Worker Earnings, Service Quality, and Firm Profitability: Evidence from Nursing Homes and Minimum Wage Reforms
研究养老院最低工资上涨对一线工人收入、留任率、服务质量及企业利润的影响，发现工资提高改善了护理质量且企业通过提价维持盈利。
Abstract This paper examines whether higher earnings for frontline workers affects the quality of employees’ output. I leverage increases in the statutory minimum wage, combined with worker, consumer, and firm outcomes in the nursing home sector. I find that higher minimum wages increase income and retention among low-wage employees and improve consumer outcomes, measured by fewer inspection violations; lower rates of adverse, preventable health conditions; and lower resident mortality. Firms maintain profitability by attracting consumers with a greater ability to pay and increasing prices for these individuals.