From the Editor
Throughout my 40-year career as an occupational therapist and over 30 years in ergonomics, I have found that having mentors has made a difference in my career trajectory. My definition of mentoring is a reciprocal and mutually beneficial relationship that facilitates the growth of one or the other or both. These mentors can really be anyone – former academic instructors, colleagues, peers, friends and individuals whose work you admire. One goal for me was that these relationships focus on both our personal and professional growth. As I enter into the “sage” chapter of my career, I find that mentoring others is a rewarding role which I cherish even more. Whatever chapter you are in your career, I encourage you to be a mentor to others, too.
This issue of WORK contains 13 articles on a variety of topics such as career development of individuals with cystic fibrosis; nonfatal agricultural work-related injuries from northeast India; facilitators and hindrances of managers’ social support for seeking support at work; low back pain in hospital nurses; and posture and discomfort assessment in computer users while using a touch screen device as compared with a mouse- and touch pad-keyboards.
I am delighted to share that the 2018 Learn at WORK webinar series is presented with cooperation with the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES). Here is the schedule:
Wednesday, January 31, 2018, 1-2pmEST
Parental awareness of schoolbag carriage: A comparative study of Irish and United States parents
Sara Dockrell and Karen Jacobs
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1069191880491268866
Wednesday, February 28, 2018, 1-2pmEST
From the past to the future: integrating work experience into the design
João Marcos Bittencourt, Pascal Béguin and Francisco Moura Duarte
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7285376525477185537
Wednesday, March 21, 2018, 1-2pmEST
Workplace Violence and the Meaning of Work in Healthcare Workers: A phenomenological study
Josianne Lamothe
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6573904541339253762
Wednesday, April 11, 2018, 1-2pmEST
A case study detailing key considerations for implementing a telehealth approach to office ergonomics
Linda Miller
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3289959078106673923
Wednesday, May 16, 2018, 1-2pmEST
Use of Speech Generating Devices Can Improve Perception of Qualifications for Skilled
Steven E. Stern
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5676727242389189889
Wednesday, June 13, 2018, 1-2pmEST
Split-shift work in relation to stress, health and other psychosocial factors among bus drivers
Jonas Ihlstrom, Göran Kecklund and Anna Anund
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5910367965600248322
Wednesday, July 11, 2018, 1-2pmEST
A Workplace Modified Duty Program for Employees in an Oncology Center
Elpidoforos S. Soteriades
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7829754627924088323
Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 1-2pmEST
A pilot study to precisely quantify forces applied by sonographers while scanning: A step toward reducing ergonomic injury
Dhyani Manish and Shawn Roll
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4197487179777464065
Wednesday, September 19, 2018, 1-2pmEST
Psychosocial risks, burnout and intention to quit following the introduction of new software at work
Mouna Knani
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5356945280898533378
Wednesday, October 24, 2018, 1-2pmEST
Occupational therapists’ experience of workplace fatigue: Issues and action
Cary A. Brown, Jennifer Schell and Lisa M. Pashniak
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4363076931463859203
Wednesday, November 28, 2018, 1-2pmEST
A scoping review on smart mobile devices and physical strain
Patricia Tegtmeier
Link: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/920484034664805891
If you missed any of the 2017 Learn at WORK webinars, you can find the recordings of these complimentary learning experiences at the Learn at WORK YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOJalCXvSg9fPHaFFs48PuQ. You can view the complete schedule on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WORKJournal2016/?fref=ts
As always, I welcome hearing from you.
All my best,