Who stays? Australian alcohol and other drug work and worker characteristics predicting regional, rural and remote job retention.

Abstract

Introduction: The Australian alcohol and other drug (AOD) regional, rural and remote (RRR) workforce experiences chronic workforce retention challenges. However, little is known about the characteristics of RRR AOD workers nationally, or factors associated with retention.

Objective: To examine the personal and professional characteristics of RRR AOD workers and identify factors that predict intent to remain in the workforce.

Design: Secondary analysis of Australian National AOD Workforce Survey data, a cross-sectional online survey of AOD workers (N = 1506).

Participants: AOD workers employed in RRR Australia (N = 447).

Main outcome measures: Demographic and professional characteristics; intent to remain in current job for the next year.

Results: The majority of RRR AOD workers were female (72%) and worked full time (65%) in the NGO sector (58%). Most (56%) intended to stay in their job. There were not only high rates of poor job engagement (33%) and high burnout (42%) but also high job satisfaction (80%). Significant predictors (p < 0.05) of retention intention were job satisfaction, low burnout, employment security and respect in the workplace.

Conclusions: Workforce initiatives and benefits tailored to the current composition of the RRR AOD workforce are needed. Retention of workers may be facilitated by increasing job satisfaction, security and respect, and decreasing burnout.