Work - Volume 68, issue 4

Authors: Biber, Duke D. | Rice, Ken | Ellis, Rebecca

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Desire2Move (D2M) is an 8-week team-based, workplace program that incorporates competition and self-monitoring to encourage physical activity (PA). OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-compassion (SC) intervention within the existing workplace PA program. METHODS: University employees (n  = 20) were assigned to a SC treatment group or an attention control group. Participants logged their PA minutes using MapMyRun . Treatment group. participants received a 7-week, SC podcast intervention. Participants self-reported PA, SC, and demographic information at pre- and post-intervention. Separate ANOVAs were used to determine group differences. …RESULTS: There was not a statistically significant group x time interaction for SC, F (1, 18) = 0.02, p  = 0.90, or main effects for time, F (1, 18) = 0.28, p  = 0.61, or group, F (1, 18) = 1.70, p  = 0.21, g  = –0.42 [95%CI = –3.13, 2.29]. There were not significant differences between groups for total PA minutes during D2M, F (1, 18) = 2.15, p  = 0.16, g  = –0.63 [–1.53,0.27]. Overall, participants engaged in more than the recommended levels of PA each week. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study provided feedback and guidance for future online SC training within a workplace PA intervention. Show more

Keywords: Mindfulness, self-regulation, physical activity, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213436

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1059-1067, 2021

Authors: Lockie, Robert G. | Moreno, Matthew R. | Rodas, Karly A. | Dulla, Joseph M. | Orr, Robin M. | Dawes, J. Jay

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Fitness could influence task performance in police officers. Limited research details relationships between different fitness characteristics and police-specific tasks. OBJECTIVE: Determine relationships between anaerobic and aerobic capacity with police-specific task performance. METHODS: Data for 308 recruits was analysed. Fitness tests included: push-ups, sit-ups, and mountain climbers (muscular endurance); pull-ups (strength); vertical jump (VJ) and 2 kg medicine ball throw (MBT; power); 75-yard pursuit run (75PR; change-of-direction speed); 201 m run (anaerobic capacity); 2.4 km run and multistage fitness test (aerobic capacity). Police tasks included: 99-yard obstacle course (99OC); 74.84 kg body drag (BD); chain link fence (CLF) and solid …wall (SW) climbs; and 500-yard run (500R). Partial correlations controlling for sex and linear regression calculated relationships between fitness and job tasks. RESULTS: 99OC correlated with all assessments; BD only with 75PR. CLF related to the power and aerobic capacity tests, pull-ups, and 201 m run. SW related to VJ, 75PR, pull-ups, sit-ups, 201 m run, and aerobic capacity. 500R related to all except the MBT and 2.4 km run. 75PR and VJ predicted 4/5 tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Police research has shown the importance of muscular endurance and aerobic capacity. Specific to this studies’ correlations, the value of power and change-of-direction speed development for task performance was indicated. Show more

Keywords: Aerobic capacity, muscular endurance, police, medicine ball throw, vertical jump

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213437

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1069-1080, 2021

Authors: Lockie, Robert G. | Dawes, J. Jay | Orr, Robin M. | Dulla, Joseph M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Law enforcement agencies often include fitness testing as part of the hiring process. However, it can be months from this testing to when a recruit starts academy. OBJECTIVE: To determine fitness changes from hiring to academy in recruits who graduate (GRAD) or separate (SEP; do not complete) from academy. METHODS: Analysis on recruits from one agency, split into GRAD (n  = 436) and SEP (n  = 78) groups, was conducted. These tests were conducted during initial hiring and academy: push-ups, sit-ups, and arm ergometer revolutions in 60 s; 75-yard pursuit run (75PR); and 2.4 km run. Data were analyzed …via a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. Change scores were derived between hiring and academy data for both groups, and analyzed via independent samples t-tests. RESULTS: Push-ups, 75PR, arm ergometer, and 2.4 km run generally improved (p ≤0.001). There were no significant between-group interactions or differences in performance changes for GRAD and SEP recruits. SEP recruits tended to have lesser fitness test performance compared to GRAD recruits. CONCLUSIONS: GRAD and SEP recruits showed some fitness improvements between initial hiring through to academy. However, SEP recruits with lesser muscular endurance, running speed, and aerobic capacity during hiring did not substantially improve by academy, which likely impacted their academy survivability. Show more

Keywords: Aerobic capacity, attrition, muscular endurance, occupational testing, police, tactical

