In contrast to workload, existential fulfilment and work engagement are positive dimensions of personal functioning in organisations. Research on positive dimensions fits into the context of positive psychology. Existential fulfilment, workload and engagement have not yet been investigated among nurses.
The relationships between existential fulfilment, workload and engagement, as well as the contribution of the first two concepts to engagement, are examined. In a cross-sectional survey, a random sample was drawn (N = 278) from a hospital population of nurses. Of this sample, 169 participants completed a questionnaire that included demographic, existential fulfilment, workload and engagement items. The response was 61%. Two dimensions of existential fulfilment, self-acceptance and self-actualisation, and the three engagement dimensions were positively correlated. Self-transcendence was associated with one engagement dimension, i.e. dedication. Self-actualisation explained a substantial percentage of variance in all three dimensions of engagement. Workload was negatively associated with engagement: the higher the workload scores, the lower the vigour and dedication scores. Workload explained a substantial percentage of variance in vigour and dedication. Self-actualisation and workload are important engagement determinants. The implications of the study are discussed.
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