Work - Volume 73, issue 2

Authors: Oberti, Ilaria | Plantamura, Francesca

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: With the ageing of the working population, it is becoming crucial empowering staff of all ages to perform at its best. To this end, organizations can act on the built environment, adapting the workspace to the changing characteristics of workers and using it as a tool for health promotion. OBJECTIVE: To provide an overview of office workspace requirements to optimise the wellbeing and productivity of older workers. METHODS: The search, by Scopus, Web of Science core collection and Medline, produced 290 records. The screening process, according to the Prisma method, reduced the records to 13 …included in the review. RESULTS: The results show the needs and preferences of the ageing workforce, such as personal control over the environment in terms of both comfort and use of space, as well as negative opinions on specific solutions, such as the extensive use of open offices and the introduction of shared workstations. The included studies report mainly subjective data, derived from interviews and questionnaires. CONCLUSIONS: The review provides a first framework for acting on the office workspace to improve wellbeing and productivity of older workers. However, further studies, evidence-based and with subjective and objective measurements of specific solutions, are needed to develop guidelines for an inclusive workspace for all ages. Show more

Keywords: Built environment, indoor quality, older worker, wellbeing, productivity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210758

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 453-469, 2022

Authors: Bennis, Will M. | Mayerhoffer, Manuel | Orel, Marko | Lukeš, Martin

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Several recent reports conclude that open-plan offices negatively impact workers across a variety of outcome measures. This contrasts to a corporate trend to move from cellular to open-plan layouts, often justified by the same outcomes. Two explanations for this paradox are proposed: (1) the results are more complicated than critical reports suggest, and (2) methodological biases make open-plan layouts look more negative than they are. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the proposed explanations using a systematic literature review. METHODS: Google Scholar was used to find original research on the relationship between office openness and worker outcomes. 89 …articles were coded for the variables and methods they used, and conclusions about the relationship between layout and outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: The proposed explanations were partly supported. The relationship between layout openness and worker outcomes depends on the variables considered and the methods used, and a small subset of methods was used far more often than others. That said, more research is needed to evaluate impact of open-plan offices on worker outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between office openness and worker outcomes varies widely depending on how it is measured. Several promising areas for future research may help clarify this relationship. Show more

Keywords: Workplace performance, office type, shared office space, job satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210820

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 471-494, 2022

Authors: Bertilsson, Monica | Löve, Jesper | Martinsson, Johan | Wängnerud, Lena | Hensing, Gunnel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Depression is a common cause of sickness absence (SA) and also highly associated with stigma. Few studies have addressed the role of stigma in relation to SA. OBJECTIVE: To investigate if attitudes to depression were associated with the public’s opinion of depression as a valid reason of SA. METHODS: The study population (n  = 2413) originated from a web-based panel of citizens. The survey included a short vignette describing a person with symptoms of depression and the person’s work tasks, followed by a question on recommendation of SA. Negative attitudes were measured by the Depression Stigma Scale. …Logistic regressions were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) for the likelihood of not recommending SA, controlling for individual and work-related co-variates. RESULTS: The crude association between negative attitudes and not recommending SA was OR 2.15 (95% CI, 1.76–2.62). In the fully adjusted model the OR was 1.76 (95% CI, 1.40 –2.21) for not recommending SA. CONCLUSIONS: Participants with negative attitudes to depression were more likely to not consider depression as a valid reason of sickness absence. The study supports theories on layered stigma; attitudes from one arena are related to other arenas. Future studies are needed to confirm our findings. Show more

Keywords: Stigma, return-to-work, public health, vignette study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205181

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 495-504, 2022

Authors: Lundqvist, Daniel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recruiting and retaining managers has become increasingly difficult in recent years, primarily because of a pressured work situation. A better understanding of managers’ work situation is required, and of the support they need. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study is to increase the understanding of managers’ psychosocial work environment and health by investigating individuals as they enter or leave a managerial position. METHODS: Longitudinal questionnaire data from 1971 individuals distributed across four groups were used: individuals who 1) entered or 2) left a managerial position between measuring points, and those who remained employed as 3) …managers or 4) non-managers at both measuring points. RESULTS: Demands increased between the measuring points for those who entered a managerial position. Their resources and health were, however, rated higher than non-managers already before the transition. Demands decreased for those who left a managerial position, while their resources remained higher than non-managers. Health did not change by changing position. CONCLUSION: This study contributes to knowledge of what happens when someone enters or leaves a managerial position and increases the understanding of differences between managers and non-managers. Organizations should develop supportive strategies through talent management programs to help build resources in employees and future managers. Support should also aim to reduce the increased level of demands in newly hired managers. Show more

