2022 Volume 22 Pages 43-55
The objective of this study was to clarify the organizational characteristics of childcare centers that prevent early turnover of childcare workers. Group interviews were conducted with administrative staff, experienced childcare workers, and recently employed childcare workers of three childcare centers with low turnover rates. Qualitative analysis was conducted and the results indicated that the workplace environment and new employee orientation and training were significant in preventing worker turnover. Workplace conditions that are “not overly stressful,” senior staff/workers that maintain an “open and egalitarian attitude,” and childcare workers’ willingness to “talk/consult with each other,” were all factors that influenced childcare workers’ desire to continue employment.
With regards to new employee orientation and training, considering childcare workers’ “individual characteristics when determining class assignments,” senior childcare workers “communicating an attitude of respect, empathy, and concreteness,” and the “support from vertical, horizontal and diagonal relationships” contributed to the desire to continue employment. In particular, the results suggested that it is important for administrative staff to take initiative in demonstrating an “open and egalitarian attitude,” exemplify a friendly attitude, and establish a multilayered support system so that the burden of training new childcare workers is not concentrated solely upon experienced childcare workers.
