Who exits? A mixed methods analysis of determinants of turnover intention among Hungarian social workers

Győri, Ágnes and Perpék, Éva (2025) Who exits? A mixed methods analysis of determinants of turnover intention among Hungarian social workers. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK, 1 (1). ISSN 1369-1457 (In Press)

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Abstract

High turnover rates in the social sector pose a significant problem across Europe, including in Hungary. Therefore, understanding the determinants of turnover intention in this sector is pivotal. This mixed-methods study aims to identify predictors of turnover intention among social workers in Hungary. A multistage sampling process was used to collect quantitative data through computer-assisted personal interviews, which were analysed using linear regression models. Qualitative data were gathered from social workers' comments in online professional communities on social media platforms. Thematic coding was applied to analyse the qualitative data. Descriptive results indicated that 30% of the 664 respondents had the intention to leave their job. Regression analysis revealed that the variables of greatest importance for mobility intention were the inadequate supervisory support, insufficient workplace infrastructure and atmosphere, and inadequate material rewards. The qualitative analysis of online social media discourses uncovered various issues and tensions, both within and outside the sector, driving turnover and career change decisions, such as inadequate representation and recruitment challenges, retention and professional commitment. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses draw attention to the crisis in the Hungarian social sector and highlight the need to improve working conditions for social workers and enhance their recognition to prevent turnover and ensure the effective recruitment of new professionals.

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