A Qualitative Study into the Experiences and Motivation of Filipino Healthcare Professionals in Pre- and Post-COVID-19 Pandemic

Motivation is among the core components of work performance among individuals and organizations, particularly for workers facing challenging and complex work environments. The Self-Determination Theory analyzes the key elements of one’s motivation, focusing on intrinsic and extrinsic motivational patterns. Healthcare workers face specialized tasks (e.g., providing patient care) and daily challenges (e.g., weighty workloads) that test their motivation to pursue their chosen profession. In this article, the self-determination theory is applied to clarify both (a) experiences and (b) challenges of these healthcare workers employed in Cagayan de Oro City. The current study utilized an online qualitative survey to obtain responses from the target sample. The data were coded and thematically analyzed. Results indicate that participants experience both ends of the motivational continuum; some experience a personal inherent desire for continued learning and professional development, while others are motivated in their profession for increased financial compensation and benefits. These workers’ challenges include workload challenges, conflicts with colleagues, changes in the workplace environment, and difficulties encountered through patient interaction. Policymakers should focus on providing a balance between boosting healthcare workers’ monetary compensation, providing further growth and development in their field, and enhancing workplace conditions; improvements in their motivation level can be anticipated to increase.