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Hander NR, Krohn J, Kohl F, Heming M, Erim Y, Herold R, Kröger C, Hansmann M, Köllner V, Chrysanthou S, Wegewitz U, Schröder UB, Feißt M, Herrmann K, Rothermund E. [Psychotherapeutic consultation at work: associations between company size and psychosomatic health]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2024; 67:772-782. [PMID: 38896152 PMCID: PMC11230955 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-024-03904-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The utilization of psychotherapeutic consultation at work (PT-A) has so far been investigated in large enterprises (LEs). These differ structurally from small(est) and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Differences in the user profiles of a PT‑A with regard to psychosomatic health, work-related self-efficacy, and work ability depending on company size have hardly been investigated. This study also examined differences in the employees' perception of the psychosocial safety climate (PSC) in the company, which represents management's efforts to promote mental health. METHODS As part of the Early Intervention in the Workplace intervention study called "friaa", employees from LEs and SMEs interested in a PT‑A were surveyed throughout Germany from September 2021 to January 2023. Using t‑ and χ2-tests, differences between employees in LEs (n = 439) and SMEs (n = 109) were examined with regard to the ICD-10 F diagnostic code ("International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems"; mental and behavioral disorders), depression (PHQ-9), anxiety (GAD-2), level of functioning (GAF), somatic symptom burden (SSS-8), health (VR-12), ability to work (WAI), self-efficacy (SOSES), and psychosocial safety climate (PSC-4). The association between these variables and especially the PSC‑4 were investigated using correlation analysis. RESULTS Both groups showed similar levels of stress. From the employees' perspective, psychosocial issues were addressed significantly more frequently in LEs than in SMEs with a medium effect size. The study provided initial indications that in LEs there were positive correlations of the PSC‑4 with SOSES and WAI and negative ones with PHQ‑9 and SSS‑8. DISCUSSION The comparable psychological strain on employees in LEs and SMEs points to the need for behavioral and structural preventive measures regardless of the company size. Mainly in SMEs, organizational communication of psychosocial health should be given greater priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole R Hander
- Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Alle 23, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland.
| | - Julia Krohn
- Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Alle 23, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland
| | - Fiona Kohl
- Institut für Arbeits‑, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Centre for Health and Society, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heinrich-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland
| | - Meike Heming
- Institut für Arbeits‑, Sozial- und Umweltmedizin, Centre for Health and Society, Medizinische Fakultät und Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heinrich-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland
| | - Yesim Erim
- Psychosomatische und Psychotherapeutische Abteilung, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Bayern, Deutschland
| | - Regina Herold
- Psychosomatische und Psychotherapeutische Abteilung, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Bayern, Deutschland
| | - Christoph Kröger
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Institut für Psychologie, Universität Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Niedersachsen, Deutschland
| | - Marieke Hansmann
- Abteilung Klinische Psychologie und Psychotherapie, Institut für Psychologie, Universität Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Niedersachsen, Deutschland
| | - Volker Köllner
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Forschungsgruppe Psychosomatische Rehabilitation, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Sophia Chrysanthou
- Medizinische Klinik mit Schwerpunkt Psychosomatik, Forschungsgruppe Psychosomatische Rehabilitation, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Uta Wegewitz
- FG 3.5 Evidenzbasierte Arbeitsmedizin, Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement, b a u a: Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Ute B Schröder
- FG 3.5 Evidenzbasierte Arbeitsmedizin, Betriebliches Gesundheitsmanagement, b a u a: Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Manuel Feißt
- Institut für Medizinische Biometrie, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland
| | - Kristin Herrmann
- Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Alle 23, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland
| | - Eva Rothermund
- Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Alle 23, 89081, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Deutschland
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Erschens R, Adam SH, Schröpel C, Diebig M, Rieger MA, Gündel H, Zipfel S, Junne F. Improving Well-Being and Fostering Health-Oriented Leadership among Leaders in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): A Systematic Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:486. [PMID: 38391861 PMCID: PMC10888323 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12040486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are often confronted with specific burdens, which frequently result in increased levels of stress. Leadership behaviour, in turn, has a significant impact on employees' health and performance. Using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) method, we conducted a systematic literature search covering publications from 2002 to 2023 using PubMed, PsycInfo and Business Source Premier on stress-reducing and well-being-improving interventions for SME leaders. The Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP) Quality Assessment Tool was used to assess the methodological quality and risk of bias of the included studies regarding selection bias, study design, confounders, blinding, data collection, withdrawal and drop-out. Of the 3150 identified publications, 6 were included after screening. The studies varied in content (cognitive behavioural therapy [CBT]-based, psychoeducation, and mixed interventions) and approach (individual- and organisation-centred). Not all of the examined interventions provided significant outcomes. However, CBT-based and individualised approaches showed a positive trend in reducing SME leaders' psychosocial stress and improving their well-being. Despite the limited data, it can be concluded that such interventions are beneficial for leaders and their specific needs. Future research should focus on tailored approaches, derived from well-founded theories and integrative interventions addressing SME leaders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Erschens
