LAUSR

Ensuring sufficient staff numbers to accommodate an increasing need for aged-care services is one challenge facing the residential aged-care sector. Human resources management (HRM) policy and practice need to explore ways flexible working arrangements can be utilised to improve recruitment and retention. This study applied a person–environment (P–E) fit model to understanding the role of flexible working arrangements in contributing to the successful operation of residential aged-care facilities in Victoria, Australia. A sample of 108 residential aged-care workers participated in semi-structured interviews to discuss flexible working arrangements, facilitators and barriers affecting their use and uptake, and individual and organisation outcomes resulting from their use. HRM should encourage the development and implementation of policies and practices related to flexible working arrangements in residential aged care, and their uptake by staff, to enhance P–E fit, thus supporting people to remain in their jobs.