differences among surgeons in job satisfaction and burnout].

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Surgical workforce studies
• Occupational health psychology

Background:

• Job satisfaction and burnout are critical concerns in high-stress surgical professions.
• Understanding generational and demographic variations is essential for improving surgeon well-being.
• Previous research has not fully explored these differences within the Hungarian surgical context.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate generational and demographic differences in job satisfaction and burnout among Hungarian general and thoracic surgeons.
• To identify specific factors contributing to job dissatisfaction and burnout across different age groups and career stages.
• To provide data-driven insights for developing targeted support strategies for surgeons.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous online questionnaire survey was administered to 97 Hungarian general and thoracic surgeons.
• Job satisfaction was assessed using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (intrinsic, extrinsic, overall).
• Burnout was evaluated using the Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (exhaustion, disengagement).

Main Results:

• Generation Z reported significantly lower intrinsic job satisfaction compared to older generations.
• Younger surgeons and residents exhibited lower intrinsic and overall job satisfaction.
• Generation Z showed significantly higher exhaustion, and a correlation was found between age and exhaustion.
• No significant differences in burnout dimensions were observed between Baby Boomers, Generation X, and Generation Y.

Conclusions:

• Younger surgeons, especially Generation Z, face greater job dissatisfaction and burnout.
• Differentiated leadership approaches are necessary to address the unique needs of different surgical generations.
• Integrating generational considerations into workplace strategies is crucial for the future of surgical practice.