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tuebingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Sophia Helen Adam
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tuebingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Carla Schröpel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tuebingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Diebig
- Institute of Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, Heinrich-Heine-University Duesseldorf, Moorenstraße 5, 40225 Duesseldorf, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
| | - Monika A Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Services Research, University Hospital Tübingen, University of Tuebingen, Wilhelmstraße 27, 72074 Tuebingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Harald Gündel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Ulm, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
| | - Stephan Zipfel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tuebingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
| | - Florian Junne
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tuebingen, Osianderstr. 5, 72076 Tuebingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, University Hospital Magdeburg, Leipziger Straße 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany
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Primi C, Giuli M, Baroni E, Zurkirch V, Galanti M, Belloni L, Gori C, Donati MA. The Individual- and Organization-Related Stressors in Pandemic Scale for Healthcare Workers (IOSPS-HW): Development and Psychometric Properties of a New Instrument to Assess Individual and Organizational Stress Factors in Periods of Pandemics. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4082. [PMID: 36901094 PMCID: PMC10002142 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The validation and psychometric properties of the Individual and Organization related Stressors in Pandemic Scale for Healthcare Workers (IOSPS-HW) were presented. This is a new measure to assess individual factors related to the health and well-being of individuals, such as family and personal relationships, as well as organizational factors related to the management of the pandemic, including workplace relationships, job management and communication. Across two studies conducted at different time points of the pandemic, psychometric evidence of the IOSPS-HW is presented. In Study 1, through a cross-sectional design, we conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis through which the originally developed 43 items scale was reduced to a 20-item bidimensional scale with two correlated dimensions: Organization-related Stressors (O-S; 12 items) and Individual- and Health-related Stressors (IH-S; 8 items). Internal consistency and criterion validity were also provided by investigating the relationship with post-traumatic stress. In Study 2, we provided evidence for the temporal invariance of the measure and for temporal stability through a Multigroup-CFA through a longitudinal design. We also supported the criterion and predictive validity. The results suggest that IOSPS-HW is a good instrument to simultaneously investigating individual and organizational factors related to sanitary emergencies in healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Primi
- NEUROFARBA (Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health) Department, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Monica Giuli
- Clinical Operating Unit of the Organizations, Careggi University Hospital, Regional Reference Center on Relational Criticalities (RCRC), 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Baroni
- Clinical Operating Unit of the Organizations, Careggi University Hospital, Regional Reference Center on Relational Criticalities (RCRC), 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Vanessa Zurkirch
- Clinical Operating Unit of the Organizations, Careggi University Hospital, Regional Reference Center on Relational Criticalities (RCRC), 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Galanti
- Clinical Operating Unit of the Organizations, Careggi University Hospital, Regional Reference Center on Relational Criticalities (RCRC), 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Laura Belloni
- Clinical Operating Unit of the Organizations, Careggi University Hospital, Regional Reference Center on Relational Criticalities (RCRC), 50141 Florence, Italy
| | - Costanza Gori
- NEUROFARBA (Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health) Department, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Maria Anna Donati
- NEUROFARBA (Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health) Department, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
