Perceived Emotional Intelligence, Work-Life Balance and Job Satisfaction Among Administrative Employees at a Public Hospital in the City of Tshwane in South Africa

Administrative employees in public hospitals are essential for operational efficiency but face high stress and limited support, impacting their well-being and job satisfaction. This study investigates the interplay between Emotional Intelligence (EI), Work-life Balance (WLB), and job satisfaction in this critical, yet underexamined, workforce. Using a quantitative, descriptive-correlational design, data were collected from 294 administrative employees at Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) via structured questionnaires, yielding 264 valid response rates (89.8% response rate). Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to analyse relationships. The results indicate that both EI (β = .645, p < .01) and WLB (β = .579, p < .01) are significant positive predictors of job satisfaction. Furthermore, WLB partially mediates the EI-job satisfaction relationship. Significant gender differences in satisfaction were also observed. The findings imply that hospital management should implement targeted EI training and context-specific WLB policies to enhance administrative staff satisfaction, retention, and overall institutional performance.