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Vilser M, Gentele S, Mausz I. Putting PhD students front and center: an empirical analysis using the Effort-Reward Imbalance Model. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1298242. [PMID: 38333427 PMCID: PMC10851940 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1298242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction A doctorate is associated with numerous challenges for many PhD students, including financial insecurities, little support from supervisors, and time pressure. The present study explores well-being of PhD students via the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model as well as the potential protective factor resilience. Method A web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among 1,275 PhD students from Germany. Data was collected at two measurement points over a six-week follow-up period. Results As hypothesized, overcommitment was found to mediate the relationship between ERI and perceived stress while no mediation effect was found for work engagement. Resilience strengthened the relationship between ERI and overcommitment, especially for an increasing unfavorable ERI, and counterintuitively did not act as a protective factor. Discussion Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, providing a deeper understanding on the ERI model and the negative coping pattern overcommitment in the context of PhD students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Vilser
- Center for Leadership and People Management, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Selina Gentele
- Center for Leadership and People Management, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Irmgard Mausz
- Center for Leadership and People Management, Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Department of Business Psychology and HR, International School of Management, Munich, Germany
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Stevens ML, Karstad K, Januario LB, Mathiassen SE, Rugulies R, Hallman DM, Holtermann A. Nursing Home, Ward and Worker Level Determinants of Perceived Quantitative Work Demands: A Multi-Level Cross-Sectional Analysis in Eldercare. Ann Work Expo Health 2022; 66:1033-1043. [PMID: 35737960 PMCID: PMC9551322 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxac039] [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: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Perceived quantitative demands at work have been associated with poor mental and physical health, long-term sickness absence and subsequent early retirement. Identifying modifiable determinants of perceived quantitative demands at different levels of the organization is key to developing effective interventions. The aim of the study was to identify determinants of perceived quantitative demands at work and examine the extent to which they occur at different levels of the eldercare organisation (i.e. the worker, ward and nursing home levels). Methods We collected data on 383 eldercare workers in 95 wards at 20 nursing homes in Denmark using workplace observations and questionnaires to workers and their managers. Perceived quantitative work demands were assessed using two items from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, II. We identified contributions to overall variability from the three organisational levels using variance components analysis, and examined associations between determinants at these three levels and quantitative demands. Results Almost all (90.9%) the variability in perceived quantitative demands occurred between eldercare workers (within wards). Determinants significantly associated with lower quantitative demands were: having a job as a care helper, working fixed evening shifts, being born outside Denmark, having lower influence at work, higher quality of leadership and lower emotional demands. None of the investigated physical factors (e.g. resident handlings, push/pull tasks, step-count) were associated with perceived quantitative demands. Conclusion We found that the variability in perceived quantitative demands occurred primarily between eldercare workers within wards. Our study indicates that psychosocial work environment factors are the strongest modifiable determinants of perceived quantitative demands in eldercare, while organisational factors related to job position, shift, and resident-staff ratio also play a role. Interventions should test if changes in these determinants can reduce perceived quantitative demands at work in eldercare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew L Stevens
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 København ØDenmark
| | - Kristina Karstad
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 København ØDenmark
| | - Leticia Bergamin Januario
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, Kungsbäcksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, Kungsbäcksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Reiner Rugulies
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 København ØDenmark.,Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Øster Farimagsgade 5, 1353 København K, Denmark
| | - David M Hallman
- Department of Occupational Health Sciences and Psychology, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Gävle, Kungsbäcksvägen 47, 801 76 Gävle, Sweden
| | - Andreas Holtermann
- Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Physical Workload, The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Lersø Parkallé 105, 2100 København ØDenmark.,Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense, Denmark
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Tejero LMS, Seva RR, Fadrilan-Camacho VFF. Factors Associated With Work-Life Balance and Productivity Before and During Work From Home. J Occup Environ Med 2021; 63:1065-1072. [PMID: 34560760 PMCID: PMC8630924 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Considering the prevailing work from home (WFH) arrangement globally due to COVID-19, this paper aims to compare job-related and psychosocial factors before and during WFH setup; and to determine the relationship of these factors to work-life balance (WLB) and productivity. METHODS A total 503 employees from 46 institutions answered the online questionnaire, 318 of whom met the inclusion criteria. Paired t test and structural equation modeling (SEM) with multigroup analysis were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS Psychological detachment (PD), sleep, stress, social support (SS), WLB, and productivity declined during WFH. SEM showed that PD significantly influenced stress and sleep, subsequently affecting productivity. SS significantly helped the participants maintain WLB. CONCLUSION The key to increasing productivity and WLB during WFH is to foster PD and SS among employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Marie S Tejero
