An exploratory study of workers in the residential aged care sector of New Zealand: what drives them to stay or leave?

Purpose - This study analyses the different factors contributing to the retention and turnover of local- and overseas-born workers in the elderly care sector as an integral part of ensuring a stable workforce and quality care for the growing elderly population. Design/methodology/approach - Using a respondent-driven sampling method, a sample of individuals who worked or are working in residential aged care facilities in Dunedin, New Zealand were surveyed. Findings - The factors associated with intention to stay or leave are not necessarily the same factors influencing workers to leave. Practical implications - Policies need to consider how to make workers want to stay and address the issues that make workers leave the aged care sector. Social implications - Results of this study can be used to develop more relevant labour and migration policies that reflect a more grounded insight into the experiences of those who are directly and personally affected by these policies. Originality/value - There are limited international or national empirical studies on the economics of care worker migration and the labour market. This study can provide practical policy advice to help improve recruitment and retention strategies for care workers in countries dependent on global labour markets for health workers. In New Zealand, changes in policies concerning remuneration and immigration highlight the importance of ensuring that care worker needs are met both financially and in terms of institutional support.