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.