The role of work intensification in intention to stay: A study of personal support workers in home and community care in Ontario, Canada

This study examines the role of work intensification in personal support workers’ (PSWs) intention to stay, while exploring the mediating relationships of stress and extrinsic and intrinsic job satisfaction. A 2015 survey of 938 PSWs is analysed using structural equation modelling. It is found that work intensification is negatively associated with intention to stay, and this relationship is mediated through stress and intrinsic job satisfaction. Extrinsic job satisfaction does not play a mediating role. Findings explain the mechanism between work intensification and intention to stay, and demonstrate work intensification as a challenge in retaining PSWs in home and community care work.