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Santiago-Torner C. Creativity and Emotional Exhaustion in Virtual Work Environments: The Ambiguous Role of Work Autonomy. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2024; 14:2087-2100. [PMID: 39056654 PMCID: PMC11275591 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe14070139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The results regarding the relationship between creativity in virtual work environments and its influence on emotional exhaustion are inconclusive. Furthermore, autonomy, when it loses its original purpose of acting as a job resource, takes on an ambiguous role that needs further research. OBJECTIVE To analyze the relationship between creativity and emotional exhaustion, along with the role assumed by work autonomy in this link, in an online work context. METHODOLOGY The sample was formed of 448 employees with university studies. The statistical analysis was conducted through a simple moderation process. RESULTS Creativity and work autonomy mitigate emotional exhaustion. In fact, work autonomy plays a moderating role regarding the relationship between creativity and emotional exhaustion. Control over work surely reduces the impact of work-related stressors, and this safety climate promotes adaptive and original responses that improve employees' emotional health. However, when creative demands coincide with an autonomy that extends working hours, instead of establishing limits, this supposed benefit becomes a demand that prevents employees from disconnecting, until emotionally exhausting them. CONCLUSION A virtual work environment is an ideal habitat for creativity and self-management to improve employees' emotional health, as long as work autonomy acts as a resource.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Santiago-Torner
- Faculty of Business and Communication Studies, Department of Economics and Business, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia, 08500 Vic, Barcelona, Spain
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Zhang MX, Wu AM, Zhang LZ, Lam LW. Work hard and sleep better: Work autonomy attenuates the longitudinal effect of workaholism on sleep problem among Chinese working adults. Glob Ment Health (Camb) 2023; 10:e75. [PMID: 38024803 PMCID: PMC10663694 DOI: 10.1017/gmh.2023.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of workaholism has negative consequences on human health. Lack of sleep, a well-known problem among adults in modern society, is often attributed to overwork as a result of workaholism. Yet there is a lack of empirical research examining how and when workaholism will lead to sleep problems. To answer this question and to examine the longitudinal effect of workaholism on sleep in China, we investigate the mediating role of perceived evening responsibilities of work and the moderating effect of work autonomy. Two hundred and five Chinese working adults (58.0% female) voluntarily completed the online questionnaires at Time 1 (T1) and Time 2 (T2; 1-month later). Results showed that workaholism at T1 had a significant and positive correlation with sleep problem at T2. Further analysis suggested that perceived evening responsibilities of work fully mediated the relationship between workaholism and sleep problem. Work autonomy was shown to buffer the positive effect of workaholism on perceived evening responsibilities of work and attenuate the indirect effect of workaholism on sleep problem. While workers should be made aware of the negative impact of workaholism on sleep, organizations should also consider interventions to enhance employees' autonomy and control of their work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Xuan Zhang
- Department of Medical Humanities, School of Humanities, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Anise M.S. Wu
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Ling Z. Zhang
- Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Long W. Lam
- Centre for Cognitive and Brain Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, China
- Department of Management and Marketing, Faculty of Business Administration, University of Macau, Macao, China
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Lavarello‐Salinas J, Kramm‐Vergara V, Gil‐LaOrden P, Gil‐Monte PR. The effects of an intervention program on psychosocial factors and consequences during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Chilean technology services company: A quasiexperimental study. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1344. [PMID: 37359410 PMCID: PMC10285035 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1344] [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] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims During the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health became a relevant factor in people's performance within organizations. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of an organizational intervention program on the psychosocial factors of demands, resources, and the consequences of psychosocial risks in a technology services company during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A quasiexperimental study was carried out with 105 employees who took part in an 8-week intervention program divided into two large stages. Pre- and postmeasurements were collected using the UNIPSICO Questionnaire, considering its factors of demands, resources, and consequences of psychosocial risks. The Spanish Burnout Inventory (SBI) was also included. Results The results showed significant improvements in the perception of the following psychosocial demand factors: Role conflict (p < 0.001), Role ambiguity, workload, interpersonal conflicts (p < 0.05). In the resource factors: autonomy, work social support, feedback (p < 0.001) Resources at work, transformational leadership, and self-efficacy (p < 0.05). In addition, all the consequences of psychosocial risks have improvements: Indolence, emotional exhaustion, and job satisfaction (p < 0.001), Burnout syndrome, enthusiasm toward the job, and psychosomatic problems (p < 0.05), except the Guilt dimension of the SBI. Conclusion We can conclude that the program was effective and that the study limitations should be improved in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio Lavarello‐Salinas
