Work - Volume 74, issue 2

Authors: Reimann, Mareike | Abendroth, Anja-Kristin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: New forms of digital work such as crowdwork promise to increase potentials for flexible working. As crowdworkers can work highly autonomous and from anywhere at any time via the internet, they may be able to make work and private demands more compatible and avoid role conflicts between the life spheres, and in turn, experience enhanced well-being. OBJECTIVE: This research asked whether crowdworkers benefit from flexible working potentials. It investigated the association of the use of different dimensions of flexible working (flex-time, flex-place, and task autonomy) in crowdwork with work-life conflict and well-being. Moreover, it explored whether the …relationship between flexible working and well-being was mediated by work-life conflict. METHODS: The study drew upon a sample of 470 crowdworkers from a cross-sectional self-assessment survey on four different German crowdwork platforms. Structural equation modeling was conducted to estimate the effects of flexible working on work-life conflict, somatic health symptoms, and life satisfaction. Indirect effects were estimated to test the mediation hypothesis. RESULTS: The findings suggest that if crowdworkers use temporal and task flexibility, they experience fewer work-life conflict, fewer somatic health symptoms, and greater life satisfaction. This does not apply to flex-place. The relationship between flexible working and well-being is partly mediated by work-life conflict experiences. CONCLUSION: This study supports that crowdwork offers a high potential for working highly autonomous and flexibly in time and place. It is associated with lower levels of work-life conflict and enhanced well-being, but the benefits of this flexibility are not universally included in crowdwork. Show more

Keywords: Crowdwork, digital labor, flex-place, flex-time, workplace flexibility

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210908

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 609-620, 2023

Authors: Jasiński, Arkadiusz M. | Derbis, Romuald

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Midwives are potentially exposed to high levels of occupational stress. The level of stress may be related to the job demands and job resources, as well as midwife seniority. To date, few studies on the determinants of occupational stress have examined Polish midwives. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the roles of workload, job satisfaction, and seniority in shaping the stress levels of midwives in Poland. METHODS: A cross-sectional approach and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used to compare two groups: newly qualified midwives (NQMs; n = 79) and experienced midwives (n = 99). All …data were collected between January and November 2018. RESULTS: Analysis revealed that in both NQMs (β = 0.34, p = 0.006) and experienced midwives (β = 0.40, p < 0.001) workload was a positive predictor of occupational stress. In contrast, job satisfaction was found to be a negative predictor of stress in both groups (NQMs: β = -0.44, p < 0.001; experienced midwives: β = -0.57, p < 0.001). The study groups did not differ significantly in terms of the levels of workload, job satisfaction, and occupational stress. CONCLUSION: Workload and job satisfaction are predictors of occupational stress in midwives. The results of this study indicate the important role of job satisfaction and workload in the shaping of occupational stress levels. Resource-rich and low-stress work environments can enhance the quality of health care provided by midwives. Show more

Keywords: Job stress, midwife, employee workload, workplace, personal satisfaction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210743

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 621-630, 2023

Authors: Puciato, Daniel | Rozpara, Michał | Bugdol, Marek | Borys, Tadeusz | Słaby, Teresa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Quality of life is currently one of the basic conceptual categories in many research disciplines. The authors of the present study are convinced that measurement of quality of life in reference to people living on the poverty line deserves special attention. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify relationships between the quality of life and sociodemographic variables in low-income Wrocław residents. METHODS: The research was conducted in Wrocław (Poland) and involved 1215 respondents aged 18–64 years, whose monthly gross income per capita in the household did not exceed 1043 PLN. The respondents’ quality …of life was assessed with the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire with additional questions on the respondents’ social and demographic status. RESULTS: The Wrocław residents most often assessed their quality of life as average or below average. They rated their health-related quality of life in the social domain as the highest, and in the physical domain as the lowest. Age, household size, stable source of income, savings, and indebtedness were significantly correlated with the quality of life of Wrocław residents under study. Among the respondents, statistically significant relationships between perceived health condition assessment and age, professional status, stable source of income, and debt were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study indicate that public health programs and other activities related to quality of life management should be directed to individuals and social groups particularly threatened by low quality of life, i.e., people living on the income poverty line. Show more

Keywords: Quality of life, income poverty, socio-demographic factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211110

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 631-648, 2023

Authors: Negri, Luca | Spoladore, Daniele | Fossati, Margherita | Arlati, Sara | Cocchi, Mario Giuseppe | Corbetta, Claudio | Davalli, Angelo | Sacco, Marco

