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Fattori A, Comotti A, Barnini T, Di Tecco C, Laurino M, Bufano P, Ciocan C, Serra D, Ferrari L, Bonzini M. Exploring workability in an older working population: associations with cognitive functioning, sleep quality, and technostress. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1303907. [PMID: 38741912 PMCID: PMC11089127 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1303907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This observational study investigates workability and its associations with cognitive functioning, sleep quality and technostress among an older working population, also shedding light on potential differences between two occupational categories with different work schedules. Methods Workers aged over 50, employed in different working sectors (banking/finance, chemical and metal-mechanic industry) were administered a self- report questionnaire including Work Ability Index (WAI), cognitive tests (Stroop Color Task, Corsi Blocks, Digit Span), sleep quality questionnaires (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-PSQI; Insomnia Severity Index-ISI; Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test-FIRST) and technostress scale. Linear regression models evaluated associations among variables, interaction effects investigated potential moderators. Results A total of 468 aged workers categorized as white (WCWs; N = 289, 62%) or blue collars (BCWs; N = 179, 38%) were enrolled; most BCWs (N = 104; 58%) were night shift workers. WCWs reported higher workability, cognitive functioning, sleep quality and lower technostress (except for invasion and privacy subscales) than BCWs. Associations between cognitive functioning and workability were statistically significant only for BCWs [slopes equal to 0.2 (0.33), 0.8 (0.34), -0.02 (0.001) for Memory Span Corsi, Block Span Digit and Interference Speed respectively]; additionally, sleep quality significantly moderated this association (p = 0.007). Higher levels of technostress were associated with lower workability, and this relationship was stronger for BCWs. Conclusion The aging of the workforce has important implications for occupational health and safety. Our findings suggest potential interventions and protective measures to promote older workers' wellbeing; blue-collar workers particularly should benefit from tailored intervention to sustain workability and prevent technostress, considering the role of healthy sleep habits promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Fattori
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Comotti
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Teresa Barnini
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Di Tecco
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Laurino
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Pasquale Bufano
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Catalina Ciocan
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniele Serra
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Ferrari
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Bonzini
- Occupational Medicine Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Letícia Maria Barbano MS, de Almeida PHTQ, Pontes TB, da Cruz DC. Life satisfaction and time-use among full-time and part-time working mothers in Brazil. Work 2024; 77:589-599. [PMID: 37742671 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working part-time or full-time is a persistent dilemma for women, especially mothers, as they strive to manage their time across various roles. However, the existing literature remains unclear on whether part-time work contributes more to life satisfaction than full-time work. OBJECTIVE This study aims to describe and compare time-use patterns in different occupational roles and levels of life satisfaction among 795 mothers in Brazil who are employed either part-time or full-time. METHODS Data was collected through an online survey and the snowball technique. Regression and correlation analyses were performed on the data obtained from the following instruments: the Role Checklist for assessing time-use within occupational roles, the Satisfaction with Life Scale, and demographic information. RESULTS Our analysis revealed no significant differences in life satisfaction between mothers working full-time and those working part-time (t (793)=1.160, p = 0.24). However, life satisfaction scores were positively correlated with the number of occupational roles performed (r = 0.222, p < 0.01), higher family income (P < 0.001), and engagement in social roles such as Friend (r = 0.106, p = 0.003), Hobbyist/Amateur (r = 0.08, p = 0.018), and Caregiver (r = 0.07, p = 0.026). CONCLUSION While our society places significant emphasis on time spent at work, our findings highlight that life satisfaction extends far beyond the dichotomy of working part-time or full-time. There are deeper dimensions to consider, including the number of occupational roles, family income, and engagement in social roles, which have a more substantial impact on overall life satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tatiana Barcelos Pontes
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Boston University Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Boston, MA, USA
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Moss C, Munford LA, Sutton M. Associations between inflexible job conditions, health and healthcare utilisation in England: retrospective cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e062942. [PMID: 36576194 PMCID: PMC9723827 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the strength of association between having an inflexible job and health-related quality of life and healthcare utilisation; and to explore heterogeneity in the effects by gender, age and area-level deprivation. DESIGN Retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING Seven waves of the English General Practice Patient Survey between 2012 and 2017. PARTICIPANTS 1 232 884 people aged 16-64 years and in full-time employment. We measured job inflexibility by inability to take time away from work during usual working hours to seek medical care. