How Ergonomics Influences Nurse Procrastination Through Job Satisfaction: Analysis of Hospitals in Sulaimania

Background – This study, grounded in Ergonomics Theory, Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) Model, and Self-Regulation Theory, aims to build and propose a research model that investigates the ergonomics in hospitals in the Sulaimania city, Kurdistan region of Iraq. This empirical study aims to examine: (a) the effect of ergonomics on nurses’ job satisfaction and procrastination; (b) the effect of nurses’ job satisfaction on procrastination in the workplace; and (c) the mediating role of job satisfaction in these connections. Methods – A quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational research design was applied, utilizing a stratified random sample of 187 registered nurses from public, private hospitals. Data were gathered through a structured survey including validated scales for ergonomics, job satisfaction, and workplace procrastination. Reliability and validity were confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha, Average Variance Extracted (AVE), and Composite Reliability (CR). Mediation analysis was conducted using Hayes PROCESS Model 4 with bootstrapping to test indirect effects. Results – The findings revealed that ergonomics had a significant positive influence on job satisfaction and that job satisfaction significantly reduced workplace procrastination. Ergonomics also had a significant total negative effect on procrastination. Mediation analysis confirmed a significant indirect effect of ergonomics on procrastination through job satisfaction, indicating partial mediation. All measurement constructs showed high reliability and attained convergent validity. Conclusion – The findings emphasize that enhancing ergonomic circumstances in nursing environments can improve job satisfaction and reduce procrastination, both directly and indirectly. The analysis highlights the significance of incorporating ergonomic interventions into hospital management policies to encourage nurse productivity, job satisfaction, and timely task completion. Originality/value – Little is known about the consequences of ergonomics in the health care industry and the antecedent of procrastination at work place. The literature is also devoid of evidence concerning affective variables as the potential mediators relating ergonomics to procrastination. The study wants to fill in these gaps.