• Jonathan Spear, Leanne Wood, Sudarshan Chawla, Antony Devis, and Jim Nelson.
• Peel and Rockingham Seniors Mental Health Service, PO Box 288, Goddard Street, Rockingham, WA 6869, Australia. jon.spear@health.wa.gov.au
• Australas Psychiatry. 2004 Mar 1;12(1):58-61.

ObjectiveThe objective of the present paper was to identify factors associated with job satisfaction and burnout among staff working in mental health services for older people.MethodsA postal survey was distributed to staff members from eight mental health services for older people in Western Australia. Staff focus groups identified causes of work stress.ResultsThe response rate was 33% (116/349). Teamwork, social support and clear roles had a positive effect on job satisfaction. Community staff members had higher job satisfaction than ward staff. Nurses reported higher burnout and lower job satisfaction than other mental health professionals. Staff members working in newer models of service delivery had higher job satisfaction than those working in more traditional models.ConclusionSurveys and focus groups were an effective means of identifying factors associated with job satisfaction in mental health staff members. Newer models of service delivery with team building and supportive management may improve the workplace for staff.

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