Description:
This independent study was commissioned by the British Columbia Government Employees Union (BCGEU) on behalf of the community social service unions to determine if there is support for anecdotal evidence about recruitment and retention problems among unionized employers in the community social service sector. The study, which includes qualitative and quantitative data, was conducted by SPARC BC.
Interviews and surveys were conducted with unionized employers in the community social service sector that provide child care, day and residential care. Through the survey and interviews, it was determined that unionized employers in the community social service sector in BC are experiencing difficulties with recruitment and retention.
In terms of recruitment challenges, almost half of the organizations surveyed indicated that they had vacancies for existing positions, and many positions had been vacant for over three months.
The study revealed that recruitment and retention challenges have impacts for both employers and employees. Employers said that as a result of recruitment and retention challenges, they are seeing increased costs and declining quality of services offered through their agencies. Employers said that the work-life balance is compromised for employees, which leads to burnout and perpetuates recruitment and retention problems.
Based on the findings several recommendations are provided in the report. One of the recommendations is for provincial and federal governments look into options for creating a universal child care system where government funding for child care goes towards the creation of high quality child care spaces, rather than to individuals with children.