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Cano-Gutiérrez JC, Olguín-Tiznado JE, Camargo-Wilson C, López Barreras JA, García-Rivera BR, García-Alcaráz JL. Psychosocial risk factors identification in Mexican workers and RGIII validation. Work 2023; 76:189-203. [PMID: 36847055 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220316] [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: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2018, NOM-035-STPS-2018 has been applied in Mexico, focused on measuring psychosocial risk factors (PRFs) in workers and the Reference Guide III (RGIII) has been presented, however, research focused on its validation has been scarce, in very specific sectors and with small samples. OBJECTIVE Determine the levels of PRFs of five work centers and reliability and validity aspects of RGIII. METHOD The RGIII was applied to 1458 workers (806 women and 652 men) from five workplace in the industrial sector of Ensenada (Mexico), and the level of risk of the PRFs was analyzed, as well as their reliability and validity through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). RESULTS The PRFs with medium, high and very high-risk levels are Workload, Lack of control over work and Workday. The RGIII presents adequate reliability with Cronbach's α, Alpha ordinal RHO and Omega of 0.93, 0.95 and 0.95, respectively. The EFA shows all five subscales maintain factor loadings greater than 0.43, although Leadership and relationships at work has better saturation values, and Work environment ended with only three items. The CFA indicates Leadership and work relationships with a Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) goodness of fit index of 0.072. CONCLUSION The RGIII allows the identification and evaluation of the level of risk of PRFs. It complies with sufficient internal consistency. It does not have a clear factorial structure, because it does not meet the minimum values of goodness-of-fit indexes that would allow confirming the structure proposed in RGIII.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio César Cano-Gutiérrez
- Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Design, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Mexico
| | | | - Claudia Camargo-Wilson
- Faculty of Engineering, Architecture and Design, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Mexico
| | | | - Blanca Rosa García-Rivera
- Faculty of Administrative and Social Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada, Mexico
| | - Jorge Luis García-Alcaráz
- Departament of Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
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Pavlista V, Angerer P, Kuske J, Schwens C, Diebig AM. Exploring the Barriers to the Implementation of Psychosocial Risk Assessment in Micro- and Small-Sized Firms. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR ARBEITS-UND ORGANISATIONSPSYCHOLOGIE 2022. [DOI: 10.1026/0932-4089/a000398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. According to the legal requirements in many countries, companies should conduct psychosocial risk assessments (PRA). However, recent studies have demonstrated deficiencies in PRA implementation. Especially micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSE) are in arrears. We conducted two explorative studies to shed light on this topic: We recruited MSE and examined their reasons for participation ( N = 7) and nonparticipation ( N = 21) in a nonresponder survey. Further, we analyzed longitudinal data capturing the PRA process over 18 months in 15 MSE within a case study. The attitude that stress is an important issue was a major reason for participation. The reasons given for nonparticipation were lack of interest in PRA and lack of stress. High time commitment and support were needed for complete PRA implementation. The reasons given for termination included low resources and prioritization of PRA. The results indicate that interest and awareness of the relevance of psychosocial stress need to increase, and that approaches requiring fewer resources are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pavlista
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Center for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich HeineUniversity Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Angerer
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Center for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich HeineUniversity Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Johanna Kuske
- Professorship in Entrepreneurship and Management, Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Universityof Cologne, Germany
| | - Christian Schwens
- Professorship in Entrepreneurship and Management, Faculty of Management, Economics and Social Sciences, Universityof Cologne, Germany
| | - and Mathias Diebig
- Institute for Occupational, Social, and Environmental Medicine, Center for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Heinrich HeineUniversity Duesseldorf, Germany
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Lagabrielle C, Encrenaz G, Debruyne G, Rascle N. Workplace bullying: is there a difference by enterprise size? Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2021; 95:187-198. [PMID: 34448019 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-021-01756-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE While relationships between working conditions, bullying and health issues have been proven, most studies have investigated these relationships in large enterprises (> 250 employees). Indeed, only a few studies have analyzed this issue in small firms, despite the fact that the latter differ from the former at multiple levels. Therefore, our objective was twofold: to assess whether the size of a firm had an impact on the frequency of workplace bullying and to identify whether the effects of bullying on workers' health differed according to the size of the company. METHOD Data from the 2010 SUMER French periodical cross-sectional survey were analyzed (N = 31,420 for the present study). Bullying at work was measured based on nine possible hostile attitudes derived from the French version of the Leymann Inventory of Psychological Terror. Two other questions measured colleague-to-colleague verbal violence and sexual or physical assaults. Anxious or depressive episodes were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD). Other health issues were: perceived health status, sickness absence (at least one absence lasting more than eight days), and work injuries. RESULTS Our findings show that bullying at work was less frequent in micro enterprises (< 10 employees). Anxiety/depression, perceived health status, sickness absence (at least one lasting more than eight days) were significantly associated with workplace bullying, but the effects of bullying were significantly higher in micro enterprises (statistical interaction). CONCLUSION This study highlights how a firm's size influences workplace bullying and, in particular, the prevalence and consequences of bullying in micro enterprises. The implication and guidelines for practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lagabrielle
- Laboratory Psychology of Socialization, development and work, University of Toulouse Jean Jaures, 5 Allée Antonio Machado, 31058, Cedex 9 Toulouse, France.
