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Halling Ullberg O, Toivanen S, Tillander A, Bälter K. Workplace health promotion to facilitate physical activity among office workers in Sweden. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1175977. [PMID: 37124789 PMCID: PMC10133573 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1175977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Office workers spend most of their working time being sedentary, contributing to a sedentary lifestyle that increases the risk of developing disease and disability. A gradual decline in cardiorespiratory fitness among adults, along with increased rate of non-communicable diseases across developed countries, makes the workplace an important opportunity for promoting healthy behaviors. This study aimed to investigate: how office companies in Sweden organize and provide workplace health promotion services related to physical activity; the companies' vision for providing workplace health promotion; and potential facilitators and barriers. Nine informants from eight companies participated in the study, and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected by semi-structured interviews. Informants were selected through purposive sampling in collaboration with eight companies in the office market, including companies that own and develop office buildings, shared workspaces, interior design, sustainable solutions, or consult on issues related to the office sector. The framework method was used to analyze the data in a flexible and systematic way. The results showed that workplace health promotion is implemented to maintain employee health, productivity, and employee branding. Also, a significant number of financial resources, organizational support and office space are devoted to workplace health promotion. Convenience and easy access to storage and fitness facilities are key facilitators. In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of employees' engagement in developing and improving workplace health promotion and addressing work-life balance constraints that hinder a healthy lifestyle. Removing barriers on an organizational level may improve the usage of workplace health promotion related to physical activity among office employees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oskar Halling Ullberg
- Division of Public Health Sciences, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Oskar Halling Ullberg
| | - Susanna Toivanen
- Division of Public Health Sciences, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annika Tillander
- Department of Statistics and Machine Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katarina Bälter
- Division of Public Health Sciences, School of Health, Care and Social Welfare, Mälardalen University, Västerås, Sweden
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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Asplund S, Lindgren BM, Åström S, Hedlund M, Åhlin J. Organizational and psychosocial environmental work factors associated with self-rated exhaustion disorder among municipal employees in rural northern Sweden. Work 2023; 75:1215-1229. [PMID: 36776096 PMCID: PMC10473146 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220225] [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: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research indicates that good organizational and psychosocial environments are vital to well-functioning workplaces and employee health. Working in the municipal sector and in the rural context may contribute to more health problems, poorer organizational and psychosocial work environments, and higher sick-leave rates. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore organizational and psychosocial environmental work factors among municipal employees with or without self-rated exhaustion disorder (s-ED) in rural northern Sweden. METHODS The Modern Work Life Questionnaire and the Self-Rated Exhaustion Disorder Scale were used among 1093 municipal employees. RESULTS The results showed that there were significant differences between the s-ED and the non-s-ED group in all but one of the organizational and psychosocial environmental work factors. Various demands, i.e. quantitative, emotional, intellectual, and IT demands were some factors associated with the s-ED group. Social support, resources, and time for work and reflection were some factors associated with the non-s-ED group. Both the s-ED and the non-s-ED groups assessed significantly higher emotional demands and less resources compared to national reference values. CONCLUSION Findings from this study are relevant to a better understanding what organizational and psychosocial work environmental work factor the employer need to pay extra attention to. Addressing risk and protective factors in the work environment could tribute to promote occupational well-being, preventing exhaustion disorder and long-term sick leave among municipal employees in rural northern Sweden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Asplund
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Sture Åström
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mattias Hedlund
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Johan Åhlin
- Department of Nursing, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Genrich M, Angerer P, Worringer B, Gündel H, Kröner F, Müller A. Managers' Action-Guiding Mental Models towards Mental Health-Related Organizational Interventions-A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12610. [PMID: 36231909 PMCID: PMC9566424 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912610] [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: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Research indicates that managers' active support is essential for the successful implementation of mental health-related organizational interventions. However, there is currently little insight into what subjective beliefs and perceptions (=mental models) make leaders support such interventions. To our knowledge, this is the first qualitative systematic review of this specific topic, and it considers 17 qualitative studies of managers' perspective. Based on the theory of planned behavior, this review provides an overview of three action-guiding factors (attitudes, organizational norms and behavioral control) that can serve as starting points for engaging managers in the implementation of mental health-related measures and ensuring their success. Our results provide evidence that supportive organizational norms may particularly help to create a common sense of responsibility among managers and foster their perceived controllability with respect to changing working conditions. Our study thus contributes to a more differentiated understanding of managers' mental models of health-related organizational interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Genrich
- Institute of Psychology, Work & Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Peter Angerer
- Institute for Occupational, Social & Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Britta Worringer
