1
|
Iwamoto H, Nakano S, Tajima R, Kiguchi R, Yoshida Y, Kitanishi Y, Aoki Y. Predicting Workers' Stress: Application of a High-Performance Algorithm Using Working-Style Characteristics. JMIR AI 2024; 3:e55840. [PMID: 39093604 PMCID: PMC11329844 DOI: 10.2196/55840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Work characteristics, such as teleworking rate, have been studied in relation to stress. However, the use of work-related data to improve a high-performance stress prediction model that suits an individual's lifestyle has not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a novel, high-performance algorithm to predict an employee's stress among a group of employees with similar working characteristics. METHODS This prospective observational study evaluated participants' responses to web‑based questionnaires, including attendance records and data collected using a wearable device. Data spanning 12 weeks (between January 17, 2022, and April 10, 2022) were collected from 194 Shionogi Group employees. Participants wore the Fitbit Charge 4 wearable device, which collected data on daily sleep, activity, and heart rate. Daily work shift data included details of working hours. Weekly questionnaire responses included the K6 questionnaire for depression/anxiety, a behavioral questionnaire, and the number of days lunch was missed. The proposed prediction model used a neighborhood cluster (N=20) with working-style characteristics similar to those of the prediction target person. Data from the previous week predicted stress levels the following week. Three models were compared by selecting appropriate training data: (1) single model, (2) proposed method 1, and (3) proposed method 2. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) were calculated for the top 10 extracted features from the Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model to evaluate the amount and contribution direction categorized by teleworking rates (mean): low: <0.2 (more than 4 days/week in office), middle: 0.2 to <0.6 (2 to 4 days/week in office), and high: ≥0.6 (less than 2 days/week in office). RESULTS Data from 190 participants were used, with a teleworking rate ranging from 0% to 79%. The area under the curve (AUC) of the proposed method 2 was 0.84 (true positive vs false positive: 0.77 vs 0.26). Among participants with low teleworking rates, most features extracted were related to sleep, followed by activity and work. Among participants with high teleworking rates, most features were related to activity, followed by sleep and work. SHAP analysis showed that for participants with high teleworking rates, skipping lunch, working more/less than scheduled, higher fluctuations in heart rate, and lower mean sleep duration contributed to stress. In participants with low teleworking rates, coming too early or late to work (before/after 9 AM), a higher/lower than mean heart rate, lower fluctuations in heart rate, and burning more/fewer calories than normal contributed to stress. CONCLUSIONS Forming a neighborhood cluster with similar working styles based on teleworking rates and using it as training data improved the prediction performance. The validity of the neighborhood cluster approach is indicated by differences in the contributing features and their contribution directions among teleworking levels. TRIAL REGISTRATION UMIN UMIN000046394; https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Yasunori Aoki
- Shionogi & Co., Ltd., Osaka, Japan
- Department of Psychiatry, Nippon Life Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li J, Fong DYT, Ho MM, Choi EPH, Lok KYW, Lee JJ, Duan W, Wong JYH, Lin CC. Prevalence and Factors Associated With Willingness to Sustain Pandemic-Induced Digital Work in the General Population and Moderating Effects of Screen Hours: Cross-Sectional Study. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e53321. [PMID: 38805704 PMCID: PMC11167320 DOI: 10.2196/53321] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pandemic has accelerated digital work transformation, yet little is known about individuals' willingness to sustain such digital modes and its associated factors. A better understanding of this willingness and its drivers is crucial for guiding the development of future digital work infrastructure, training programs, and strategies to monitor and prevent related health issues. OBJECTIVE This study aims to quantify the general population's willingness to sustain pandemic-induced digital work, identify its associated factors, and examine how screen time moderates these relationships. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted targeting Hong Kong residents aged ≥18 years who have increased engagement in digital work since the pandemic. Data were collected through self-reported, web-based surveys. Descriptive statistics determined prevalence rates, while structured multiphase logistic regression identified associated factors and explored the moderating effects of screen hour levels. RESULTS This unfunded study enrolled 1014 participants from May 2 to June 24, 2022, and completed data analysis within 3 months after data collection. A total of 391 (38.6%; 95% CI 35.6%-41.6%) participants expressed willingness to sustain digital work. Positive factors associated with this willingness included being an employee (odds ratio [OR] 3.12, 95% CI 1.59-6.45; P=.001), being health professionals (OR 3.32, 95% CI 1.49-7.82; P=.004), longer screen hours (OR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03-1.15; P=.002), and higher depression levels (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01-1.44; P=.04). Conversely, negatively associated factors included older age (OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.94; P=.001), extroversion (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.51-0.86; P=.002), higher eHealth literacy (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.98; P<.001), perceived greater susceptibility to COVID-19 (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74-0.96; P=.009), residence in a high-severity COVID-19 community (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.63-0.84; P<.001), having infected individuals in the immediate social circle (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.46-0.88; P=.006), higher