Associations between work experiences, health, well-being, and intention to remain in the profession among healthcare and social work professionals – a multicentre cross-sectional study

Abstract

Abstract Background The relationship between work experiences, health, well-being, and job satisfaction is important, especially in high-stress professions like healthcare and social work. While work stress effects are well studied, less is known about how work experiences in early professional life impacts health, well-being, and intention to remain in the profession. Therefore, this study aimed to explore associations between work experiences, health, well-being, and the intention to remain in the profession among healthcare and social work professionals, three years after graduation. Methods The study had a multicentre, cross-sectional design. As part of a larger longitudinal project on health-promoting factors during education and early careers, 165 of 1,751 invited graduates (from biomedical science, dental hygiene, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, radiology nursing, and social work) completed an online survey between December 2024 and January 2025. Instruments included the Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS), Sense of Coherence (SOC-13), and the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS), alongside questions on general health and well-being, physical activity, daily activity, sleep quality, and intention to remain in the profession. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, non-parametric tests, and regression analyses. Results Higher WEMS total scores were associated with better general health, better well-being, and a higher intention to remain in the profession. Supportive work conditions and internal work experiences were most strongly associated with intention to remain in the profession. Autonomy enhanced health and well-being but did not directly affect intention to remain in the profession. Participants aged 30-36 years reported a lower intention to remain in the profession than those in the younger and older age groups. Conclusions Positive work experiences may be important for supporting health, well-being, and intention to remain in the profession among healthcare and social work professionals three years after graduation. Lower intention to remain in the profession among those aged 30-36 years suggests a potential need for targeted support during this specific stage of working life. The findings support the integration of early-career support, sustainable leadership, and supportive work conditions into workforce strategies across healthcare professions and social work.