ScholarWorks@숙명여자대학교

초록

(Purpose) This study aims to analyze the utilization and adaptation process of foreign care workers in long-term care facilities in Japan. It further seeks to explore the necessary conditions to ensure a stable and sustainable supply of foreign care workers in Korea. (Research methods) In-depth interviews were conducted with a total of 13 participants, including employers, care workers, and agents involved in the employment of foreign care workers in Japanese long-term care facilities. The collected data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis and were structured into sub-categories, categories, and core themes. (Findings) The analysis revealed three core themes in the adaptation process of foreign care workers: 1. Initial Stage: Preparation and Maladjustment – This phase involves efforts from facilities to prepare for foreign worker employment, alongside challenges such as language and cultural barriers, organizational tensions, and job-related maladjustment. 2. Settlement Stage: Cooperation Toward Shared Goals – In this stage, mutual trust develops between workers and facilities, enabling experiences of reciprocal benefit through certification acquisition, strengthened job competencies, and workforce supplementation. 3. Future Outlook: Achievements and Sustainability – Long-term challenges such as securing talented personnel, managing increased financial burdens on institutions, workers’ economic motivations, and utilizing acquired experience post-return were identified. (Conclusion and recommendations) This study underscores the significance of language and cultural adaptation in the settlement process of foreign care workers. In the Japanese context, the acquisition of professional certification and skill development emerged as key adaptation factors. Additionally, the organizational caregiving culture, interpersonal relationships, and task distribution within accepting institutions played pivotal roles in the workers’ integration. Based on these findings, the study proposes the development of structured career pathways for care workers in Korea and calls for a proactive role of care institutions from the initial phase of employment.

키워드