Journal of Gerontological Nursing
Vol. 34 No. 10 October 2008
By Val Kinjerski, PhD; Berna J. Skrypnek, PhD
ABSTRACT
The effectiveness of a spirit at work program in long-term care was evaluated using a quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest design. These findings, along with focus group results, provide strong support that the program increased spirit at work, job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and organizational culture (particularly teamwork and morale), leading to a reduction in turnover and absenteeism—two major concerns in the long-term care sector. This study suggests that implementation of a spirit at work program is a relatively inexpensive way to enhance the work satisfaction of employees, increase their commitment to the organization (thus reducing turnover and absenteeism), and ultimately improve the quality of resident care.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Dr. Kinjerski is Director and Organizational Consultant, Kaizen Solutions for Human Services, St. Albert, and Dr. Skrypnek is Associate Professor, Department of Human Ecology, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
This research was supported with a $20,000 CAPITAL CARE Foundation grant to the University of Alberta. Dr. Kinjerski works as an organizational consultant with Kaizen Solutions and is financially reimbursed for delivering the spirit at work program. Dr. Kinjerski is also a shareholder in Kaizen Solutions and is a professional speaker about ways to foster spirit at work, for which she is compensated. Dr. Skrypnek has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity.
Address correspondence to Val Kinjerski, PhD, Director and Organizational Consultant, Kaizen Solutions for Human Services, 82 Lancaster Cr., St. Albert, Alberta, Canada T8N 2N8; e-mail: Val@kaizensolutions.org.
