The Association Between Work Environment, Work Attitudes, and Turnover Intentions Among Geriatric Social Workers in China

The psychological state of geriatric social workers affects the intention to leave and thus the quality of services provided to older adults. This study explored the relationship between the work environment, work attitudes, and turnover intentions of geriatric social workers. This study obtained an analytic sample comprising 999 geriatric social workers from the 2019 Longitudinal Study of Social Work in China. Multivariate regression techniques combined with a mediation analysis was performed to explore the relationships. The study results provided preliminary evidence on the complex associations between and among work environment, work attitudes, and turnover intentions of geriatric social workers in China. We demonstrated that perceived organizational support reduced the turnover intentions of geriatric social workers through increased collective psychological ownership and reduced burnout. Regular inter- and intra-agency communication between social workers and their supervisors and colleagues have important roles in reducing turnover by enhancing support and emotional commitment to organizations. Policy decision-makers are suggested to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of geriatric social works to release their administrative burdens, which may help to reduce their burnout level and improve the stability of the geriatric social work force.

Automated summary

This study explores the relationship between work environment, work attitudes, and turnover intentions of geriatric social workers in China. The results show that perceived organizational support can reduce turnover intentions by increasing collective psychological ownership and reducing burnout. Regular communication between social workers and their supervisors and colleagues plays a crucial role in reducing turnover. Policy decision-makers are advised to clarify the roles and responsibilities of geriatric social workers to reduce administrative burdens and improve work stability.