What is it about?
This study explores how healthcare interpreters from different generations (X, Y, and Z) experience job satisfaction and value their work. It uses self-determination theory (SDT) to understand how feelings of competence, connectedness, and autonomy influence their motivation. Interviews with nine interpreters working in a hospital in Madrid, Spain, reveal that generational values impact how they perceive and perform their roles. The findings suggest that younger interpreters (Gen Z) feel more motivated by intrinsic values and autonomy, while older generations (Gen X and Y) face more external pressures. The study highlights the need for workplaces to adapt to different generational values to improve job satisfaction and retention.
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Why is it important?
This work is unique because it specifically examines how generational differences affect job satisfaction among healthcare interpreters, a group that plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication in medical settings. The study is timely given the evolving workforce demographics and the increasing importance of accommodating diverse values and motivations in the workplace. By applying self-determination theory, the research offers insights into how healthcare organizations can create environments that nurture competence, connectedness, and autonomy across different generations. This can lead to better job satisfaction, improved performance, and higher retention rates among interpreters.
Perspectives
Conducting this research was an enlightening journey that underscored the complexity of job satisfaction in healthcare interpreting. Engaging with interpreters from different generations provided a rich tapestry of experiences and perspectives. It was particularly rewarding to see how deeply these professionals care about their work and the patients they serve, despite the challenges they face. The qualitative approach allowed us to delve into the nuanced ways in which generational values shape their motivations and experiences. This study not only adds to our understanding of interpreter job satisfaction but also emphasizes the importance of creating supportive and adaptable work environments.
Dr. Esther Monzó-Nebot
Universitat Jaume I
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Healthcare interpreters X, Y, Z, Translation Spaces, April 2024, John Benjamins,
DOI: 10.1075/ts.23018.mon.
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