BMI (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.99; P=.02), feelings of being out of control (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.98; P=.002), and higher fear of COVID-19 (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.98; P=.001). In addition, a moderating effect of screen hour level (high: >8 h/d; low: ≤8 h/d) influenced the association among 10 factors related to willingness to sustain pandemic-induced digital work, including age, education level, household size, needs for regular medical care, BMI, frequency of both vigorous and moderate physical activities, perceived COVID-19 severity, immediate social circle COVID-19 presence, and fear of COVID-19 (all P values for interaction <.05). CONCLUSIONS The substantial willingness of the general population to sustain digital work after the pandemic highlights the need for robust telework infrastructure, thorough monitoring of adverse health outcomes, and the potential to expand telehealth services among this group. The identification of factors influencing this willingness and the moderating role of screen hours inform the development of personalized strategies to enhance digital work acceptance where needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiaying Li
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Daniel Yee Tak Fong
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Mandy Man Ho
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Edmond Pui Hang Choi
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Kris Yuet Wan Lok
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong)
| | - WenJie Duan
- Department of Social Work, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Janet Yuen Ha Wong
- School of Nursing and Health Studies, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Chia-Chin Lin
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China (Hong Kong)
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zaitsu M, Ishimaru T, Tsushima S, Muramatsu K, Ando H, Nagata T, Eguchi H, Tateishi S, Tsuji M, Fujino Y. Incidence of coronary heart disease among remote workers: a nationwide web-based cohort study. Sci Rep 2024; 14:8415. [PMID: 38600223 PMCID: PMC11006843 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59000-y] [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: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD) risk is influenced by socioeconomic status-related parameters, particularly occupation. We investigated occupational gaps in CHD risk and how the introduction of remote work moderated the observed occupational differences in CHD risk during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in Japan. Data from a web-based, nationwide cohort study, comprising 17,640 workers (aged 20-65 years) with baseline data from December 2020, were analyzed. Participants were grouped by occupation as upper-level nonmanual workers (managers/professionals) and others (reference group). The primary outcome was CHD (angina pectoris/myocardial infarction) onset retrospectively confirmed at the 1-year follow-up survey. Upper-level nonmanual workers exhibited a higher CHD incidence than others (2.3% vs. 1.7%). This association was pronounced in the younger (20-49 years) population, with a significant CHD risk (adjusted risk ratio = 1.88). Upper-level nonmanual workers exhibited nearly 15% higher remote work prevalence, with a significant remote work-related CHD risk (adjusted risk ratio = 1.92). The mediating effects of remote work explained an overall disparity of 32% among the younger population. Occupational gaps in CHD incidence in Japan differ from those in Western countries, where upper-level nonmanual workers have lower cardiovascular risk. In Japan, remote work can mediate CHD risk in the younger population of upper-level nonmanual workers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masayoshi Zaitsu
- Center for Research of the Aging Workforce, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishimaru
- Department of Medical Humanities, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Saki Tsushima
- Center for Research of the Aging Workforce, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Keiji Muramatsu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Hajime Ando
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Nagata
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Hisashi Eguchi
- Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Tateishi
- Disaster Occupational Health Center, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tsuji
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Fujino
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahata-Nishi-Ku, Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, 807-8555, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Figueiredo E, Margaça C, Hernández-Sánchez B, Sánchez-García JC. Teleworking Effects on Mental Health-A Systematic Review and a Research Agenda. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:243. [PMID: 38541245 PMCID: PMC10970114 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21030243] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Teleworking has become an increasingly adopted modality in organizations. However, changes in working conditions have led to several challenges regarding its impacts on professionals' health. The aim of this study is to provide a systematic review of the literature about the impact of teleworking on workers' mental health. The PRISMA protocol and VOSviewer were used to identify the main trends from the set of 64 articles. The co-occurrence analyzes showed combined relationships between this new type of work and its effects on workers' health, which resulted in four different clusters and a robust knowledge structure. Furthermore, the findings indicate that working from home has a dualistic nature. This study offers a prominent and promising framework regarding the teleworking impact on workers' health research agenda.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Figueiredo
- Department of Social Psychology and Anthropology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced, 109, 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (E.F.); (J.C.S.-G.)