- Unidad de Investigación Psicosocial de la Conducta OrganizacionalUniversitat de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Verónica Kramm‐Vergara
- Unidad de Investigación Psicosocial de la Conducta OrganizacionalUniversitat de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Pedro Gil‐LaOrden
- Unidad de Investigación Psicosocial de la Conducta OrganizacionalUniversitat de ValenciaValenciaSpain
| | - Pedro R. Gil‐Monte
- Unidad de Investigación Psicosocial de la Conducta OrganizacionalUniversitat de ValenciaValenciaSpain
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Chen S, Cheng MI, Elqayam S, Scase M. Developing and testing an integrative model of work-family conflict in a Chinese context. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04431-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
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Xiao SP, Lu Y, Yan Y, Zhou ZE, Cao ZX, Zhao KC. Effects of two-dimensional cyber incivility on employee well-being from a self-determination perspective. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1137587. [PMID: 37113128 PMCID: PMC10126297 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1137587] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The research attempts to explore the effects of two-dimensional cyber incivility on employee well-being. Based on self-determination theory and regulatory focus theory, we conducted two studies to examine the mediating role of intrinsic motivation and the moderating role of promotion focus between cyber incivility and emotional exhaustion. The results demonstrated that both active and passive cyber incivility predicted increased emotional exhaustion, with intrinsic motivation serving as a key mediator. There was no consistent conclusion of promotion focus's moderating role. High promotion focus might aggravate the negative effect of passive cyber incivility on intrinsic motivation. The present article provides deeper step towards understanding of cyber incivility, which also helps in the development of intervention strategies to lessen or avoid the negative impact of work-related stressful events on employee well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai-Ping Xiao
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Yu Yan,
| | - Zhiqing E. Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Baruch College and The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Zhao-Xue Cao
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai-Chen Zhao
- Department of Psychology, School of Philosophy, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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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.
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Orfei MD, Porcari DE, D’Arcangelo S, Maggi F, Russignaga D, Lattanzi N, Malizia AP, Ricciardi E. COVID-19 and Stressful Adjustment to Work: A Long-Term Prospective Study About Homeworking for Bank Employees in Italy. Front Psychol 2022; 13:843095. [PMID: 35369135 PMCID: PMC8970302 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.843095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 evolution has forced the massive introduction of homeworking (HW) for most employees in the initial stages of the pandemic and then return to work, mainly due to the vaccination campaign. These multiple abrupt adjustment demands in work may be a source of intense stress for office workers with consequences on wellbeing and the quality of life. This long-term prospective study aimed at investigating the effect of adaptation demands on a broad population of employees of a large Italian banking group in the job-related stress framework. We administered a web-based survey to 1,264 participants in Reopening after the first lockdown, from June to October 2020, at 841 subjects in Second Wave, corresponding to the rise of contagions from November 2020 to January 2021, and to 491 individuals in Vaccination Round, which ranged from February to June 2021. We assessed workaholism by using the Dutch Work Addiction Scale (DUWAS-10), work-family conflicting overlap by using the Work and Family Conflict Scale (WAFCS), and concern for back to work (BW) and for HW by specific questions. Higher WAFCS scores characterized Reopening and Vaccination Round while Second Wave had the highest level of concern for HW. Women and younger individuals showed the highest concern for BW, WAFCS, and DUWAS-10 scores regardless of the pandemic stage. HW days per week were related to more heightened concern for BW and lower concern for HW, DUWAS, and WAFCS scores. The number of children was related to lower Concern for BW and higher WAFCS scores in Reopening and Second Wave. Our data showed that massive adjustment demands in work and family routine represented a significant source of stress for employees, regardless of the different pandemic stages. The highest level of fatigue emerged in women and younger subjects. These results shed light on the need for a road map to promote a gradual and structured adjustment for workers and encourage organizations to consider homeworking as a valid stable alternative.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Donata Orfei
- Molecular Mind Laboratory (MoMiLab), IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Desirée Estela Porcari
- Molecular Mind Laboratory (MoMiLab), IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Sonia D’Arcangelo
- Neuroscience Lab, Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center S.p.A., Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Maggi
- Neuroscience Lab, Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center S.p.A., Turin, Italy
| | - Dario Russignaga
