Background: It is important to understand midwives' perceptions about their jobs and factors that influence their motivation. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the main factors influencing job motivation among midwives at Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.

Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on midwives at Babol University of Medical Sciences in 2012. A total of 44 midwifes were selected using a systemic random sampling method and sampling proportionate to size.  A questionnaire comprising 26 questions was used to assess the main factors influencing job motivation. The main areas to be addressed were: functional job analysis, in service training and the objective use of performance assessment. We organized an in-service training committee, which provided training programmed based on the needs of midwives. Also, we did set up a performance appraisal committee in order to ensure an objective use of existing performance appraisal form and – after getting permission grant – we changed it based on job description.

Results: The results of our informal questionnaire survey provided a comprehensive view of motivation among midwives in Babol University of Medical Sciences.

Conclusion: Low motivation and dissatisfaction were widespread, and can be attributed to salary and remuneration, intensive job regulation, functional job description, in-service training, job opportunity, and performance appraisal mechanisms.