| | - Clara Margaça
- Department of Social Psychology and Anthropology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced, 109, 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (E.F.); (J.C.S.-G.)
| | | | - José Carlos Sánchez-García
- Department of Social Psychology and Anthropology, Faculty of Psychology, University of Salamanca, Avenida de la Merced, 109, 37005 Salamanca, Spain; (E.F.); (J.C.S.-G.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Heiden M, Hallman DM, Svensson M, Mathiassen SE, Svensson S, Bergström G. Mismatch between actual and preferred extent of telework: cross-sectional and prospective associations with well-being and burnout. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1736. [PMID: 37674141 PMCID: PMC10481552 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16683-8] [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: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine whether telework mismatch, i.e., lack of fit between actual and preferred extent of telework, is cross-sectionally and prospectively associated with well-being and burnout. METHODS A questionnaire was sent to employees in a Swedish manufacturing company in November 2020 (baseline) and September 2021 (follow-up). It contained questions about well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index) and burnout (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III), as well as the preferred extent of telework and extent of telework performed. Telework mismatch was calculated as the difference between the actual and preferred extent of telework. Change in mismatch over time was categorized as 1) less mismatch at follow-up than at baseline, 2) more mismatch at follow-up, and 3) identical levels of mismatch at baseline and follow-up. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance were used to determine the effects of mismatch and change in mismatch over time on baseline ratings and changes in ratings of well-being and burnout. All analyses were performed with and without adjustment for age, sex, marital status, children, type of employment, commuting time and extent of telework performed. RESULTS The response rate was 39% at baseline (n = 928, 67% men, mean(SD) age: 45(11) years) and 60% at follow-up (n = 556, 64% men, mean(SD) age: 46(11) years). A cross-sectional association was found between telework mismatch and well-being, showing that employees who teleworked more than they would like reported worse well-being than those who teleworked less than they would like. No statistically significant association was found between telework mismatch and burnout. The ability of telework mismatch at baseline to predict changes in well-being or burnout over 10 months was small and non-significant. No association was found between change in telework mismatch over the 10-month period and corresponding changes in well-being or burnout. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that telework should be thoughtfully practiced in companies/organizations to avoid negative consequences for employees who already telework more than they prefer. Studies are needed to determine how long-term changes in match between preferred and actual extent of telework is associated with employee well-being, including how the association is modified by the nature of the job and the work environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Heiden
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
| | - David M Hallman
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Malin Svensson
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Sven Svensson
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Bergström
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hall CE, Davidson L, Brooks SK, Greenberg N, Weston D. The relationship between homeworking during COVID-19 and both, mental health, and productivity: a systematic review. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:188. [PMID: 37370153 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01221-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As of March 2020, the UK public were instructed to work from home where possible and as a result, nearly half of those in employment did so during the following month. Pre-pandemic, around 5% of workers chose to work from home; it was often seen as advantageous, for example due to eliminating commuting time and increasing flexibility. However, homeworking also had negative connotations, for example, blurred boundaries between work and home life due to a sense of constant connectivity to the workplace. Understanding the psychological impact of working from home in an enforced and prolonged manner due to the COVID-19 pandemic is important. Therefore, this review sought to establish the relationship between working from home, mental health, and productivity. METHODS In January 2022, literature searches were conducted across four electronic databases: Medline, Embase, PsycInfo and Web of Science. In February 2022 grey literature searches were conducted using Google Advanced Search, NHS Evidence; Gov.uk Publications and the British Library directory of online doctoral theses. Published and unpublished literature which collected data after March 2020, included participants who experienced working from home for at least some of their working hours, and detailed the association in terms of mental health or productivity were included. RESULTS In total 6,906 citations were screened and 25 papers from electronic databases were included. Grey literature searching resulted in two additional papers. Therefore, 27 studies were included in this review. Findings suggest the association between homeworking and both, mental health and productivity varies considerably, suggesting a complex relationship, with many factors (e.g., demographics, occupation) having an influence on the relationship. CONCLUSION We found that there was no clear consensus as to the association between working from home and mental health or productivity. However, there are indications that those who start homeworking for the first time during a pandemic are at risk of poor productivity, as are those who experience poor mental health. Suggestions for future research are suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E Hall
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, UK.
- Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK.
- Health Protection Research Unit, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK.
| | - Louise Davidson
- Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, UK
| | - Samantha K Brooks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
- Health Protection Research Unit, Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and Neuroscience, King's College London, 10 Cutcombe Road, London, SE5 9RJ, UK
| | - Dale Weston
- Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sawamoto N, Okawara M, Matsugaki R, Odagami K, Mafune K, Tateishi S, Tsuji M, Ogami A, Fujino Y. Relationship between financial distress and mistreatment of workers regarding the COVID-19 prevention measures: A 1-year prospective cohort study. J Occup Health 2023; 65:e12403. [PMID: 37165744 PMCID: PMC10172736 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12403] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A substantial number of workers' experience mistreatment in the workplace, impacting workers' health and companies' functioning. Vulnerability of those with lower income has been reported, yet little is known about mistreatment during COVID-19. This study aims to examine whether workers in financial distress are particularly prone to mistreatment at the workplace with reference to pandemic-related infection prevention measures. METHODS An internet-based, year-long prospective cohort study was conducted from 2020 to 2021. Participants were recruited from workers aged 20 and 65 years and currently employed at baseline. In total, 27 036 were included in the analysis and 18 170 responded to the follow-up survey. The odds ratio (OR) of mistreatment at the workplace regarding COVID-19 associated with the financial condition at baseline was estimated using multilevel logistic regression analysis nested by participant residence. RESULTS Compared with workers in a comfortable financial condition, those under financial stress showed significantly higher ORs of mistreatment (age- and sex-adjusted model: 2.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.75-2.47, P < .001, model adjusted for socioeconomic factors: 2.14, 95% CI 1.79-2.55, P < .001). CONCLUSION Workers in financial distress were shown to be vulnerable to mistreatment at work regarding infection prevention measures in the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring a double burden of poverty and mistreatment. The perspective of vulnerable groups needs to be taken into account when implementing countermeasures against emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. As unfair treatment in the workplace might distort vulnerable employees' reactions to infection control (e.g., hiding infection), financial deprivation should be considered a public health issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Sawamoto
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Makoto Okawara
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Ryutaro Matsugaki
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Kiminori Odagami
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Kosuke Mafune
- Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Seiichiro Tateishi
- Disaster Occupational Health Center, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Mayumi Tsuji
- Department of Environmental Health, School of MedicineUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Akira Ogami
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | - Yoshihisa Fujino
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological SciencesUniversity of Occupational and Environmental Health, JapanKitakyushuJapan
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Telework Conditions, Ergonomic and Psychosocial Risks, and Musculoskeletal Problems in the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e811-e817. [PMID: 36084630 PMCID: PMC9722330 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002704] [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: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association of telework conditions with ergonomic and psychosocial risks and with the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems among employees of the Brazilian Labor Judiciary during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 934 workers from August to October 2021. The data were collected via Web using a self-administrated questionnaire survey. Nonparametric tests and generalized linear regression analysis were used. RESULTS Previous experience in telework was associated with a better evaluation of the home workstation, a lower increase in workload, a greater increase in productivity, and greater preference to continue teleworking after the pandemic. The lack of a place dedicated to telework was specially related to greater ergonomic and psychosocial risks and to the greater occurrence of musculoskeletal problems. CONCLUSIONS Companies should monitor telework conditions to reduce health risks among their employees.
