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Applying workability in the Australian residential aged care context
Elizabeth Brooke1, Joanne Goodall, Maxwell Handrus
1Business Work and Ageing Centre for Research, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. lbrooke@swin.edu.au
Australasian Journal on Ageing
|June 19, 2013
Summary
This study tested the Finnish workability framework in Australian aged care, finding the Workability Index (WAI) applicable and effective. Implementing targeted actions, like increasing staff in high-care areas, significantly improved aged care worker workability.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Occupational Health
- Health Services Management
Background:
- The Finnish 'workability' framework offers a novel approach to understanding and improving workforce capacity.
- Residential aged care settings face unique challenges impacting workforce well-being and performance.
- Assessing workforce development tools is crucial for enhancing the aged care sector.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the applicability of the Workability Index (WAI) within the Australian residential aged care workforce, specifically for personal care assistants (PCAs).
- To determine the effectiveness of implemented actions designed to enhance workability in this sector.
- To explore the utility of the Workability Survey (WAS) as a research and workforce development instrument.
Main Methods:
- A demonstration project trialled the Finnish workability framework and associated research measures.
- The Workability Index (WAI) and Workability Survey (WAS) were administered to 64 personal care assistants (PCAs).
- Multidimensional 'actions' were implemented, and pre- and post-intervention data from 15 matched pairs were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Workability Index (WAI) scores showed a significant average increase of 3 points post-intervention.
- The most impactful 'action' identified was increasing the number of PCAs in high-care units.
- The study demonstrated the practical application of the WAI and WAS in measuring workforce interactions and intervention outcomes.
Conclusions:
- The Finnish workability framework and its associated instruments, including the WAI, are applicable and beneficial for the Australian residential aged care workforce.
- Targeted interventions, such as optimizing staffing levels in high-care areas, can effectively improve PCA workability.
- Workability serves as a valuable metric for assessing the dynamic relationship between aged care workers, organizational demands, and the impact of interventions.
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