1
|
Backhaus I, Lohmann-Haislah A, Burr H, Nielsen K, di Tecco C, Dragano N. Organizational change: challenges for workplace psychosocial risks and employee mental health. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:2477. [PMID: 39261822 PMCID: PMC11389294 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19815-w] [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] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Constant organizational change is the norm in many companies today. At present, evidence on the impact of organizational change on psychosocial risks at work and employee mental health is limited. We investigate organizational change and its association with psychosocial risks and mental health in three consecutive surveys covering 12 years. METHODS The study was based on data from three cross-sectional waves (2006, 2012, 2018) of the German BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey, comprising 53,295 employees. Four change indicators (i.e., introduction of new software, changes in goods and services produced/provided, downsizing and restructuring), five indicators of psychosocial risks (i.e., time pressure, interruptions, multitasking, working to the limits of capability, and working very quickly) and four mental health indicators (i.e., sleep disturbances, nervousness, tiredness and depressive symptoms) were investigated. We applied Poisson regression analysis to examine associations between organizational change, psychosocial risks, and mental health. RESULTS According to the pooled analysis of all three waves, the majority of employees reported having experienced at least one organizational change, such as downsizing or restructuring, between 2006 and 2018. Organizational change was negatively associated with psychosocial risks (e.g., working to the limits of one's capability, PR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.48-1.86) and with employee mental health (PR: 1.82; 95% CI: 1.61-2.04). CONCLUSIONS Organizational change is omnipresent in the modern economy. Our research suggests that transformation processes in organizations can bear risks to employees' health as psychosocial risks increase. Therefore, companies planning organizational change should accompany such processes with occupational health and safety measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Insa Backhaus
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research, Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Andrea Lohmann-Haislah
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Unit Psychosocial Factors and Mental Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hermann Burr
- Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Unit Psychosocial Factors and Mental Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karina Nielsen
- Institute of Work Psychology, Sheffield University Management School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Cristina di Tecco
- Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Rome, Italy
| | - Nico Dragano
- Institute of Medical Sociology, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty and University Hospital, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lahti J, Reinikainen J, Kontto J, Zhou Z, Koskinen S, Laaksonen M, Partonen T, Elonheimo H, Lundqvist A, Tolonen H. Work ability trends 2000-2020 and birth-cohort projections until 2040 in Finland. Scand J Public Health 2024:14034948241228155. [PMID: 38390654 DOI: 10.1177/14034948241228155] [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: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Aims: To examine age-group and birth-cohort trends in perceived work ability in Finland in 2000-2020 and make projections of perceived work ability up to 2040 based on the observed birth-cohort development. Methods: Ten population-representative cross-sectional surveys conducted in Finland between 2000 and 2020 were used (overall N = 61,087, range 817-18,956). Self-reported estimates of current work ability in relation to the person's lifetime best on a scale from zero to ten (0-10) were classified into three groups: limited (0-5), intermediate (6-7), and good (8-10). Multiple imputation was used in projecting work ability. Results: Examining past trends by 5-year birth-cohorts born between 1961 and 1995 showed that work ability has declined steadily over time among older birth-cohorts, while in the two younger cohorts a stable development before 2017 and a steep decline between 2017 and 2020 was seen. Trends by 5-year age groups showed a declining trend of good work ability among 20-44-year-olds, a stable trend among 45-54-year-olds, and an improving trend among 55-year-olds and older was observed for the period 2000-2020. Among the under 55-year-olds the prevalence of good work ability ended up around 75% and at 68% among the 55-59-year-olds, 58% among the 60-69-year-olds and 49% among the 70-74-year-olds in 2020. Birth-cohort projections suggested a declining work ability in the future among all age groups included (30-74 years). By 2040, the prevalence of good work ability is projected to decline by 10 to 15 percentage points among 45-74-year-olds. Conclusions: The projections suggest declining work ability in the future. Efforts to counteract the decline in work ability are needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jouni Lahti
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaakko Reinikainen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jukka Kontto
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Zhi Zhou
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Koskinen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Timo Partonen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Elonheimo
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annamari Lundqvist
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Tolonen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Uristemova A, Myssayev A, Meirmanov S, Migina L. Predictors of Job Satisfaction and Association with Psychological Distress Among Academic Medicine Faculty in Kazakhstan. LA MEDICINA DEL LAVORO 2024; 115:e2024002. [PMID: 38411979 PMCID: PMC10915675 DOI: 10.23749/mdl.v115i1.15010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The growing concern for the faculty's well-being is allied with the emotionally demanding nature of teaching, which has an adverse effect on physical and mental health. There is abundant evidence that academic medicine faculty are subjected to high rates of dissatisfaction, distress, burnout, and turnover among medical educators. This study is dedicated to the exploration of the association between job satisfaction and psychological distress among academic medicine faculty in Kazakhstan. METHODS The observational cross-sectional study was conducted among medical educators in Kazakhstan between 1 October and 25 December. The survey was completed by 715 representatives of academic medicine staff. The sample size was calculated by Epi Info Sample Size Calculator, version 7.0. Multinomial logistic regression analysis using the forced entry procedure was applied to identify the factors associated with job satisfaction. RESULTS The prevalence of job satisfaction, depression, anxiety, and stress was 19.2%, 40.6%, 41.3%, and 53%, respectively. Three variables were significantly associated with job satisfaction: having a partner (AOR=0.79; 95% CI 0.38-1.659), having work experience of 5-10 years (AOR=0.32; 95% CI 0.14-0.74), and holding a Ph.D. degree (AOR=0.40; 95% CI 0.18-0.91). Job satisfaction was significantly associated with depression (p=0.005) and stress (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Compared to previous research in this area, our findings reported a higher prevalence of psychological distress and dissatisfaction. Potential reason for higher rates of dissatisfaction may be the global disruption due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Assem Uristemova
