Controlled role of gender and age between work fatigue and job performance in healthcare managers

Purpose This study aims to effectively illuminate the critical mediating roles of psychological well-being, happiness and job responsibility in the dynamic relationship between work fatigue and job performance among healthcare managers while controlling factors such as gender and age. Design/methodology/approach Using a stratified sample of 260 healthcare managers from public, university and private hospitals in Turkey, data were collected using validated scales, including the three-dimensional work fatigue inventory and scales for job performance, psychological well-being, happiness and job responsibility. Findings The results reveal that women hold nearly half of the director and deputy director positions compared to their male counterparts, predominantly in unit management and lower-level roles. The results demonstrate pronounced disparities in work fatigue levels across genders: overall work fatigue stands at 3.27 ± 0.67 for females versus 3.00 ± 0.76 for males, achieving statistical significance with p < 0.05. Practical implications Comprehensive gender-sensitive fatigue assessments should be implemented to ensure a fair and equitable workplace. Targeted well-being programs should be designed specifically for those in managerial roles to enhance resilience and performance. A more sustainable work environment should be created by effectively aligning job responsibilities with available resources. Originality/value The analyses confirm that all three necessary conditions for full mediation (partially supported) were satisfied, underscoring the substantial influence of psychological well-being, happiness and job responsibility on job performance by alleviating work fatigue. The research highlights the vital importance of these factors in fostering more effective and resilient healthcare leadership and performance.