Determinants of Job Satisfaction and Turnover Intent in Home Health Workers: The Role of Job Demands and Resources

J Appl Gerontol. 2017 Jan;36(1):56-70. doi: 10.1177/0733464815586059. Epub 2015 May 8.

Abstract

Based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) model, this study explored the impact of job demands (physical injury and racial/ethnic discrimination) and resources (self-confidence in job performance and recognition by supervisor/organization/society) on home health workers' employee outcomes (job satisfaction and turnover intent). Using data from the National Home Health Aide Survey (N = 3,354), multivariate models of job satisfaction and turnover intent were explored. In both models, the negative impact of demands (physical injury and racial/ethnic discrimination) and the positive impact of resources (self-confidence in job performance and recognition by supervisor and organization) were observed. The overall findings suggest that physical injury and discrimination should be prioritized in prevention and intervention efforts to improve home health workers' safety and well-being. Attention also needs to be paid to ways to bolster work-related efficacy and to promote an organizational culture of appreciation and respect.

Keywords: home health workers; job satisfaction; physical injury; racial/ethnic discrimination; turnover intent.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Female
  • Home Care Agencies / organization & administration*
  • Home Health Aides / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Job Satisfaction*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Injuries / epidemiology
  • Occupational Injuries / psychology*
  • Personnel Turnover*
  • Racism / psychology
  • Reward
  • Safety*
  • Self Efficacy
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Workload
  • Young Adult