Author(s): Vicky Blomfield, Clinic Manager, NE Region
Department: St Michael’s House
Keywords: Staff retention; Intellectual disabilities
(29 Jul 2009)
This
study examines the issue of staff retention in residential services for
people with intellectual disability, in the context of HR issues,
motivation, job satisfaction and job commitment.
The study
involved a triangulation methodology using both quantitative and
qualitative methods. It employed a detailed questionnaire and some
semi-structured interviews. The respondents were found to be mostly
younger women, half of whom were qualified and half of whom where
single. Whilst staff members tended to stay with the organisation, they
moved around within it and there was a pattern of internal turnover.
The
results showed that staff members were satisfied and committed to their
jobs. Staff members gained satisfaction from their interactions with
service users and were attracted by the values and culture of the
organisation. The role of assistant houseparent though quite complex
contained scope for further development in supporting service users to
reach their full potential.
Dissatisfaction was caused by a
different set of factors such as perceived lack of management and
organisational supports. Staff members were also dissatisfied with
their level of pay. A picture of a developing ‘social care’ profession
emerged and issues of professional development and career progression
were important to staff
These findings highlighted areas of
action which could improve staff members’ working conditions through a
system of support and feedback. Also it could capitalise on the
enthusiasm for interactions with service users and link it to
Individual Planning. Finally it could promote the aspects of its
service which attract staff members in a proactive way. This in turn
would reduce turnover and strengthen retention.