- Intesa Sanpaolo DC Tutela Aziendale - Sicurezza sul Lavoro ed Ambiente, Turin, Italy
| | - Nicola Lattanzi
- Laboratory for the Analysis of Complex Economic Systems (AXES), IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | | | - Emiliano Ricciardi
- Molecular Mind Laboratory (MoMiLab), IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
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The Show Must Go On: A Snapshot of Italian Academic Working Life during Mandatory Work from Home through the Results of a National Survey. SOCIAL SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/socsci11030111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, universities worldwide have provided continuity to research and teaching through mandatory work from home. Taking into account the specificities of the Italian academic environment and using the Job Demand-Resource-Recovery model, the present study provides, through an online survey, for the first time a description of the experiences of a large sample of academics (N = 2365) and technical and administrative staff (N = 4086) working in Italian universities. The study analyzes the main differences between genders, roles or work areas, in terms of some job demands, recovery experiences, and outcomes, all important dimensions to achieve goals 3, 4, and 5 of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The results support the reflections on gender equality measures in universities and provide a general framework useful for further in-depth analysis and development of measures in order to improve well-being (SDG 3), quality of education (SDG 4), and gender equality (SDG 5).
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The Workaholism Phenomenon in Portugal: Dimensions and Relations with Workplace Spirituality. RELIGIONS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/rel12100852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Workaholism phenomenon affects a quarter of the employed world population. The concept has been used to describe hardworking employees, which is not resulting from external requirements. Considering that organizations with well-developed workplace spirituality have employees more committed to achieving self-development, but also to serve the company, the relationship between workaholism and workplace spirituality is not straightforward, remaining unclear. The principal aim of this research is to analyze the workaholism phenomenon, considering patterns of workaholic and non-workaholic workers and their relationships with dimensions of workplace spirituality. The sample is comprised of a heterogeneous group of 306 Portuguese employees, who were surveyed by the Workaholism Battery, five dimensions of Workplace Spirituality, and a socio-demographic questionnaire. Cluster analysis defined three workaholic profiles (24% of the sample), and five non-workaholic profiles. Workplace spirituality dimensions differed according to worker profile and associations with work involvement, work enjoyment, and compulsive work addiction. Enthusiastic addicts and work enthusiasts showed the highest workplace spirituality, contrasting mainly with Reluctant hard worker, Disenchanted workers, and Unengaged workers, but also with work addicts. Workaholism is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon, whose dimensions are distinctly related to workplace spirituality. Workplace spirituality development can promote a more balanced and healthy relationship with work.
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Gabr HM, Soliman SS, Allam HK, Raouf SYA. Effects of remote virtual work environment during COVID-19 pandemic on technostress among Menoufia University Staff, Egypt: a cross-sectional study. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:53746-53753. [PMID: 34031839 PMCID: PMC8143901 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-14588-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Technostress during the COVID-19 pandemic has become more prevalent as a result of the global preventive measures applied to limit the spread of infection. These measures included remote working from home in both public and private organizations. The objective of this study is to study technostress and challenges of remote virtual work environment among university staff members at Menoufia University, Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted over Menoufia University academic staff members in Egypt. The participants were chosen from both practical and theoretical colleges in Menoufia University using a multistage random sample. Tarfadar technostress questionnaire was used. Cortisol blood level was measured for all participants. This study included 142 participants. The mean age of the group was 36.32±6.41 years. 52.1 percent worked in practical colleges, and 60.6% were lecturers or higher. Their mean cortisol level was 15.61±7.07mcg/dl. Participants who were females, reside in rural areas, held a lecturer or higher position, had poor work-environment WiFi, and lacked technical training had significantly higher levels of technostress subscales. Most of the technostress subscales were significantly correlated with age and blood cortisol levels. The predictors of work overload in multivariate regression were female gender and a work environment with poor WiFi. Female gender, theoretical colleges, being lecturer or higher, and poor WiFi were the predictors for invasion. Among university staff members, technostress was found to be evident. High levels of technostress were significantly influenced by age, higher professions, female gender, and a bad workplace environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Marawan Gabr
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Al-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Shaimaa Sherif Soliman
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Al-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Heba Khodary Allam
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Al-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt.
