EVALUATING THE QUALITY OF WORK LIFE AMONG NURSES IN KERALA - AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

The nursing profession plays a vital role in the healthcare system, with nurses often serving as the backbone of patient care. Despite their critical contribution, nurses frequently face high levels of stress, long working hours, and emotional burnout, all of which can significantly impact their Quality of Work Life (QWL). This study aims to evaluate the quality of work life among the nursing community in Kerala, focusing on key factors such as job satisfaction, work environment, compensation, work-life balance, professional growth, and psychological well-being. A structured questionnaire was administered to 300 nurses working in both government and private healthcare institutions across various districts in Kerala. The data was collected using purposive sampling and analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tools such as ANOVA and chi-square tests to examine the relationship between demographic variables and QWL indicators. The findings indicate that while nurses generally show moderate levels of job satisfaction and professional commitment, they report concerns regarding workload, inadequate staffing, limited promotional opportunities, and high emotional demands. Nurses employed in private hospitals expressed comparatively lower satisfaction with salary and job security than their counterparts in the public sector. Work-life balance emerged as a major area of concern, particularly among female nurses juggling professional and personal responsibilities. The study highlights the urgent need for healthcare administrators and policymakers to enhance the work conditions for nurses by improving compensation structures, ensuring adequate staffing, offering career development opportunities, and fostering supportive work environments. By addressing these factors, the overall quality of work life can be significantly improved, leading to better retention, higher morale, and ultimately, improved patient care outcomes. This analytical study contributes to the growing body of literature on nursing work environments and serves as a basis for reform and future research in human resource management within the healthcare sector in Kerala.