Applying workability in the Australian residential aged care context.

The study is based on an innovative demonstration project which trialled the implementation of the Finnish 'workability' framework and research measures. It aimed, firstly, to test the applicability of the Workability Index (WAI) to the Australian residential aged care workforce, focusing on personal care assistants (PCAs), and secondly, to assess the effectiveness of actions aimed at improving workability. The facility manager implemented multidimensional 'actions' according to the workability framework. The Workability Survey (WAS) and WAI and intervention instruments were administered (n = 64). Completed responses to 'pre' and 'post' instruments formed matched pairs (n = 15). WAI scores increased significantly, by 3 points on average, after all 'actions' were implemented. The only significant 'action' was increasing the number of PCAs in high care. Workability provides a useful research workforce development instrument measuring interactions between aged care workers and organisational demands and the outcomes of 'actions'.