Safety factors predictive of job satisfaction and job retention among home healthcare aides.

OBJECTIVES

Although many of the well known work characteristics associated with job satisfaction in home health care have been documented, a unique aspect of the home health care aides' (HHA) work environment that might also affect job satisfaction is the fact that their workplace is a household. To obtain a better understanding of the potential impact of the risks/exposures/hazards within the household environment on job satisfaction and job retention in home care, we recently conducted a risk assessment study.

METHODS

Survey data from a convenience sample of 823 New York City HHAs were obtained and analyzed.

RESULTS

Household/job-related risks, environmental exposures, transportation issues, threats/verbal and physical abuse, and potential for violence were significantly correlated with HHA job satisfaction and job retention.

CONCLUSIONS

Addressing the modifiable risk factors in the home health care household may improve job satisfaction and reduce job turnover in this work population.