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213438

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1081-1090, 2021

Authors: Bernfort, Lars | Persson, Jan | Linderoth, Catharina | Ekberg, Kerstin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Health problems due to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and common mental disorders (CMD) result in costs due to lost productivity. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to increase knowledge of employers’ productivity loss due to employees’ presenteeism and sickness absence. METHODS: A web questionnaire was sent to employers of workers who were sick-listed for more than 30 days due to MSD or CMD, response rate: 50%, n  = 198. Presenteeism and the impact on productivity before and after sick leave, and the performance of work tasks by replacement workers during sick leave, were measured using supervisors’ ratings. …RESULTS: The average loss of productivity per sick-leave case amounted to almost 10 weeks, 53%of productivity loss was attributable to presenteeism and 47%to lower productivity by replacement workers. Employees with a CMD diagnosis had significantly higher presenteeism-related productivity loss than those with MSD. CONCLUSIONS: Employers experienced substantial productivity loss associated with employees’ presenteeism and sick leave. Whether the supervisory rating of presenteeism is preferable to employee self-rating needs to be studied further. The long duration of presenteeism is counter-productive to resource-efficient organisations and indicates the need for improved supervisory skills to identify workers with poor health, both before and after sick leave. Show more

Keywords: Workplace, costs, work disability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213439

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1091-1100, 2021

Authors: Iida, Yuki | Chiba, Haruko | Ikeda, Satoshi | Tohyama, Harukazu | Ikoma, Katsunori

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Residual capacity evaluation via neuropsychological testing can facilitate the development of a rehabilitation plan in patients following a traumatic brain injury (TBI). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to confirm the tasks that patients must perform well for early return to work (RTW) following TBI using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale III (WAIS-III). METHODS: In total, 40 male and 13 female patients who suffered from neurobehavioral disabilities following TBI were recruited and classified into two groups: the successfully returned to work group (SRTW-G; n  = 22) and the unsuccessfully returned to work group (USRTW-G; n  = 31). The …outcomes assessed by WAIS-III and the time to RTW were compared between the SRTW-G and USRTW-G groups. Multiple logistic regression, multiple regression analysis, and Cox regression were employed to assess differences between the groups. RESULTS: The Comprehension and Letter-Number Sequencing subtests of the WAIS-III were significantly correlated with early RTW more than the other subtests. CONCLUSIONS: We found that, as reflected in the two subtests, patients with TBI must be able to perform well in the following tasks for early RTW: Retention of information for short time periods, information processing, and social judgment based on the knowledge of the patient’s experience. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, supported reemployment, neurobehavioral disability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213440

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1101-1111, 2021

Authors: Hon, Chun-Yip | Holness, D Linn | Fairclough, Craig | Tchernikov, Illia | Arrandale, Victoria

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational skin disease (OSD) is a common health issue in the food processing sector. However, risk factors for OSD are suspected to differ according to the nature of the operation. OBJECTIVE: To ascertain if the risk factors for OSD vary depending on the type of food processing operation, namely meat processing vs. a commercial bakery. METHODS: Participants were asked to answer questions regarding workplace exposures and the current skin condition of their hands. Bivariate analyses were conducted to identify differences between the two participating operations. RESULTS: The meat processing workers were more likely …to have wet work exposure, used hand sanitizer more often and changed their gloves more frequently. These findings from meat processing represented a statistically significant difference compared to the commercial bakery workers. Also, workers from meat processing reported more severe skin symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for OSD apparently differ between types of food processing operations. Differences in the nature of skin symptoms were also found between the two participating operations. It is therefore suggested that future studies examining OSD within the food processing sector should evaluate this health effect based on the nature of operations rather than the sector as a whole. Show more

Keywords: Workplace exposure, meat processing, commercial bakery, skin symptoms

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213441

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1113-1119, 2021

Authors: Vanotti, S. | Eizaguirre, M.B. | Ciufia, N.P. | Yastremiz, C.M. | Roman, M.S. | Canyazo, C. Martinez | Alonso, R. | Garcea, O. | Benedict, R.H.B. | Caceres, F.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological chronic disease that causes a number of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms. The identification of these factors will allow mitigating unemployment and improve quality of life of patients. The Buffalo Vocational Monitoring Survey (BVMS) is a tool to characterize Work-Challenged patients. OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze BVMS data in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) from Argentina. To study the association with physical, cognitive and psychiatric morbidity in employed patients, comparing the performance of MS Work-Challenged and MS Work-Stable patients, with and without accommodations. METHODS: 119 MS patients were administered …the Argentina adaptation of the BVMS, and completed measures of physical disability, fatigue, depression, cognitive processing speed, memory and verbal fluency. RESULTS: 65.54% of the patients were employed and 19.32% were unemployed, the remaining having roles of housewife, students and disability retirees. Within the employed subgroup, 60.26% were working as employees and 39.74% were self-employed. Cognitive and clinical variables differentiate patients with and without negative events and accommodations (p  >  0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This Spanish version BVMS is considered a new tool to monitor employment difficulties in Spanish-speaking MS patients. MS Work-Challenged had a higher depression, fatigue and worse performance in cognitive variables. Show more

