Enhancing the work wellbeing of disability support workers: Solutions from their perspectives

BACKGROUND: Disability support workers (DSWs) report experiencing negative work wellbeing outcomes (e.g., burnout). This study asked DSWs about workplace issues that impact their wellbeing most, and solutions that disability support organisations could adopt to enhance their wellbeing. METHOD: Two hundred and ninety-four DSWs, recruited from organisations that support people with disabilities (including intellectual and developmental disabilities), completed an online survey. RESULTS: Supporting people to achieve positive outcomes and being recognised for their work promotes job satisfaction, while supporting people who exhibit challenging behaviour and experiencing work-home conflict led to job stress. DSWs want more positive behaviour support training, and training that is face-to-face or on-the-job. Dedicated time to complete administrative tasks on shift, regular team meetings, supervision, and co-worker praise and mentoring were also endorsed. CONCLUSION: These findings offer DSW lived experience guidance to organisations regarding what they can do in the first instance to enhance the work wellbeing of their DSW workforce.