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES Health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-5L); number of months since the respondent last saw a general practitioner (GP) or nurse; use of out-of-hours general practice in the past 6 months. We used regression analyses to estimate the strength of association between outcomes and having an inflexible job, adjusting for person and area-level characteristics. RESULTS One-third of respondents reported job inflexibility. The probability of job inflexibility was higher at younger ages and in more deprived areas. Job inflexibility was associated with lower EQ-5D-5L utility scores of 0.017 (95% CI 0.016 to 0.018) for women and 0.016 (95% CI 0.015 to 0.017) for men. Women were more affected than men in the mental health domain. The reduction in health-related quality of life associated with having an inflexible job was greater for employees who were older or lived in more deprived areas. Having an inflexible job was associated with a longer time since the last visit to their GP of 0.234 (95% CI 0.201 to 0.268) months for women and 0.199 (95% CI 0.152 to 0.183) months for men. CONCLUSIONS Inequalities in the prevalence of inflexible jobs contribute to inequalities in health. One mechanism may be through reduced access to healthcare. Policymakers and employers should ensure that all employees have sufficient job flexibility to protect their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlie Moss
- Health Organisation, Policy and Economics (HOPE), Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Luke Aaron Munford
- Health Organisation, Policy and Economics (HOPE), Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Matt Sutton
- Health Organisation, Policy and Economics (HOPE), Centre for Primary Care and Health Services Research, School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Jung FU, Bodendieck E, Hussenoeder FS, Luppa M, Riedel-Heller SG. It's about time - Associations between working time dimensions and well-being of physicians. Chronobiol Int 2022; 39:1297-1305. [PMID: 35854660 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2022.2101372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Several working time characteristics have been linked to negative outcomes for health personnel. The aim was to investigate the impact of working time dimensions on well-being in a representative sample of physicians. Data was collected during a baseline study. Linear regression analysis was performed on a sample including 669 physicians of different medical specialties. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and information on working time dimensions (e.g. shift work). In addition, job satisfaction, workload and self-reported health were explored. The majority were female, working in internal medicine and the mean age was 42.5 years. Findings reveal that overtime hours (β = -0.478, p = .011) and autonomy (β = 0.444, p < .001) were significantly associated with job satisfaction. The number of free weekends (β = -2.622, p = .005) and autonomy significantly predicted personal (β = -6.153, p < .001), work-related (β = -6.597, p < .001) and patient-related workload (β = -4.731, p < .001). Overall health was only affected by working time autonomy (β = 3.804, p < .001). In conclusion, the study suggests that working time characteristics have negative consequences for well-being and need to be addressed to ensure health, performance and safety of physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska U Jung
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Felix S Hussenoeder
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Melanie Luppa
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Steffi G Riedel-Heller
- Institute of Social Medicine, Occupational Medicine and Public Health, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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Avasthi A, Sahoo S. Impact, role, and contribution of family in the mental health of industrial workers. Ind Psychiatry J 2021; 30:S301-S304. [PMID: 34908716 PMCID: PMC8611594 DOI: 10.4103/0972-6748.328836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mental health of the worker population has been given special focus in the last few decades, mostly due to workplace stress and its related consequences on productivity and management. The impact of poor mental health of industrial workers on their families remains largely unexplored. Families have been found to get affected due to issues related to work-family and family-work conflict. Balancing between work and family has been found to be the major source of stress in industrial workers leading to a multitude of mental health issues and substance addiction. Families play a significant role in identifying the mental health problems in their working members and also can act as a bridge between the worker and the organization/industry in facilitating mental health care. The family members play key roles in providing significant support and care to persons suffering from serious mental illness/psychological distress. The focus of holistic management of mental health issues in industrial workers should include proper psycho-education of family members and taking into consideration their mental health needs. In this brief communication, we had tried to highlight the key issues pertaining to the impact, role, and contribution of family in the mental health of industrial workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajit Avasthi
- Department of Psychiatry, Fortis Multi-specialty Hospital, Mohali, Punjab, India
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Peters SE, Grogan H, Henderson GM, López Gómez MA, Martínez Maldonado M, Silva Sanhueza I, Dennerlein JT. Working Conditions Influencing Drivers' Safety and Well-Being in the Transportation Industry: "On Board" Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910173. [PMID: 34639475 PMCID: PMC8507880 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The conditions of work for professional drivers can contribute to adverse health and well-being outcomes. Fatigue can result from irregular shift scheduling, stress may arise due to the intense job demands, back pain may be due to prolonged sitting and exposure to vibration, and a poor diet can be attributed to limited time for breaks and rest. This study aimed to identify working conditions and health outcomes in a bussing company by conducting focus groups and key informant interviews to inform a Total Worker Health® organizational intervention. Our thematic analysis identified three primary themes: lack of trust between drivers and supervisors, the scheduling of shifts and routes, and difficulty performing positive health behaviors. These findings demonstrate the value of using participatory methods with key stakeholders to determine the unique working conditions and pathways that may be most critical to impacting safety, health, and well-being in an organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan E. Peters
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.G.); (J.T.D.)
