Kontakt X:X | DOI: 10.32725/kont.2026.004

The relationship between happiness at work and organizational commitment: a study of medical secretariesSocial Sciences in Health - Original article

Betul Sari1, *, Hilal Ekim Kiratli2, Halil Can Aydemir3
1 Mersin University, Health Services Vocational School, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Mersin, Turkiye
2 Cag University, Vocational School, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Mersin, Turkiye
3 Tarsus University, Health Services Vocational School, Department of Medical Services and Techniques, Mersin, Turkiye

Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between happiness at work and organizational commitment among medical secretaries and to determine the extent to which happiness at work influences organizational commitment.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2025. The research included 394 medical secretaries employed in public and private sector institutions in Mersin, Turkiye, who voluntarily agreed to participate. Data were collected using the Descriptive Information Form, the Happiness at Work Scale (HWS), and the Organizational Commitment Scale (OCS).

Results: The mean HWS score of the participants was 53.41 ± 13.74, indicating a moderate level of happiness at work. The mean OCS score was 66.19 ± 17.87, similarly reflecting a moderate level of organizational commitment. A significant and positive correlation was identified between HWS and OCS scores (r = 0.479; p < 0.01). Additionally, several demographic and occupational variables were found to significantly influence both HWS and OCS scores (p < 0.05). According to the hierarchical regression analysis, HWS (β = 0.462; p < 0.01) and age (β = 0.162; p < 0.01) were significant predictors of OCS scores, together explaining 24.2% of the total variance in organizational commitment.

Conclusion: Happiness at work is an important predictor of organizational commitment among medical secretaries. Enhancing employees' happiness at work may contribute to stronger organizational commitment and support more sustainable engagement within healthcare institutions.

Keywords: Continuance commitment; Emotional commitment; Happiness at work; Normative commitment; Organizational commitment
Conflicts of interest:

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare. This study was presented orally at the 19th International Congress on Social Sciences with Recent Research, held in Antalya between Nov 4–8, 2025.

Received: September 19, 2025; Revised: November 22, 2025; Accepted: January 20, 2026; Prepublished online: January 21, 2026 

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