Predictors of job satisfaction among teachers in Germany during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic: cross-sectional results of a nationwide online questionnaire.

INTRODUCTION

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic teaching was changed several times to distance learning. To consider the associated stresses and challenges for teachers a nationwide cross-sectional study was performed in March 2021 in which  = 31,089 teachers from Germany participated.

METHODS

A multiple linear regression model with stepwise inclusion of thematically sorted variables (sociodemographic, SARS-CoV-2- and work-related variables) was used to identify relevant predictors of job satisfaction.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed that work-related variables were significant predictors of job satisfaction. In the third regression model, when all variables are included the adjusted was 0.364. Overall, the results showed that, e.g., work predictability ( = 0.097), influence at work ( = 0.118), and meaning of work ( = 0.212) increased job satisfaction. In contrast, increased emotional exhaustion ( = -0.016), feelings of unfair treatment ( = -0.048), and work family conflicts ( = -0.154) deteriorated job satisfaction.

DISCUSSION

The results indicate that future research should focus especially the work-related topics in more detail and that job satisfaction is a useful concept for analyzing working conditions from a public health point of view.