| | - Shaimaa Yaihya Abdel Raouf
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Al-Kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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Santos E, Ratten V, Diogo A, Tavares F. Positive and negative affect during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine in Portugal. JOURNAL OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY MANAGEMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1108/jstpm-07-2020-0111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose
The COVID-19 pandemic has spread rapidly around the world and Portugal is no exception. Positive and negative effects are extremely important in individual's life experiences and in particular in the context of the quarantine, in which it is important to maintain the balance between favorable and unfavorable situations. The purpose of this paper is to study in depth the intensity of the affect during the COVID-19 pandemic in Portugal and to validate a scale of positive and negative affect in the context of quarantine and confinement.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology used is of a quantitative nature, based on a questionnaire survey to measure the intensity of the affects and to analyze some sociodemographic variables. The sample consists of 726 individuals of age 18 years or older, who were in Portugal during the quarantine of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Findings
The results show that respondents were concerned, anxious, well-disposed and impatient. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis applied to affects produced a latent structure with two factors: negative affect and positive affect. The affect scale has adequate convergent and discriminant validity and good internal consistency, with negative affect being experienced by individuals with greater intensity compared to positive affect.
Originality/value
It is hoped that this study contributes to an increase in the scientific knowledge in the field of the affects in the context of delicate situations such as the pandemic COVID-19 so that health professionals can intervene to improve individual’s well-being. This is an important way to provide better health policy that considers in more depth individual wellbeing and emotions during times of crisis. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also stated that highlight the importance of understanding emotional states of individuals during crisis events.
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Allam HK, Helmy MS, El Badry AS, Younis FE. Workaholism, sleep disorders, and potential e-learning impacts among Menoufia university staff during COVID-19 pandemic. J Public Health Res 2021; 10:2203. [PMID: 34847661 PMCID: PMC8672318 DOI: 10.4081/jphr.2021.2203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workaholism is described as a constant, internal drive to work and behavioral addiction to work. Studies have shown the negative associations between workaholism, job performance, and health results as disrupted sleep. The purpose of this research was to compare the prevalence of workaholics among the academic staff of practical and theoretical Faculties in Egyptian universities using the Dutch Workaholism Scale (DUWAS) and to determine associated sleep problems. Also, it studied the added impact of E-learning on the prevalence of workaholism frequency during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted among 336 participants. Work addiction was assessed using DUWAS (17 items) as well as questionnaires on personal, occupational characteristics, and sleep problems. DUWAS scale was repeated after six months during COVID 19 pandemic to investigate the impact of E-learning on the workaholic behavior of the studied groups. RESULTS Our study revealed that the prevalence of workaholism was 33 percent. 32.8% and 33.7% were listed for the faculties of Medicine and Arts, respectively. After the COVID-19 pandemic, workaholic frequency was significantly increased to be 46.4%. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that workaholism had negatively impacted sleep in terms of difficulty initiating sleep, difficulty maintaining sleep, and insufficient sleep. CONCLUSION The prevalence of workaholism appears to be high among university staff members especially after COVID-19 crisis. Sleep problems were linked to workaholics more than other workers. We recommend encouraging employees to work to their contracted hours, as excess work over extended periods may have adverse effects not only on organizational productivity but also on their health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba Khodary Allam
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University.
| | - Mai Salah Helmy
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Menoufia University.
| | - Aziza Saad El Badry
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University.
| | - Faten Ezzelarab Younis
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University.
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