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Harrison Grogan
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.G.); (J.T.D.)
| | - Gesele M. Henderson
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, ME 04005, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jack T. Dennerlein
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (H.G.); (J.T.D.)
- Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
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Jordakieva G, Markovic L, Rinner W, Santonja I, Lee S, Pilger A, Perkman T, Grabovac I, Schernhammer E, Crevenna R, Papantoniou K, Godnic-Cvar J. Workability, quality of life and cardiovascular risk markers in aging nightshift workers: a pilot study. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2021; 134:276-285. [PMID: 34487198 PMCID: PMC9023427 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-021-01928-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background In aging healthcare professionals, multiple stressors such as night work may affect life and work satisfaction and risk for chronic diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease [CVD]). In this pilot study we compared workability, quality of life (QoL), and CVD risk markers between night shift and day workers. Methods We included 70 hospital employees (mean age 52 ± 4 years, 91.4% female): 32 rotating night shift workers (> 3 nights/month) and 38 permanent day workers. In addition to sociodemographic, lifestyle, and sleep characteristics, we assessed i) workability index (WAI), ii) QoL (World Health Organization Quality of Life [WHOQOL-Bref]) and iii) CVD risk markers, i.e. carotid ultrasound measurements, and biomarkers (NTproBNP, CRP, IL‑6, LDL, ferritin, copper, zinc, and selenium). WAI, QoL, and CVD risk markers were compared between night and day workers. In a subgroup of participants (N = 38) with complete data, we used quantile regression analysis to estimate age and multivariate adjusted differences in biomarker levels. Results We found no differences in the domains of QoL (physical health, psychological, social relationships, and environment) and WAI scores between night and day workers. Night shift workers were less likely to report excellent workability than day workers, although differences were not statistically significant. Night shift workers reported more sleep problems (73.1% vs. 55.6%) and tended to have lower zinc levels and higher inflammatory markers (CRP, IL‑6, ferritin), but differences were not significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions Workability, QoL and CVD markers did not significantly differ between rotating night shift and day workers in this small pilot study. Sleep problems and inflammatory marker levels carry implications for occupational health. Supplementary Information The online version of this article (10.1007/s00508-021-01928-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galateja Jordakieva
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lovro Markovic
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Walter Rinner
- Institute of Neurology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Isabel Santonja
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1st floor, Vienna, Austria
- Center of Virology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Seungjune Lee
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Alexander Pilger
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Perkman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Igor Grabovac
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Eva Schernhammer
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1st floor, Vienna, Austria
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard, Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Richard Crevenna
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kyriaki Papantoniou
- Department of Epidemiology, Center for Public Health, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1st floor, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jasminka Godnic-Cvar
- Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Wright J, Arndt R, Christensen J, Kooda K, Cunningham J. Engagement of hospital pharmacists and technicians to optimize staffing schedules. J Pharm Policy Pract 2021; 14:70. [PMID: 34416922 PMCID: PMC8378109 DOI: 10.1186/s40545-021-00360-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Challenges exist in developing work schedules for hospital pharmacy staff due to the need to meet around the clock patient care requirements. Work–life integration and reduced burnout are increasingly important considerations in staff schedules. However, information regarding methods to systematically improve scheduling satisfaction is currently lacking. Hospital pharmacist scheduling surveys were reviewed for solutions in a retreat setting to address growing concerns at our institution. All hospital pharmacists and technicians were surveyed to understand opportunities to improve their schedules. Subsequently, pharmacists participated in a retreat to identify opportunities to share work, prioritize for scheduling improvements, and develop a staffing restructure proposal. Out of 172 pharmacists, 84% completed surveys, whereas 55% of 196 technicians responded. The highest ranked scheduling improvement was a more consistent schedule for both pharmacists and technicians. Several solutions identified during the pharmacist retreat were incorporated into a proposal including decreased weekend staffing frequency (every 3rd to a mix of every 3rd and every 4th), improved scheduling consistency and reduced evenings. Negotiation was among the methods used to identify scheduling solutions. Engagement of frontline staff to lead staffing restructure is expected to ensure success of scheduling changes. Future directions include measuring pharmacist burnout and staff satisfaction before and after change implementation. If successful, the retreat and technician-developed proposal can be used for implementing technician schedule improvements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Wright
