Community social services study: addressing recruitment and retention with residential care workers in British Columbia.

Residential care workers are facing recruitment and retention challenges across British Columbia (BC). This study identifies inadequate work conditions and their contribution to labour force participation and turnover. The methodology for this project includes interviews with residential care workers, advocates, agencies, family members and BCGEU representatives. Findings show low wages an d under-qualified staff to be deterrents for recruitment and retention. The research suggests that community social service stakeholders can work collaboratively to improve the current situation. Based on the research findings, I recommend that BC adopt the following options: an anti-stigma campaign, professional development and a negotiated contract to include a wage increase, casual employee benefits and a flexible work schedule. The scope of this study is limited relative to the global labour shortage trend, and therefore, further research in other provinces is encouraged to augment our understanding of recruitment and retention issues.