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Job Preferences of Aged Care Workers in Australia: Results from a Discrete Choice Experiment

Author

Listed:
  • Mavromaras, Kostas

    (University of Adelaide)

  • Isherwood, Linda

    (University of Adelaide)

  • Mahuteau, Stephane

    (University of Adelaide)

  • Ratcliffe, Julie

    (Flinders University)

  • Xiao, Lily

    (Flinders University)

  • Harrington, Ann

    (Flinders University)

  • Wei, Zhang

    (University of Adelaide)

Abstract

Using a Discrete Choice Experiment we estimate the relative value attached by workers on core job attributes identified by previous qualitative research on the Aged Care workforce in Australia: salary (hourly); work hours; training/skill development; staffing numbers; processes for managing work-related stress; and freedom in the job. In this mostly part- time employed workforce, the opportunity for more workhours is welcome, but relatively less important. Nurses (enrolled and more so registered, being typically better-paid and higher-qualified) value pay rises less and training opportunities more than their (typically lower-paid and lower-qualified) care worker counterparts. Casual/temporary workers prefer workplaces that are adequately staffed relatively more than their permanently employed counterparts. In the context of increasing demand for more and for better-quality Aged Care services, the paper's overall findings can inform the current multi-faceted debate about a sustainable way for the Aged Care sector to attract, retain and utilize its workforce.

Suggested Citation

  • Mavromaras, Kostas & Isherwood, Linda & Mahuteau, Stephane & Ratcliffe, Julie & Xiao, Lily & Harrington, Ann & Wei, Zhang, 2022. "Job Preferences of Aged Care Workers in Australia: Results from a Discrete Choice Experiment," IZA Discussion Papers 15623, Institute of Labor Economics (IZA).
    • Handle: RePEc:iza:izadps:dp15623
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kelvin J. Lancaster, 1966. "A New Approach to Consumer Theory," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 74(2), pages 132-132.
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    3. Esther W. de Bekker‐Grob & Mandy Ryan & Karen Gerard, 2012. "Discrete choice experiments in health economics: a review of the literature," Health Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 21(2), pages 145-172, February.
    4. Ratcliffe, Julie & Bekker, Hilary L. & Dolan, Paul & Edlin, Richard, 2009. "Examining the attitudes and preferences of health care decision-makers in relation to access, equity and cost-effectiveness: A discrete choice experiment," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 90(1), pages 45-57, April.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • J14 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demographic Economics - - - Economics of the Elderly; Economics of the Handicapped; Non-Labor Market Discrimination
    • J21 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Demand and Supply of Labor - - - Labor Force and Employment, Size, and Structure
    • J39 - Labor and Demographic Economics - - Wages, Compensation, and Labor Costs - - - Other
    • C25 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Discrete Regression and Qualitative Choice Models; Discrete Regressors; Proportions; Probabilities
    • I19 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Other

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