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Richard Arndt
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Mayo Clinic, Eau Claire, WI, USA
| | - Jason Christensen
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Kirstin Kooda
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Julie Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacy Services, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Wong KP, Lee FCH, Teh PL, Chan AHS. The Interplay of Socioecological Determinants of Work-Life Balance, Subjective Wellbeing and Employee Wellbeing. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4525. [PMID: 33923234 PMCID: PMC8123160 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Today's workers are struggling to achieve a balance between their work and personal life roles because of both specific needs and limited resources. This study explored the socioecological factors that influence work-life balance (WLB) and how they operate. The relationships between WLB, subjective wellbeing, employee wellbeing and quality time allocation were examined. A total of 1063 responses were received, using an online survey. The results show that relational, community and societal factors directly influenced the individual factors and were indirectly associated with perceived WLB. Individual factors (i.e., personal feelings, behaviours and health) were found to be the crucial determinants of an individual's perceived WLB. It was found that WLB positively correlated with employee wellbeing and quality and quantity of personal life-time. Subjective wellbeing was found to be a significant moderator in the relationship between WLB and its outcomes. This study demonstrated the process of how workers determine their own WLB by applying the socioecological framework for categorising the determinants and suggested new avenues that improve the whole wellbeing of workers and also foster long-term development of organisations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka Po Wong
- Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China;
| | | | - Pei-Lee Teh
- Gerontechnology Laboratory, School of Business, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia;
| | - Alan Hoi Shou Chan
- Department of Systems Engineering and Engineering Management, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, China;
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López-Cabarcos MÁ, López-Carballeira A, Ferro-Soto C. Is public healthcare healthy? The role of emotional exhaustion. BALTIC JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/bjm-04-2020-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
PurposeThis study analyzes the mediating effect of emotional exhaustion between certain job demands (workload, role conflict, and influence at work) and employees' work attitudes (affective commitment and turnover intention) in public healthcare. Furthermore, it analyzes the moderating effect of possibilities for development and the degree of freedom at work between the above-mentioned job demands and emotional exhaustion.Design/methodology/approachA total of 512 healthcare professionals participated in the study. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and a hierarchical multiple regression analysis.FindingsThe results show that emotional exhaustion fully mediates the relationship between job demands (workload and role conflict) and work attitudes (affective commitment and turnover intention). Moreover, the possibilities for development and degree of freedom at work moderate the relationship between role conflict and emotional exhaustion.Practical implicationsStrategies should be designed to prevent employees from becoming emotionally exhausted and lead them to feel more motivated, which results in a more effective public healthcare service.Originality/valueThis study stresses the importance of analyzing the role of emotional exhaustion in the public healthcare context. It demonstrates the mediating role of this variable between several antecedents and consequences, and it analyzes whether other relevant variables can moderate the negative effects of emotional exhaustion.
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Variability in daily or weekly working hours and self-reported mental health problems in Korea, Korean working condition survey, 2017. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 79:25. [PMID: 33640025 PMCID: PMC7912832 DOI: 10.1186/s13690-021-00545-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working hour regulation in Korea is being revised to allow increasing variability in number of working hours. We sought to investigate the association between variability in the number of daily or weekly working hours with or without long working hours (> 52 h/w) and mental health among South Korean workers. METHODS We used data from 28,345 full-time, non-shift employed workers working more than 30 h per week participating in the Korean Working Condition Survey in 2017. We defined six groups according to variability in daily or weekly working hours (same number vs different number) and weekly working hours (31-40, 41-52, > 52 h per week). Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) for self-reported depressive symptoms and anxiety were calculated using workers with same number of working hours/31-40 h per week as the reference. RESULTS Variability in number of work hours every day or week combined with > 52 working hours per week showed the highest risk of depressive symptoms (OR = 5.13, 95% CI 3.25-8.11) and anxiety (OR = 3.75, 95% CI 2.39-5.88) compared to the reference group, controlling for age, sex, education, occupation, industry, salary, workers' choice of working hours and overtime payment. Workers working ≤52 h/w were adversely impacted by variable working hours as well. CONCLUSIONS Variable daily or weekly working hours were associated with poorer self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms in Korea, among full-time and non-shift workers. Reform of the Korean Labor Standards Act warrants consideration.
