Abstract
We studied the working conditions in Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC). The aim was to explore how ECEC staff experience work demands and resources and how these relate to turnover intentions. The research was based on a modified Job Demands-Resources model (Bakker and Demerouti in J Manage Psychol 22(3):309-328, 2007) according to which job strain is influenced by both job demands and resources. The sample was identified through trade union registers and the data were collected via a survey (N = 538). The findings show a rather high proportion of turnover intentions. Both general workload and emotional workload were related to turnover intentions, and they were mediated by participation. However, leadership satisfaction did not mediate the relationship between workload and turnover intentions. This study contributes to the knowledge on risk factors related to intentions to leave the ECEC profession in the Finnish as well as the international context. It is urgent to know more about factors related to turnover because a high rate undermines trust in the ECEC sector and negatively impacts staff and children.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Early Childhood Education Journal |
Volume | 50 |
Issue number | 3 |
Pages (from-to) | 399–409 |
Number of pages | 11 |
ISSN | 1082-3301 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Mar 2022 |
MoE publication type | A1 Journal article-refereed |
Fields of Science
- Demands
- EARLY childhood
- Resources
- Turnover intentions
- 516 Educational sciences
- 5144 Social psychology