Keywords: Leaders, job characteristics, well-being, job transitions, longitudinal study

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210469

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 505-515, 2022

Authors: Elling, Devy L. | Almquist, Ylva B. | Wennberg, Peter | Sundqvist, Kristina

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Alcohol interventions targeting the adult population are often conducted in healthcare settings, while preventive interventions often target adolescents or young adults. The general working population is often overlooked. A workplace-based intervention, consisting of development and implementation of an organizational alcohol policy, and skills development training for managers (APMaT) was carried out in order to prevent and reduce alcohol-related harms by identifying hazardous consumers at an early stage. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate APMaT by focusing on managers’ inclination to initiate early alcohol intervention. METHODS: In a cluster randomized design, data were obtained from 187 …managers (control: n  = 70; intervention: n  = 117). Inclination to initiate early alcohol intervention was measured using three items on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Changes in managers’ inclination to intervene were analyzed by applying multilevel ordered logistic regression. Predictors included in the model were group (control vs. intervention), time (baseline vs. 12-month follow-up), and the multiplicative interaction term (group×time). RESULTS: Significant increase in inclination to intervene against hazardous alcohol consumption among managers in the intervention group compared to managers in the control group was observed. Specifically, a 50% increase of confidence to initiate an intervention was observed among managers in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: APMaT seems effective to increase managers’ inclination to intervene early against hazardous consumption in the workplace. The effectiveness of APMaT at the employee level should be explored in prospective studies. Show more

Keywords: Workplace interventions, APMaT, alcohol prevention, hazardous alcohol consumption, inclination to intervene

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210943

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 517-526, 2022

Authors: Villamil, Valentina | Djebrouni, Manel | Wolbring, Gregor

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The early involvement of many actors including health professionals is identified in neuroethics and neurogovernance discussions as crucial in constructing conversations around awareness, reaction, and knowledge development pertaining to the ethical, legal, and societal consequences of neuroscientific or neurotechnological advancements (NA). Occupational Therapists (OTs) have a stake in NA; however, OTs are rarely mentioned within this context. Lifelong learning (LL) could be used to increase OTs knowledge on NA and its consequences. However, LL is rarely mentioned within neuroethics and neurogovernance discussions. OBJECTIVE: The study’s purpose is to understand the role of OTs as professionals and citizens …in neuroethics and neurogovernance discussions and to examine the utility of LL processes put in place for OTs to empower OTs to contribute in a meaningful way to NA discussions. METHODS: 8 semi-structured interviews with OTs were conducted and analyzed using a directed content analysis. RESULTS: Although participants believed OTs can provide a holistic perspective to neurogovernance discussions, their knowledge on NA and its consequences is limited, and LL is not used as a tool to remain informed about such consequences. CONCLUSION: More education on NA and its consequences throughout their OT degree and through LL opportunities is warranted to facilitate their involvement. Show more

Keywords: Neuroscience, neuroethics, neurogovernance, role expectation, occupational therapists

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205108

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 527-545, 2022

Authors: Melo, Alyne Araújo | de Toledo, Aline Martins | Emiliano, Lariça | Padula, Rosimeire Simprini | Carregaro, Rodrigo Luiz

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy interventions are well known and established in secondary and tertiary care. However, within the Brazilian primary health care (PHC), the role of physiotherapists is still under development, and there is a lack of representative data showing how and what is being implemented by these professionals. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to characterize the professional practices of physiotherapists working at PHC in Brazil. METHODS: This is an exploratory study that adopted a descriptive analysis based on the records of physiotherapists, considering assistance and sociodemographic aspects, in the period from 2016 to 2017. The following variables were …extracted: region, federative unit and municipality, age group and sex of the attended user, condition/problem, procedure and place of attendance. RESULTS: A total of 318,780 procedures were recorded, concentrated in the South and southeast regions, with a predominance of clinical-assistance procedures and a higher frequency of attendance in Basic Health Units. Among the assisted users, the female gender prevailed in the age group of 20 to 59 years. Low back pain was the most frequently treated condition. CONCLUSION: The professional practices of physiotherapists working at PHC in Brazil were characterized by healthcare, clinical-assistance, preventive and health promotion activities, with emphasis on clinical-assistance practices focused on musculoskeletal conditions, especially low back pain. Show more