- Department of Public Health, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Ayan Myssayev
- Department of Science and Human Resources, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Astana, Kazakhstan
| | - Serik Meirmanov
- College of Asia Pacific Studies, Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Beppu, Japan
| | - Lyudmila Migina
- Department of Public Health, Semey Medical University, Semey, Kazakhstan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Backhaus I, Dragano N, Di Tecco C, Iavicoli S, Hoven H. Trends in negative interpersonal relationships at work and awareness of occupational safety and health services: a 2014-2019 trend analysis. J Occup Health 2024; 66:uiae043. [PMID: 39129668 PMCID: PMC11372296 DOI: 10.1093/joccuh/uiae043] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A good psychosocial climate at work, including positive interpersonal relationships, is a protective factor for health, whereas social conflict imposes a considerable health risk. Occupational safety and health (OSH) services can help create a positive working environment. In the present study, we analyzed trends in the awareness of OSH services and interpersonal relationships and whether these are linked. METHODS We used time series data from the Italian Survey on Health and Safety at Work (INSuLa) from 2014 and 2019 (n = 16 000 employees). Negative interpersonal relationships included workplace bullying and lack of workplace support. The availability of OSH services was measured through items inquiring about the awareness of OSH representatives and OSH training. We used Poisson regression in reporting prevalence ratios and provided predicted probabilities and average marginal effects to show trends and differences in interpersonal relationships and OSH availability. RESULTS Our findings suggest that negative interpersonal relationships at work increased, whereas awareness about OSH services declined between 2014 and 2019. These trends were particularly strong for young workers, for whom workplace bullying increased by 6.3% and awareness of OSH training declined by 11.7%. We also found that unawareness about OSH services is associated with negative interpersonal relationships at work. CONCLUSION The results suggest that low OSH awareness may be an increasing problem, whereas exposure to an adverse social climate at work became more frequent at the same time. Given the role of OSH services in ensuring a positive working climate, it is important to increase workers' awareness about OSH services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Insa Backhaus
- Centre for Health and Society, Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN), Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Tondheim, Norway
| | - Nico Dragano
- Centre for Health and Society, Institute of Medical Sociology, Medical Faculty, University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Cristina Di Tecco
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Iavicoli
- Directorate for Communication and International Affairs, Ministry of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Hanno Hoven
- Centre for Global Health Inequalities Research (CHAIN), Department of Sociology and Political Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Tondheim, Norway
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Laaksonen M, Elovainio M, Kainulainen S, Leinonen T, Jääskeläinen T, Rissanen H, Koskinen S. Changes in healthy and unhealthy working life expectancies among older working-age people in Finland, 2000-2017. Eur J Public Health 2022; 32:729-734. [PMID: 36069835 PMCID: PMC9527978 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckac119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Raising the statutory retirement age has been a common policy response to population ageing, but health problems may restrict labour force participation in older ages. We examined the development of healthy and unhealthy working life expectancies in Finland from 2000 to 2017 using different measures of health problems. Methods Healthy and unhealthy working life expectancies were calculated for the age range 50–65 years using the Sullivan method. The health measures were limiting long-standing illness, self-rated health, mental health problems and self-assessed work ability. Results Healthy working life expectancy was highest when health was measured by work ability. From 2000 to 2017, working years in full ability between the ages 50–65 increased from 6.2 (95% confidence interval 5.9–6.4) to 8.2 (8.0–8.5). Healthy working life expectancy increased also when measured by the other indicators. Unhealthy working years also increased, except when health problems were measured by limiting long-standing illness. The share of years in work increased both within the healthy and the unhealthy years, the increase being larger or equally large for the latter. Within the healthy and unhealthy years measured by the other three indicators, the share of working years increased irrespective of whether work ability was full or limited, but the increase was larger for limited work ability. Conclusions In Finland, healthy working life expectancy has increased irrespective of how health is measured but also working with health problems has become more prevalent. The estimates for healthy working years are highest when a direct measure of work ability is used.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marko Elovainio
- Research Program Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Psychology and Logopedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Taina Leinonen
- Finnish Institute for Occupational Health, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuija Jääskeläinen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Rissanen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Seppo Koskinen
- Department of Public Health and Welfare, Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|