Abstract
Building on two independent studies, we compared burnout and job satisfaction of 66 VA staff and 86 community mental health
center staff in the same city. VA staff reported significantly greater job satisfaction and accomplishment, less emotional
exhaustion and lower likelihood of leaving their job. Sources of work satisfaction were similar (primarily working with clients,
helping/witnessing change). VA staff reported fewer challenges with job-related aspects (e.g. flexibility, pay) but more challenges
with administration. Community mental health administrators and policymakers may need to address job-related concerns (e.g.
pay) whereas VA administrators may focus on reducing, and helping workers navigate, administrative policies.
center staff in the same city. VA staff reported significantly greater job satisfaction and accomplishment, less emotional
exhaustion and lower likelihood of leaving their job. Sources of work satisfaction were similar (primarily working with clients,
helping/witnessing change). VA staff reported fewer challenges with job-related aspects (e.g. flexibility, pay) but more challenges
with administration. Community mental health administrators and policymakers may need to address job-related concerns (e.g.
pay) whereas VA administrators may focus on reducing, and helping workers navigate, administrative policies.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s10488-011-0375-7
- Authors
- Michelle P. Salyers, VA HSR&D Center on Implementing Evidence-based Practice, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Angela L. Rollins, VA HSR&D Center on Implementing Evidence-based Practice, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Yu-Fan Kelly, Oklahoma City VAMC, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Paul H. Lysaker, Roudebush VA Medical Center (VAMC), Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Jane R. Williams, ACT Center of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Journal Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research
- Online ISSN 1573-3289
- Print ISSN 0894-587X