Keywords: Primary health care, physical therapy, low back pain, health information systems

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205138

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 547-557, 2022

Authors: Jain, Rahul | Rana, Kunj Bihari | Meena, Makkhan Lal | Verma, Vibhor

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common work–related health issues among mobile device (MD) users due to long hour of working during homestay. Various researches have been carried out earlier for identifying the MSD risk factors, though the risk factors’ priority and weightage play an important role for risk management. OBJECTIVE: In the current study, the priority and weightage for MSD risk factor (individual factor, personal factor, psychosocial factor, and subfactors in each factor) were identified using the best–worst method (BWM) for MD users through a case study. METHOD: A framework was proposed for evaluating …the risk hierarchy. The rating data provided by decision–makers was analysed using BWM for optimistic risk factor outcomes. A sensitivity analysis was also performed on the prioritized risk factors/subfactors for the consistency check. RESULTS: Research results revealed that personal factor was the most prominent risk factor of MSDs, followed by psychosocial factor and individual factor. Further, the total time spent and gender were identified as most and least dominating risk subfactor of MSDs respectively. The evaluated priority and weightage of MSD risk factors were further validated using sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSION: The obtained outcomes may be helpful in reducing the MSDs risk factors among the MD users by ergonomic improvement. Show more

Keywords: Mobile device users, musculoskeletal health, risk factors, sensitivity analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205148

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 559-568, 2022

Authors: Das, Bhibha M. | Conerly, Jillian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hatha yoga programs have been shown to be effective at improving low back pain among a variety of populations; however, methods to decrease low back pain of university office employees have not been studied. OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of an 8-week hatha yoga intervention on measures of health among university office employees. METHOD: Seven participants completed the 8-week yoga intervention. All measures, including anthropometric measures and online questionnaires, were completed at baseline and post-intervention. RESULTS: Baseline pain intensity (6.6±3.1) and pain interference (15.6±4.7) reflected a moderate level of back pain and moderate …to severe interference. Pain intensity showed a non-significant improvement with medium-to-large effect size [p  = 0.07, (d = 0.7)]. There was a significant improvement with a large effect size [p  = 0.002, (d = 2.4)] in pain interference. Baseline anxiety (7.4±3.6) reflected a borderline abnormal symptom level, but anxiety significantly reduced to normal levels at post-intervention with a medium effect size [p  = 0.002 (d = 0.5)]. Focus group themes were improvements in health and development of a sense of community. CONCLUSIONS: Hatha yoga may be an effective mode of low-impact physical activity to decrease pain and improve mental health while facilitating a sense of community for office workers employed by a university. This study demonstrates promising results with large effect sizes; however, more research with larger sample size and randomized treatment and control groups are needed for future study efforts. Show more

Keywords: Pain, worksites, mental health, sense of community

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205156

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 569-577, 2022

Authors: Mahdinia, Mohsen | Mohammadfam, Iraj | Aliabadi, Mostafa Mirzaei | Hamta, Amir | Soltanzadeh, Ahmad

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The severity of occupational accidents and injuries in the construction industry is the greatest across all industries. Few studies have examined the causal relationships among physical and psychological variables affecting the safety behavior of construction workers. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationships among three factors (metal health, work ability and sleep quality) influencing the safety behavior of construction workers. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 204 workers in civil construction projects in Iran. The data were gathered via self-reporting questionnaires. The acquired data were analyzed by the Smart PLS3 software using structural …equation modeling with the partial least squares (PLS) regression approach. RESULTS: The R square revealed an acceptable fineness of the structural model. Similarly, as Q square values were higher than 0.15 for all factors, the predictability of the model was approved. The direct effect of mental health on safety behavior was not significant, but work ability and sleep quality had significant direct effects on safety behavior. Moreover, a decrease in mental health significantly reduced construction workers’ sleep quality and work ability. CONCLUSION: The results of this study prove that sleep quality and work ability mediate the relationship between mental health and safety behavior. The deterioration of construction workers’ mental health can increase the risk of unsafe behavior and occupational injuries. Therefore, appropriate measures need to be taken to maintain and improve the mental health of construction workers. Show more

Keywords: Mental health, work ability, sleep quality, safety behavior, the construction industry

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205256

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 2, pp. 579-589, 2022