| | - G Encrenaz
- COMPTRASEC UMR 5114, CNRS, 6, Avenue Léon Duguit CS 50057, 33608, Pessac Cedex, France
| | - G Debruyne
- COMPTRASEC UMR 5114, CNRS, 6, Avenue Léon Duguit CS 50057, 33608, Pessac Cedex, France
| | - N Rascle
- Nicole Rascle INSERM U1219, University of Bordeaux, 146 Rue Léo Saignat, 33000, Bordeaux, France
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Pavlista V, Angerer P, Diebig M. Barriers and drivers of psychosocial risk assessments in German micro and small-sized enterprises: a qualitative study with owners and managers. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:1376. [PMID: 34247620 PMCID: PMC8273035 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-11416-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The negative effect of unfavorable working conditions and long-term work stress on health has been demonstrated in previous research. To address these challenges, systematic approaches such as psychosocial risk assessments (PRA) have been developed in many countries worldwide. Despite legal obligations, psychosocial risk assessments are rarely carried out in micro and small-sized enterprises (MSE). Even though those enterprises constitute a large proportion of the general workforce, this area remains largely untouched by research. In order to enable starting points for a greater dissemination in organizational practice, the present study explores barriers and drivers of psychosocial risk assessments in micro and small-sized enterprises. METHODS A total of 18 owners and managers from 15 micro and small-sized enterprises in North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany, were interviewed. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. A qualitative approach was applied: Content analysis was used to analyze the data, using deductive as well as inductive coding techniques. RESULTS The following barriers emerged from the interviews: Negative PRA image, stigmatization of mental health, lacking acceptance of employees, fear of excessive authority interference, ignorance of PRA, not understanding the necessity, inappropriate approach, and limited resources. The identified drivers were: Easy access to PRA material, external support from experts, renaming the term "workplace risk assessment", understanding content and benefit of PRA, simplify and revise PRA process, and noticeable consequences of PRA execution and non-execution. The results are comparable with those in larger companies. They emphasize the importance of mental health education, improving the process of psychosocial risk assessments, and the ongoing support in overcoming limited financial as well as human resources. CONCLUSIONS To improve implementation of PRA in organizational practice, a simplification of the process is proposed, accompanied by information campaigns and an improvement in the health literacy of owners and managers of MSE. In view of the results, the full revision of the PRA approach should also be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pavlista
- Heinrich-Heine University, Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society; Medical Faculty, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter Angerer
- Heinrich-Heine University, Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society; Medical Faculty, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Mathias Diebig
- Heinrich-Heine University, Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society; Medical Faculty, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
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Schreibauer EC, Hippler M, Burgess S, Rieger MA, Rind E. Work-Related Psychosocial Stress in Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: An Integrative Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17207446. [PMID: 33066111 PMCID: PMC7650689 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17207446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Background: Work-related psychosocial stress can cause mental and physical illnesses resulting in high costs for the individual, the economy and society. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) employ the majority of the world’s workforce and often have fewer financial and human resources compared to larger businesses. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge on work-related stress in SMEs according to well-established guidelines categorizing psychosocial factors at work. Methods: A systematic database search was carried out in PubMed, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX and Business Source Premiere from March to June 2019, updated in January 2020. Data of included studies were analyzed and mapped into five themes: “work content and task”, “organization of work”, “social relations”, “working environment” and “new forms of work”. Results: After full-text screening, 45 out of 116 studies were included for data extraction. Studies were very heterogeneous and of varying quality, mostly applying a cross-sectional study design. Psychosocial factors in SMEs have been researched with a focus on the work patterns “work organization” and “work content and task”. Conclusions: This review underlines the need for more and better quality research of psychosocial factors in SMEs, particularly in relation to ongoing and new challenges in the workplace, including stressors related to the process of digitalization or the development of safe working conditions during the emerge of new infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Christina Schreibauer
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (E.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.B.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Melina Hippler
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (E.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.B.); (M.A.R.)
- Interdisciplinary Division of Neuro-Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Burgess
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (E.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.B.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Monika A. Rieger
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (E.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.B.); (M.A.R.)
| | - Esther Rind
- Institute of Occupational and Social Medicine and Health Service Research, University Hospital Tuebingen, 72074 Tuebingen, Germany; (E.C.S.); (M.H.); (S.B.); (M.A.R.)
- Correspondence:
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Kim H, Min J, Min K. Physical and mental health problems of self-employed small business owners in South Korea. Am J Ind Med 2019; 62:783-790. [PMID: 31328810 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-employed business owners in Korea make up one-quarter of the working population, and half of those who are self-employed are in micro and small businesses. Compared to the significant research interest in business management and economics, to date, there has been little interest in the health of small business owners. We investigated the health status of self-employed small business owners compared to standard workers. METHODS The third Korean Working Conditions Survey, which included a total of 32 630 adults aged 20 to 59 years, was analyzed. A small business was defined as an enterprise with between 0 and 4 workers. Standard employment included full-time employment with a permanent or 1-year contract. Health outcomes included eight types of physical health and mental health problems assessed using the WHO-5 Wellbeing Index. RESULTS Small business groups were found to have an increased prevalence of depression after controlling for all potential covariates (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.29-1.47). In addition, the prevalence of work-related physical health problems was significantly higher among self-employed small business owners in a full adjusted model: backache (OR = 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.26), muscular pains in upper limbs (OR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.12-1.27), and muscular pains in lower limbs (OR = 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07-1.22). CONCLUSION We found a positive association between small business entrepreneurs and increased prevalence of mental and physical illness in adults in the Republic of Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye‐Jin Kim
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of MedicineSeoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Jin‐Young Min
- Institute of Health and EnvironmentSeoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung‐Bok Min
- Department of Preventive Medicine, College of MedicineSeoul National University Seoul Republic of Korea
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