Abstract
Introduction and Aims
Addiction work can be highly rewarding. However, workers face significant demands. This study profiled the addiction workforce in New Zealand and identified personal and professional predictors of work engagement, quality of life (QoL) and burnout among workers.
Design and Methods
An online survey was administered to addiction workers in New Zealand (N=349). The survey contained 72 questions that examined workers’ demographic profile, health and wellbeing. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were conducted to identify factors that predicted engagement QoL and burnout.
Results
Respondents were primarily women (71%) aged 40‐59 years (60%). Most (59%) had been in their current role for less than five years. Sixteen percent identified as Māori. Levels of QoL, resilience, engagement and job satisfaction were high. However, dissatisfaction was reported with workloads, job security and remuneration. The strongest predictor of engagement was supervisor support, accounting for 15% of the variance. Other predictors were resilience, health and time spent on social activities. The strongest predictor of burnout was resilience, accounting for 32% of the variance. Other predictors included a workload, health and performance feedback. The strongest predictor of QoL was health, accounting for 49% of the variance. Other predictors were resilience and work/life balance.
Discussions and Conclusions
Levels of wellbeing in the New Zealand addiction workforce are generally high, however dissatisfaction with some aspects of working conditions was reported. Enhancing worker wellbeing is a priority, in order to enhance client outcomes, fulfil duty of care obligations, and support, maintain and retain workers.
Addiction work can be highly rewarding. However, workers face significant demands. This study profiled the addiction workforce in New Zealand and identified personal and professional predictors of work engagement, quality of life (QoL) and burnout among workers.
Design and Methods
An online survey was administered to addiction workers in New Zealand (N=349). The survey contained 72 questions that examined workers’ demographic profile, health and wellbeing. Stepwise multiple linear regressions were conducted to identify factors that predicted engagement QoL and burnout.
Results
Respondents were primarily women (71%) aged 40‐59 years (60%). Most (59%) had been in their current role for less than five years. Sixteen percent identified as Māori. Levels of QoL, resilience, engagement and job satisfaction were high. However, dissatisfaction was reported with workloads, job security and remuneration. The strongest predictor of engagement was supervisor support, accounting for 15% of the variance. Other predictors were resilience, health and time spent on social activities. The strongest predictor of burnout was resilience, accounting for 32% of the variance. Other predictors included a workload, health and performance feedback. The strongest predictor of QoL was health, accounting for 49% of the variance. Other predictors were resilience and work/life balance.
Discussions and Conclusions
Levels of wellbeing in the New Zealand addiction workforce are generally high, however dissatisfaction with some aspects of working conditions was reported. Enhancing worker wellbeing is a priority, in order to enhance client outcomes, fulfil duty of care obligations, and support, maintain and retain workers.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Number of pages | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2018 |
| Event | 2018 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference - Auckland, New Zealand Duration: 4 Nov 2018 → 7 Nov 2018 |
Conference
| Conference | 2018 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs Conference |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | APSAD 2018 |
| Country/Territory | New Zealand |
| City | Auckland |
| Period | 4/11/18 → 7/11/18 |
Keywords
- Addiction
- WORKFORCE