Determinants of healthcare workers' job retention during the global health crisis: insights from a national survey in Canada

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to investigate the determinants of job retention intention among healthcare workers (HCWs) in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachData are from a large nationally representative cross-sectional survey conducted by the Canadian National Statistics Agency. Ordered logistic regression is estimated to find an association between job retention and its main determinants as gleaned from the literature while controlling for a wide range of pertinent covariates. Odds and standardized odds are reported and discussed.FindingsThe results suggest that worsening working conditions, changes in health and well-being and lack of organizational support weaken intentions regarding job retention. Being employed rather than self-employed and working as a nurse also weakens job retention.Originality/valueThis is the first research on the determinants of intentions regarding job retention in Canada using nationally representative data. It allows us to test and confirm the results of previous studies on a large sample of Canadian HCWs. The paper also discusses the implications of the findings for health management and administration.