- Technology Transfer and Business Development Office, University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) (Dr Tejero); UPM College of Nursing (Dr Tejero); Industrial and Systems Engineering, Gokongwei College of Engineering, De La Salle University (Dr Seva); Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Public Health (Dr Fadrilan-Camacho), University of the Philippines Manila, Manila, Philippines
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van Hoffen MFA, Rijnhart JJM, Norder G, Labuschagne LJE, Twisk JWR. Distress, Work Satisfaction, and Work Ability are Mediators of the Relation Between Psychosocial Working Conditions and Mental Health-Related Long-Term Sickness Absence. JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL REHABILITATION 2021; 31:419-430. [PMID: 33074455 PMCID: PMC8172497 DOI: 10.1007/s10926-020-09931-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the effects of psychosocial working conditions on mental health-related long-term sickness absence and whether distress, work satisfaction, burnout, engagement, and work ability mediated the associations between psychosocial working conditions and mental health-related long-term sickness absence. Methods This cohort study included 53,833 non-sick listed workers who participated in occupational health surveys between 2010 and 2013. The effects of the individual psychosocial working conditions on mental long-term sickness absence were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Mediation analyses were performed to examine the mediating role of distress, burnout, work satisfaction, engagement, and work ability between psychosocial working conditions and mental long-term sickness absence. The mediation analyses were performed using structural equation modeling. Results Role clarity, cognitive demands, emotional demands, work variety, learning opportunities, and co-worker support were related to mental health-related long-term sickness absence after adjustment for other working conditions. The relationship between emotional demands and mental health-related long-term sickness absence was the strongest, OR 1.304 (p < 0.001, 95% CI 1.135 to 1.498). The relation between psychosocial working conditions and mental health-related long-term sickness absence was mediated by distress, burnout, work satisfaction, engagement, and work ability. Distress was the most important mediator between psychosocial working conditions and mental health-related long-term sickness absence. Conclusions Psychosocial working conditions are related to mental health-related long-term sickness absence. After correction for other working conditions, the association between emotional demands and mental health-related long-term sickness absence was the strongest. Psychosocial working conditions are indirectly related to mental health-related long-term sickness absence through mediation by distress, work satisfaction, and work ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke F A van Hoffen
- Department of Research and Development, Human Total Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- HumanCapitalCare, Laan van Nieuw Oost-Indië 133-G, 2593 BM, Den Haag, The Netherlands.
| | - Judith J M Rijnhart
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Giny Norder
- Department of Research and Development, Human Total Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisanne J E Labuschagne
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos W R Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, VU University, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Seva RR, Tejero LMS, Fadrilan‐Camacho VFF. Barriers and facilitators of productivity while working from home during pandemic. J Occup Health 2021; 63:e12242. [PMID: 34181307 PMCID: PMC8238055 DOI: 10.1002/1348-9585.12242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to characterize the working environment, stress levels, and psychological detachment of employees working from home during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines and investigate their relationship to productivity and musculoskeletal symptoms. METHODS Structural equation modeling was used to examine the direct effect of workstation characteristics, stress, and musculoskeletal symptoms to productivity and the indirect effect of psychological detachment to productivity. Data were gathered from a survey of employees working from home during the pandemic from different industries (n = 352). Multigroup analysis was also conducted to determine the effect of age, having a spouse, and having children less than 18 years old, to the model. RESULTS Ergonomic suitability of the workstation (WES) has a significant effect on musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) (β = -0.31, SE = 0.06; p < .001). Both workstation suitability (β = -0.24, SE = 0.03; p < .001) and workstation ergonomic suitability (β = -0.18, SE = 0.01; p < .01) inversely affect STR. Psychological detachment has a significant inverse effect on stress (β = -0.31, SE = 0.07; p < .001) and stress has a significant negative effect on productivity (β = -0.13, SE = 0.09; p = .03). Multigroup analyses showed that stress significantly affected the productivity of those without spouses and young employees. CONCLUSION Workstation suitability helps improve the productivity of people working from home while stress negatively affects it. Workstation ergonomic suitability and musculoskeletal symptoms have no significant effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosemary R. Seva
- Industrial & Systems EngineeringGokongwei College of EngineeringDe La Salle UniversityManilaPhilippines
