Données sociales : La société française - 2006 ed.
Age and working conditions in health-care facilities
Aurélie Dumas, Romuald Le Lan
The working conditions of health-care workers appear quite different and more contrasted than those of other professions. Their perception depends in part on age. The older workers state that they are less exposed to stress and physical risks and, to a lesser extent, mental overload (risk of being penalised, work pressure). Perceived autonomy, however, is not directly linked to age. Age also has little influence on the overall evaluation of work, whilst the poor material working environment (poorly adapted buildings, insufficient equipment) is less reported by the 30-39 year-olds. The link between age and perceived working conditions is often more pronounced amongst nurses, particularly senior nurses who are often older. In general, the different evaluations according to age also depend on the profession and the department. Taking into consideration the physical and mental stress reported in this industry, the consequences of an aging workforce are likely to be particularly severe here.