“Squeezed like a lemon”: A participatory approach on the effects of innovation on the well‐being of homecare workers in Belgium

Abstract

Innovative programs that emerge in response to the rapidly changing care needs of older adults provide an opportunity to study the transformations in working and employment conditions within the homecare sector. This study seeks to understand how innovations introduced in the homecare sector have affected the well-being of homecare workers providing non-medical domestic support to older adults who wish to age in place. Our study is based on a participatory approach involving homecare workers exposed to two innovations in Wallonia (Belgium) that relate to flexible working hours, worker training, and technological equipment. We conducted a literature review, six semi-structured individual interviews with managers, and eight workshops based on the 'Group Analysis Method' involving 9 to 12 homecare workers. The results revealed that the innovations deteriorated working conditions, intensified occupational psychosocial risk factors, and impacted work-life balance. This gave rise to tensions that ultimately had a negative impact on the well-being of workers and on the quality of their care relationship with older adults/caregivers, while also weakening the viability of the services. The workers proposed some avenues to improve and regulate these tensions.

How local stakeholders’ social representations shape the future of ageing in place: Insights from ‘health and care social innovations’ in Wallonia (Belgium)

“…There was no mention of participatory or democratic decision-making processes or processes that involved the key actors directly concerned, particularly the beneficiaries and the organisations' workers. They more focused on the well-being of older adults and caregivers than on the well-being of workers and their working conditions as we find in the study by Bensliman et al (2021). Thus, experts' views on the social representations of HCSIs vis-à-vis AIP suggest that few HCSIs envisaged a transformation towards more internal democracy in work organisations or aimed at the well-being of both the older adults and the workers.…”

Understanding and measuring the work‐related quality of life among those working in adult social care: A scoping review

“…more time at work, better work‐related training, more involvement in decision‐making and a more supportive working environment) and lastly initiatives aimed at enhancing workers’ financial security such as pensions, financial assistance and financial advice. Lastly, a study conducted in Belgium among homecare workers and departmental directors gave similar suggestions: to set up more participation and specific meetings to discuss well‐being at work, work organisation adjustment, and sense of innovation; humanisation of work relations; having more social support, listening, trust, and recognition from the hierarchy and management (Bensliman et al., 2021).…”

“…The first one (Coffey et al, 2009). Another study (Kemper et al, 2008) from the hierarchy and management (Bensliman et al, 2021). (Karasek, 1979), job characteristics model (Hackman & Oldham, 1976), salutogenetic model of health (Antonovsky, 1996), Watson's philosophy of human caring (Watson, 2006), and theory of reasoned action (Martin, 1980)).…”

“…The first one (Coffey et al, 2009). Another study (Kemper et al, 2008) from the hierarchy and management (Bensliman et al, 2021).…”

Meanings of being a change agent in implementing a new organisational culture in home care services: A phenomenological hermeneutic study

“…10 Research about change work in HCS is rare. However, change work in HCS has focused on adapting the organisation to the care recipients and the HCS, increased influence, autonomy, attractive work, 11 creating small autonomous workgroups, flattening the organisation, 12 flexible working hours, technological equipment, 13 improving organisation performance, 14 enhancing patient-centred care, 15 and implementing trust-based management. 16 A review shows that improvement work in HCS is focusing on changing specific behaviours or introducing new technology instead of dealing with complicated problems, such as sick leave, stress, gender inequality, 17 or musculoskeletal disorders.…”