- Institute for Occupational, Social & Environmental Medicine, Centre for Health and Society, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Harald Gündel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Friedrich Kröner
- Institute of Psychology, Work & Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
| | - Andreas Müller
- Institute of Psychology, Work & Organizational Psychology, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45141 Essen, Germany
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Eliasson K, Dahlgren G, Hellman T, Lewis C, Palm P, Svartengren M, Nyman T. Company Representatives' Experiences of Occupational Health Surveillance for Workers Exposed to Hand-Intensive Work: A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18042018. [PMID: 33669705 PMCID: PMC7922478 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18042018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exposure assessment seldom precedes the medical health checks in occupational health surveillance. In order to emphasize the interconnection between exposure assessment and medical health checks, a process model was developed. The process model aimed to guide employers and Occupational Health Service providers through the execution of occupational health surveillance. The objective of this qualitative study is to explore company representatives’ experiences of the process model, in terms of feasibility and values, and to identify factors that facilitate or impede the process. Thirty-three company representatives from ten companies were interviewed. Interviews were analyzed using content analysis. The company representatives experienced that the model contributed to increased risk awareness and understanding of the exposure effects on workers’ health. They valued the exposure assessments performed by an ergonomics expert, which led to the discovery of previously unidentified risks. The feasibility was facilitated by: a joint start-up meeting in which the process was planned, clear communication between the involved parties, and clarity regarding the process ownership. The findings reveal that a guiding process model is valuable for the execution of occupational health surveillance. However, the model should not only define the components included; a practical guide concerning how the process can be executed is also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Eliasson
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.H.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (T.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-18-6115411
| | - Gunilla Dahlgren
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (G.D.); (C.L.)
| | - Therese Hellman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.H.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Charlotte Lewis
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Section of Sustainable Health, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden; (G.D.); (C.L.)
| | - Peter Palm
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.H.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Magnus Svartengren
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.H.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Teresia Nyman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; (T.H.); (P.P.); (M.S.); (T.N.)
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Hellman T, Molin F, Eriksson T, Svartengren M. How management groups’ reason when deciding to use a model focusing on systematic work environment management. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WORKPLACE HEALTH MANAGEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1108/ijwhm-09-2018-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the perspective of the management group regarding how they reasoned when deciding to engage in a model focussing on systematic work environment management, and what motives that influenced their decision.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study with semi-structured interviews includes 18 representatives from the management groups in 18 Swedish municipalities. Data were analysed with a constant comparative method.
Findings
The participants described two aspects that were of importance when making the decision; establishing commitment before making the decision and establishing strategies to legitimise the decision. Furthermore, they expressed motives that were linked both to their individual expectations and wishes and to policies and facts in their organisations. The participants experienced the model as a valuable tool in their organisations to increase employee participation and to provide structured support to their first-line managers.
Practical implications
The managers’ motives were linked to individual expectations and external directives. These were often intertwined and influenced their decisions. When implementing this type of model, it is important to discuss decisions in a larger group to avoid building an organisational initiative on one person’s expectations. Furthermore, it is important to support the management’s work to establish commitment for the model in the municipal organisation.
Originality/value
This study adds to knowledge of the complexity of deciding and implementing models to support systematic work environment management in organisations.
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Hellman T, Molin F, Svartengren M. A Qualitative Study on Employees' Experiences of a Support model for Systematic Work Environment Management. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E3551. [PMID: 31547496 PMCID: PMC6801862 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16193551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: The aim is to explore how an organisational work environment support model, the Stamina model, influences employees' work situations and the development of sustainable work systems. Methods: It was a qualitative study with semi-structured, focus-group interviews, including 45 employees from six work groups. Eighteen focus group interviews were conducted over a period of two years. Data were analysed with constant comparative method. Results: The core category, shifting focus from an individual to an organisational perspective of work, illustrated how communication and increased understanding of one's work tasks changed over time and contributed to deeper focus on the actual operation. These insights were implemented at different time points among the work groups during the two-year process. Conclusions: Our results indicate that working with the model engages employees in the work environment management, puts emphasis on reflections and discussions about the meaning and purpose of the operations and enables a shared platform for communication. These are important features that need to continue over time in order to create a sustainable work system. The Stamina model, thus seems to have the potential to promote productive and healthy work places.
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Affiliation(s)
- Therese Hellman
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 60, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Fredrik Molin
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 60, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden.