Keywords: Employment, cognitive impairment, depression, fatigue, physical disability and multiple sclerosis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213442

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1121-1131, 2021

Authors: Naber, Allison | Willhite, Logan | Lucas Molitor, Whitney

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Office workers spend significant time in sedentary behaviors. Exploration of interventions to address this concern is warranted. OBJECTIVE: This study explored the impact of individualized goals and ergonomic modifications on sedentary behaviors and perceived health and well-being among office workers. METHODS: A six-week, one-group, pre- and post-test design was utilized to assess sedentary behaviors and perceptions of health and well-being among office workers using the RAND 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Sedentary Behavior Questionnaire (SBQ), actigraphy, and a workstation assessment. RESULTS: Statistically significant …improvements were noted from pre- to post-test on the RAND SF-36 for energy/fatigue (p  = 0.000) and emotional well-being (p  = 0.049) and subjective sleep quality using the PSQI (p  = 0.005). Participants (n  = 17) could set up to two goals related to health and well-being. A majority of the 31 established goals were met: increase physical activity (n  = 11/16), reduce sedentary behavior (n  = 8/11), and improve personal health (n  = 3/4). CONCLUSIONS: The use of individualized goals and ergonomic modifications is effective for addressing perceived health and well-being among office workers. However, limited statistical significance was found regarding the impact of these interventions on sedentary behaviors or activity levels. Show more

Keywords: Occupational therapy, actigraphy, workstation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213443

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1133-1142, 2021

Authors: Joshi, Anurag | Kiran, Ravi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress relieving strategies (SRS) are quite significant to get rid of stress in engineering students. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to determine the SRS factors in the engineering universities in Punjab state of India. This effort also aims to check the determinants of SRS. METHODS: The data is collected through a questionnaire survey conducted on engineering students of two different universities. The collected data out of 400 surveys is subjected to factor analysis and Anova. RESULTS: The factor analysis exposed various factors that influence the SRS. The study has projected the …effects of SRS on gender, age, engineering streams, nature of universities. CONCLUSIONS: It is found that the SRS in students is partially influenced by engineering streams and gender of the engineering students. Show more

Keywords: Stress relieving strategies, gender, age, engineering streams, nature of universities

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213444

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1143-1156, 2021

Authors: Pennbrant, Sandra | Dåderman, Anna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The job demands on nurses have increased. Conflict between work life and family life may lead to stress and lower work engagement. Consequently, nurses may choose a different career path or leave the profession. OBJECTIVE: Examine the extent to which perceived job demands (interpersonal conflicts at work and workload), work engagement, work-family conflict and family-work conflict are associated with turnover intentions, and examine a possible moderating effect of work-family conflict on the relationship between the intention to leave the nursing profession, job demands and work engagement. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using Hobfoll’s Conservation of Resources theory. …Data were collected from a sample of 807 registered nurses (RNs) from western Sweden. Tests of moderation were conducted using the PROCESS software macro developed by Andrew F. Hayes. RESULTS: Work-family conflict was a significant moderator in the relationship between the intentions to leave the nursing profession and work engagement as well as interpersonal conflicts at work. Low work engagement, high work-family conflict and high job demands intensify turnover intentions in well-educated and well-experienced nurses. CONCLUSIONS: The results imply that work-family conflict has a greater impact when RNs experience lower work engagement. In other words, higher motivation implies a lower moderation effect of work-family conflict. Managers should promote a positive working climate by listening to and providing nurses with opportunities to develop their skills. By so doing, managers can gain better understanding of nurses’ resources, knowledge and work situation, thus strengthening nurses’ confidence and ability to practice their profession. Show more

Keywords: Conservation of resources theory, nurses, turnover intentions, work engagement, work-family conflict

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213445

Citation: Work, vol. 68, no. 4, pp. 1157-1169, 2021