Collapse
|
9
|
Miyake F, Odgerel CO, Hino A, Ikegami K, Nagata T, Tateishi S, Tsuji M, Matsuda S, Ishimaru T. Job stress and loneliness among desk workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: focus on remote working. Environ Health Prev Med 2022; 27:33. [PMID: 35965100 PMCID: PMC9425057 DOI: 10.1265/ehpm.22-00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Previous studies have reported an increase in loneliness since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but there are few data on the relationship between job stress and loneliness. This study aimed to assess the relationship between job stress and loneliness among desk workers, with a focus on the impact of remote working. Methods This study was part of the Collaborative Online Research on the Novel-coronavirus and Work (CORoNaWork) project in Japan. We extracted data from 13,468 workers who indicated that they were doing desk work. Loneliness was assessed using a single question and job stress was valuated using the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ). Multiple logistic regression was performed. Results Participants who worked remotely 4 or more days per week were marginally more likely to report feeling lonely compared with those who did not work remotely (adjusted odds ratio = 1.23, 95% CI: 0.99–5.84, P = 0.066). Remote working did not explain the interaction between JCQ scale scores and loneliness. Among remote workers, the level of support provided by co-workers and supervisors was strongly associated with feelings of loneliness as well as non-remote workers (co-worker support: AOR = 4.06, 95% CI: 2.82–5.84, P < 0.001; supervisor support: AOR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.79–3.47, P < 0.001). Conclusions To reduce loneliness and the risk of associated mental health problems, high-frequency remote workers should interact with supervisors and co-workers using the information and communication technology developed for this purpose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuyu Miyake
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | | | - Ayako Hino
- Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ikegami
- Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Nagata
- Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Tateishi
- Disaster Occupational Health Center, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Mayumi Tsuji
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Shinya Matsuda
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishimaru
- Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Effect of Working from Home on the Association between Job Demands and Psychological Distress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106287. [PMID: 35627827 PMCID: PMC9140885 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Limited information is available regarding the association between workplace psychosocial factors and general mental health status among workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. This study examined how working from home affected the association between job demands and psychological distress (PD). A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in December 2020 (N = 27,036). The dependent variable (PD) was assessed using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Job demands were assessed using the Job Content Questionnaire. Working from home was determined by participants’ responses to the question, “Do you currently work from home?” We used a two-level regression analysis adjusted for prefecture. Each individual-level variable at Level 1 was nested into each prefecture at Level 2, stratified by working from home or not. Overall, 21.3% of participants worked from home. The interaction between working from home and job demands was significant. Job demands were positively associated with PD. The stratified analysis indicated that the associations were weaker among employees who worked from home compared with those among employees who did not. The association between job demands and PD may be weakened by working from home.
Collapse
|
11
|
Van Slyke C, Lee J, Duong B, Ma X, Lou H. Telework Distress and Eustress Among Chinese Teleworkers. JOURNAL OF GLOBAL INFORMATION MANAGEMENT 2022. [DOI: 10.4018/jgim.304063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates antecedents to and outcomes of two stress reactions, telework distress (detrimental stress), and telework eustress (beneficial stress) using a model derived from an integration of the transactional model of stress with the job-demands and resources model. The model includes a person antecedent (resilience), and three environment antecedents (work-family conflict, work overload, and autonomy). These factors should influence experienced distress and eustress, which, in turn, affect telework outcomes (telework satisfaction, exhaustion, perceived performance, and perceived productivity. The model is evaluated using a sample of 329 Chinese teleworkers. This study findings indicate that resilience, work-family conflict, and work overload affect experienced distress, while resilience and autonomy affect experienced eustress. Experienced distress influenced satisfaction, exhaustion, and perceived performance; eustress had effects on all four outcomes. Interestingly, resilience had the largest total effect sizes on telework outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaeung Lee
- College of Business, Louisiana Tech University, USA
| | | | - Xiangyang Ma
- College of Management and Economics, Tianjin University, China
| | - Hao Lou
- College of Business, Ohio University, USA
| |
Collapse
|