- IPF, the Institute for Organizational and Leadership Development at Uppsala University, Bredgränd 18, 753 20 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Magnus Svartengren
- Department of Medical Sciences, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 60, 752 37 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Horstmann D, Remdisch S. Drivers and barriers in the practice of health-specific leadership: A qualitative study in healthcare. Work 2019; 64:311-321. [PMID: 31524197 DOI: 10.3233/wor-192994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Managers have a significant impact on the health and well-being of employees, particularly when the managers lead in a health-specific way and intentionally foster their employees' health. However, the data on contextual and individual factors influencing the practice of health-specific leadership is at present limited. OBJECTIVE To survey the experiences of healthcare managers with health-specific leadership skills and identify the drivers and barriers in the practice of health-specific leadership. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 51 managers from 18 geriatric-care facilities in Germany, between November 2014 and February 2015. The interviews were analysed through qualitative content analysis. RESULTS In their reports, managers mentioned several drivers and barriers in the practice of health-specific leadership. These drivers and barriers were found at the leader level, the employee level, and the organizational level. The factors identified relate to the theoretical aspects of health-specific leadership: health value, health awareness, health behaviour, and role modelling. CONCLUSION For successful practice of health-specific leadership, the findings suggest a more holistic approach for worksite health promotion. Managers should promote personal initiative that benefit employee health, encourage their employees to exhibit healthy behaviour themselves, address organizational resources and restrictions, and gain competencies in change management.
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Rafi J, Ivanova E, Rozental A, Lindfors P, Carlbring P. Participants' Experiences of a Workplace-Oriented Problem Gambling Prevention Program for Managers and HR Officers: A Qualitative Study. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1494. [PMID: 31333538 PMCID: PMC6616087 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Workplace health promotion programs (WHPPs) refer to a set of health promotion and protection strategies implemented at a worksite and designed to meet the health and safety needs of employees. One important question for WHPPs is how middle management experience their participation in a WHPP. This study aims to explore this question further by applying a qualitative content analysis to interviews with thirteen managers and ten human resource officers participating in a WHPP focusing on problem gambling. The WHPP consisted of two components: policy implementation and skills-development training. The participants were interviewed about their experiences of these two components and the implementation process. The qualitative content analysis resulted in six themes: (1) Expectations of the skills-development training, (2) Experiences of and prior beliefs about problem gambling, (3) A good foundation, (4) The difficult conversation, (5) Appreciated aspects of the training sessions, and (6) Remaining obstacles. The results suggest that the presentation of cases, facts, and general knowledge was appreciated by most participants. However, participants also expressed that they would benefit from tailored interventions, more support in the policy implementation process, and following up on the results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Rafi
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Alexander Rozental
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Petra Lindfors
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Carlbring
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Lydell M, Hildingh C, Söderbom A, Ziegert K. How to Promote Workplace Health in order to Work into Old Age: Experiences from Employees in an Industrial Setting. SCIENTIFICA 2019; 2019:3942569. [PMID: 31065397 PMCID: PMC6466871 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3942569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health is important in workplaces. A good organisational climate in a workplace plays a major role in the employees' well-being at work and is also associated with increased productivity. Today, employees are expected to work into older age and it is a challenge for companies to promote health and well-being for this growing group. PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore how to promote workplace health at present time and for the end of working life in the perspective of employees. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH The study had an explorative design, and a thematic analysis was chosen. The inclusion criteria were persons 50 years and older, working in the company and planning to continue working into old age. A total of 21 coworkers (14 men) participated in the study. Three focus group interviews were conducted. FINDINGS The results from the focus group interviews are presented in four themes: handle change in a changeable workplace, take responsibility for health concerns, get confirmation for feeling needed, and support and tolerance adapted for each employee. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS Promoting health should be an urgent mission for employees themselves as well as for managers in order to support employees in working into old age. The health promotion must be suitable for each employee and should be designed in such a way as to avoid inequality in workplace health. ORIGINALITY/VALUE There is a need for more health-promoting behaviours, support, and activities for employees in order to work into old age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Lydell
- School of Social and Health Sciences (Akademin för hälsa och välfärd), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
- Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (Centrum för välfärd, hälsa och idrott), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Cathrine Hildingh
- School of Social and Health Sciences (Akademin för hälsa och välfärd), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
- Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (Centrum för välfärd, hälsa och idrott), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Arne Söderbom
- School of Business, Engineering and Science (Akademin för ekonomi, teknik och naturvetenskap), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
- Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (Centrum för innovations-entreprenörskaps-och lärandeforskning), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Kristina Ziegert
- School of Social and Health Sciences (Akademin för hälsa och välfärd), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
- Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (Centrum för välfärd, hälsa och idrott), Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
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Persson SS, Lindström PN, Pettersson P, Andersson I. Workplace relationships impact self-rated health: A survey of Swedish municipal health care employees. Work 2019; 60:85-94. [PMID: 29843296 DOI: 10.3233/wor-182721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impact of positive social relationships on the health of municipal employees in the elder care sector in Sweden needs further examination. OBJECTIVE To explore the association between health and relationships among elderly care employees using a salutogenic perspective. METHOD Survey of all employees (n = 997) in special housing, home care and Disabled Support and Services in a Swedish municipality. The questionnaire, which had a salutogenic perspective, included information on self-rated health from the previously validated SHIS (Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale), psychosocial work environment and experiences, social climate, and health-promoting workplace relationships. RESULTS The response rate was 69% . Results of a multivariable linear regression model showed four significant predictors of health: general work experiences, colleague belongingness and positive relationships with managers and care recipients. In another model, colleague belongingness was significantly related to satisfaction with care recipients, work, length of employment as well as general work experiences and relationships with managers. CONCLUSION Strengthening of positive work relationships, not only between workmates but also with managers and care recipients, seems to be an essential area for employee health promotion. Colleague belongingness may be deepened by development of a positive work climate, including satisfactory work experiences, positive manager relationships and a stable work force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Schön Persson
- School of Health and Society, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | | | - Pär Pettersson
- School of Health and Society, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
| | - Ingemar Andersson
- School of Health and Society, Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden
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Lundqvist D, Fogelberg Eriksson A, Ekberg K. Managers’ social support: Facilitators and hindrances for seeking support at work. Work 2018; 59:351-365. [DOI: 10.3233/wor-182690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lundqvist
- HELIX VINN Excellence Centre, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Unit of Education and Sociology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, National Centre for Work and Rehabilitation, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Fogelberg Eriksson
- HELIX VINN Excellence Centre, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Unit of Education and Sociology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Kerstin Ekberg
- HELIX VINN Excellence Centre, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, National Centre for Work and Rehabilitation, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Lydell M, Hildingh C, Söderbom A, Ziegert K. Future challenges for occupational health services can be prevented by proactive collaboration with the companies using the services: a participatory and reflection project. J Multidiscip Healthc 2017; 10:217-225. [PMID: 28579793 PMCID: PMC5449106 DOI: 10.2147/jmdh.s131382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is clearly a need for research in the field of occupational health service (OHS) for applying new perspectives. Proactive collaboration is needed between the OHSs and the companies. The customers of the companies using the services should be able to safeguard themselves from the health problems caused by the work environment through proactive collaboration with the OHSs. Objective The main purpose of this interdisciplinary study was to explore how the stakeholders reflected to create and agree on core values for future challenges in OHS, as seen from the perspectives of OHS professionals and customer companies. Methodology An action research process was conducted. This study was divided into three phases. In phase I, the data were collected from interviews and diaries of interdisciplinary occupational health professionals (n=12). A focus group that sampled the eight managers of the customer companies was also included. In phase II, a questionnaire was developed with 24 questions focusing on examining the future challenges for OHS. The questionnaire was sent to customer companies (n=116). In phase III, a scoping review was undertaken. Results Three categories emerged from the analysis: “Balancing complex situations” clarified the complexity regarding senior employees; “Working with a proactive approach” indicated the need for working with a new proactive approach supporting sustainable health; and “Collaborate internally and externally” showed good relationships between the customer and the OHS, which is a mutual responsibility to both the partners. Conclusion The results outlined that it is necessary to take action to apply new proactive health promotions, with a focus on workplace health promotion. The results also indicated that interventions for senior employees are of importance. This study was done in collaboration with the stakeholders from the occupational health care service center and the managers from the customer companies. The use of a participatory research design, including close collaboration with the participants, allows the researchers to see the challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Lydell
- Center of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (CVHI), School of Social and Health Sciences
| | - Cathrine Hildingh
- Center of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (CVHI), School of Social and Health Sciences
| | - Arne Söderbom
- Center for Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Learning Research (CIEL), School of Economics, Technology and Science, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Kristina Ziegert
- Center of Research on Welfare, Health and Sport (CVHI), School of Social and Health Sciences
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