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Velasco Garrido M, Mette J, Mache S, Harth V, Preisser AM. Musculoskeletal pain among offshore wind industry workers: a cross-sectional study. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2020; 93:899-909. [PMID: 32338301 PMCID: PMC7452945 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01544-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective To assess whether there are differences in musculoskeletal pain among different types of occupations offshore and their relationship to ergonomic demands. Methods We conducted a web-based cross-sectional survey among workers from offshore wind energy companies operating within the German exclusive economic zone. We selected workers with regular offshore commitments and at least 28 days spent offshore in the past year (n = 268). Musculoskeletal pain was assessed using the Subjective Health Complaints inventory (SHC), which considers the past month. Results Of the 268 male participants eligible for analysis, 54% reported back pain 50.4% neck pain, 40.3% lower back pain, 35.5% shoulder, 23.3% arm and 22.1% leg pain, all of them during the past month. Compared to other offshore occupations, technicians reported more frequently arm (OR 3.13; 95% CI 1.58–6.19), back (OR 1.97; 95% CI 1.15–3.39), shoulder (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.11–3.40) and neck pain (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.11–3.22). After adjusting for age and nationality, lifting and carrying heavy loads were associated with all types of pain except leg pain. Overhead work, work in awkward postures, and the use of personal protection equipment and heavy tools was associated with shoulder, back and arm pain. Conclusions Our findings suggest that occupational health counselling, health promotion and preventive interventions of offshore wind energy workers needs to consider the specific tasks of the employee and be particularly tailored to the ergonomic needs of technicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcial Velasco Garrido
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Janika Mette
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mache
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra M Preisser
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Seewartenstr. 10, 20459, Hamburg, Germany
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Living the 14/14 Schedule: Qualitative Analysis of the Challenges and Coping Strategies among Families of Offshore Wind Workers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16020241. [PMID: 30654484 PMCID: PMC6351934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16020241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Offshore wind workers in Germany usually spend 14 days offshore, alternating with 14 days of spare time at home. The offshore lifestyle may considerably affect offshore workers’ partners and families. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the psychosocial adaptation among offshore wind couples living the 14/14 schedule. The present study intended to offer a contemporary view on the topic from the perspective of the women of offshore workers. Our aim was (1) to examine the perceived features of living the 14/14 schedule, (2) explore women’s coping strategies, and (3) investigate their views on the reconciliation of offshore work and partnership/family life. The women reported differentiated views on the benefits and costs associated with their living situation, and stated various coping strategies that facilitated psychosocial adaptation. Despite some burdens, overall, most of the women seemed to have adapted relatively favourably to their lifestyle. This was particularly eased by recent sociological and technological advances, e.g., improved communication technologies.
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Velasco Garrido M, Mette J, Mache S, Harth V, Preisser AM. Sleep quality of offshore wind farm workers in the German exclusive economic zone: a cross-sectional study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e024006. [PMID: 30455390 PMCID: PMC6252718 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-024006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the quality of sleep of employees in the German offshore wind industry and to explore factors associated with poor sleep quality. DESIGN Web-based cross-sectional survey. SETTING Offshore companies operating in wind farms within the German exclusive economic zone. PARTICIPANTS Workers with regular offshore commitments and at least 28 days spent offshore in the past year (n=268). OUTCOME MEASURES Sleep quality in the past 4 weeks, troubles falling asleep or sleeping through in the past 4 weeks, differences in sleep quality between offshore deployments and onshore leaves. RESULTS Having problems with sleep onset was reported by 9.5% of the respondents. 16.5% reported troubles with maintaining sleep three or more times per week. The overall quality of sleep was rated as very bad by only 1.7% of the participants. 47.9% of the workers reported their quality of sleep to be worse during offshore commitments than when being onshore. Higher levels of exposition to noise, vibrations and poor air quality were associated with sleeping troubles and poorer sleep quality. Sharing the sleep cabin with colleagues was associated with troubles sleeping through. No association was found for working in rotating shifts and for regularity of the offshore commitments. CONCLUSIONS Workers in our study showed frequent sleep problems and poorer sleep quality offshore than onshore. Our results indicate that higher degrees of exposure to noise, vibrations and artificial ventilation are associated with poor sleep quality rather than organisational factors such as shift-work and type of working schedule. In view of the high demands of the offshore workplace and the workers' particular recovery needs, addressing sleep disorders should be part of any health and safety management strategy for this workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcial Velasco Garrido
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janika Mette
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Mache
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volker Harth
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Marita Preisser
- Institute for Occupational and Maritime Medicine (ZfAM), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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