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Choi EY, Choi SH, Lee H. The Association between Job Quality Profiles and Work-Life Balance among Female Employees in Korea: A Latent Profile Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18041672. [PMID: 33572436 PMCID: PMC7916201 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Women’s participation in society has been increasing; however, they often remain overloaded with housework, and this gender role difference can hinder their work-life balance in Korea. Therefore, this study classified latent profiles according to job quality indices for South Korean female employees and examined the characteristics of each profile and how they affect work-life balance. This study was a secondary analysis of data collected through the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey in South Korea. The Bayesian information criterion, entropy, and the Lo-Mendell-Rubin adjusted likelihood ratio test were used to determine the number of latent profiles. Chi-square tests were conducted to understand the characteristics of each profile. Comparisons between work-life balance and the latent profiles were made using the Bolck-Croon-Hagenaars method. Female employees in South Korea were classified into five profiles: “high-flying”, “smooth”, ”footloose”, ”strict” and “manual”. The “footloose” profile showed the most positive work-life balance, and the “manual” profile had the highest level of work-family conflict. Therefore, policies and social supports should be created with the aim of improving the implementation of current strategies promoting work-life balance to better fit each working condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Young Choi
- Department of Nursing, Graduate School of Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea;
| | - Seung-Hye Choi
- College of Nursing, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-H.C.); (H.L.); Tel.: +82-32-820-4212 (S.-H.C.); +82-2-820-5472 (H.L.)
| | - Haeyoung Lee
- Red Cross College of Nursing, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-H.C.); (H.L.); Tel.: +82-32-820-4212 (S.-H.C.); +82-2-820-5472 (H.L.)
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Žnidaršič J, Bernik M. Impact of work-family balance results on employee work engagement within the organization: The case of Slovenia. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0245078. [PMID: 33471813 PMCID: PMC7816978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Organizations strive to increase the work engagement of their employees, as engaged employees are more productive employees, but often neglect the significant effects of work-family balance on work engagement. Numerous studies confirm the importance of work-family balance and work engagement, but there is lack of research that explores the relationship between the concepts. Our research fills a research gap in investigating the impact of work-family balance on work engagement, both directly and through individual perceptions of organizational support for work-family balance. The main aim of our research is to empirically test the relationships between the policies and practices of organizations regarding work-family balance, work-life balance and work engagement. Methods Using validated questionnaires, we collected data on organizational support for work-family balance (family-friendly policies and practices, support by leader, support by co-workers, working hours and complexity of work), work-family balance and work engagement. The quantitative data for our analysis was collected through a survey of 343 online participants who were employees in various positions in companies in Slovenia. The results Our results show that the organization's work-family balance policies and practices, such as support by leader, co-workers, and family-friendly policies and practices, have a positive impact on the individual's work-family balance, that work-family balance leads to an increase in work engagement, and that the individual's perception of the organization's work-family balance support leads to an increase in work engagement. Conclusion Knowledge of important work-family balance implications with an understanding of organizational support for work-family balance and the relationships between the constructs of work-family balance and work engagement can be beneficial to business leaders. This understanding can help them to strengthen employee work engagement through family-friendly policies and practices, and thereby contributing to the area of employee behavior and improving employee productivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Žnidaršič
- Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Maribor, Kranj, Slovenia
| | - Mojca Bernik
- Faculty of Organizational Sciences, University of Maribor, Kranj, Slovenia
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Sustainability in Higher Education: The Relationship between Work-Life Balance and XR E-Learning Facilities. SUSTAINABILITY 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/su12145872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, collaborative learning is proving to offer solutions to new inclusivity research challenges, and most importantly, can help ensure sustainable education. Collaborative learning can strengthen positive attitudes towards learning, improve performance in academic results, and enhance self-esteem, by promoting interaction and mutual support among young people. Extended reality (XR), associated with collaborative learning, offers a further advantage by facilitating deep comprehensive learning. An online survey was conducted to investigate respondents’ views on the impact and influence of virtual technologies on work, study, and social life. Respondents (n = 1032) were recruited from Serbia, Romania, and Hungary, from five public and private universities. The study reveals students’ perceptions of e-learning and XR immersion. The data were analyzed by using a combination of descriptive techniques from PSPP (GNU open source SPSS—Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, Free Software Foundation, Boston, MA, USA), and by designing a regression model to evaluate the work-life balance. This regression model shows that the work-life balance is positively influenced by the inclusion of XR facilities in the e-learning process, along with an increased level of culture and living standard. The higher living standard of a student is associated with higher digital competence and more financial resources available to invest in technology.
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