Empowering Sustainable Growth and Workforce: Unveiling Challenges and Strategies for Retaining Community Pharmacists in Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Community pharmacists face challenges in job retention due to compensation, work–life balance, and career growth concerns. With pharmacists’ evolving roles in healthcare, retaining them becomes crucial for maintaining quality service. Addressing their needs is vital for a skilled healthcare workforce. This study evaluates job retention among community pharmacists, considering various workforce management domains and demographic characteristics. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was employed with a self-administered questionnaire among community pharmacists in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Malaysia. Spearman’s correlations and ordinal logistic regression analysed job retention relationships with workforce domains and predicted the demographic characteristics. Results: A total of 414 participants attempted the survey, of which 311 completed the study. Strong correlations linked job retention with value, trust, and work–life balance. Female pharmacists had higher retention odds, while younger pharmacists had lower retention odds. Pharmacists with over 10 years of experience showed higher retention odds. Discussion: ‘Value and trust’ and ‘work–life balance’ were pivotal for the job retention of community pharmacists. Strategies boosting value, trust, and work–life balance was vital. Gender, age, and experience also predicted job retention. Conclusions: Cultivating trust, valuing contributions, and providing a work–life balance can enhance job retention and commitment.