The effects of job autonomy and job satisfaction on burnout among careworkers in long-term care settings: Policy and practice implications for Japan and South Korea

Abstract

Objectives: This study examined the effects of job autonomy and job satisfaction on burnout among careworkers in Japan and South Korea. Careworker is defined as a direct care worker in long-term care settings such as nursing homes, senior day care centers, and independent living centers who professionally provides physical and housekeeping support services for older adults who are unable to perform activities of daily living independently due to mental decline such as dementia and stroke in Japan and South Korea.Methods: Data were collected from 1152 Japanese careworkers and 319 Korean careworkers at various locations in Japan and South Korea. The primary variables included sociodemographic information, job autonomy, job satisfaction, and burnout.Results: Descriptive analyses indicated group difference between Japanese and Korean careworkers in terms of age, gender, marital status, educational level, job autonomy, job satisfaction, and burnout. Hierarchical regression analysis found that job autonomy and job satisfaction were the significant determinants of burnout risks. Also, age and marital status were significantly associated with burnout for Japanese careworkers and educational level had a significant influence on burnout for Korean careworkers.Conclusion: This study noted similarities and differences in the two careworker groups. Findings suggest the need to develop policy and practice considerations to reduce burnout risks among careworkers to improve quality of care.