Workplace design for the Australian residential aged care workforce

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This research explored residential aged care (RAC) workplace design features that influence how RAC staff feel valued, productive, safe, like they belong and connected. A secondary aim was to validate emerging themes about RAC design features with stakeholders. METHODS: A multistage qualitative study was conducted in one RAC facility with 100 residents in outer metropolitan Melbourne: (i) photo-elicitation - photographs were used to prompt discussions with RAC staff; (ii) individual interviews with RAC directors; and (iii) validity testing with the advisory committee occurred. RESULTS: Key workplace design features that influenced how RAC staff feel valued, productive, safe, like they belong and connected included the following: (i) home-like environment; (ii) access to outdoor spaces; (iii) quality indoor environment; and (iv) access to safe, open and comfortable workplaces. CONCLUSIONS: Key workplace design features that matter to RAC staff in a 'shared workspace' exist. Increasing demands upon RAC requires evidence-based workplace design policy and evaluation approaches that support RAC staff to work in RAC shared workspaces.