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment is an essential component of life as it provides income, sense of engagement and opportunities for personal development. Unemployment due to disability following an accident may have dramatic social and psychological consequences on individuals; it is thus fundamental to foster return to work of these persons. OBJECTIVE: The present work was aimed to develop a methodology determining suitable jobs for people living with disability after a job-related accident. METHODS: The Occupational Information Network (O*NET) taxonomy was combined with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to match individual resources with specific job …requirements. ICF Linking Rules were employed by two independent groups of researchers to associate ICF codes to O*NET skill and ability descriptors. RESULTS: O*NET descriptors were linked to 92 unique ICF codes. A “Criticality score” combining ICF and O*NET features to assess suitability of selected jobs for persons with disabilities was also proposed. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed methodology represents a novel instrument to support return to work; the capability to assess specific work-related facets through the lens of both the ICF model and O*NET taxonomy would conceivably provide vocational rehabilitation specialists and occupational therapists with a useful tool fostering job placement of workers with disability. Show more

Keywords: International classification of functioning, disability and health, occupational information network, ICF linking rules, return to work, workers with disability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211226

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 649-662, 2023

Authors: Stembalska, Małgorzata | Mazurek, Justyna | Biernat, Karolina | Sokołowski, Michał | Sutkowska, Edyta

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Injuries are the cause of professional and social deactivation. The rehabilitation program provided under Social Security prevention pension enables earlier rehabilitation measures. OBJECTIVE: The study’s aim was to determine the efficiency of the rehabilitation as a part of Social Security prevention pension in the group of patients after limb injuries depending on the time when rehabilitation was undertaken. METHODS: The study was a retrospective data analysis, based on medical histories of 93 patients after injuries, rehabilitated as part of Social Security prevention pension from January 2016 until July 2017. The effects of rehabilitation were assessed …in 2 groups: early (up to 6 months from the injury) and late rehabilitation (over 6 months). Medical effects are based on measurements of the motion range in extremities’ joints, functional test results and final evaluation of the rehabilitation. RESULTS: For both groups, the motion range of most joints improved. Improvement among the group of early rehabilitated patients concerned everyday activities (p  = 0.035), the results of medical rehabilitation (p  = 0.046) and also the results of the functional tests. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive rehabilitation of patients after the injuries in Social Security prevention pension leads to better medical effects. The results are better for earlier rehabilitated patients. Show more

Keywords: Healthcare finance, rehabilitation, prevention, social institution, public health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210860

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 663-671, 2023

Authors: Bordignon, Maiara | Marziale, Maria Helena Palucci | Sutherland, Melissa A. | Monteiro, Inês

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nursing professionals are on the front line of health systems in Brazil as well as worldwide. Studies on the work ability of nursing professionals are especially relevant as care demands increase and health care workforce shortages are expected. As the population of Brazil ages, the need for nursing care will increase. OBJECTIVE: To identify levels and predictors of work ability among Brazilian nursing professionals. METHODS: A cross-sectional study with 267 nursing professionals (72 nurses and 195 nursing technicians and nursing auxiliary) from public emergency and urgent care units was conducted. Measures included the following: Work …Ability Index; Questionnaire of Socio-demographics, Lifestyle and Work and Health Aspects; and Violence at Work questionnaire. Generalized linear regression and Poisson models were used for data analysis. RESULTS: The mean work ability was 40.4 (range: 22 to 49). Almost 79.6% (n  = 211) of participants reported good or excellent work ability, and 20.4% (n  = 54) reported moderate or poor work ability. Better perceptions of health and job satisfaction, absence of health issues (past 15 days), lower stress levels, and having a partner were associated with better work ability. Victims of workplace violence were less likely to have good or excellent work ability than non-victims (prevalence ratio = 0.80; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.90). Professionals with cumulative experiences of workplace violence were less likely to report better work ability. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of good or excellent work ability was 79.6%. Our findings indicate that the following factors are predictors of work ability: self-reported perception of health, health issues in the last 15 days, workplace violence, job satisfaction, stress, and marital status. Show more

Keywords: Work capacity evaluation, nursing staff, occupational health, emergency nursing, health workforce

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211300

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 673-683, 2023

Authors: Leino, Timo | Turunen, Jarno K.A. | Pehkonen, Irmeli | Juvonen-Posti, Pirjo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work disability management (WDM) interventions have usually focused on a single factor and its impact on outcomes such as employee health or work disability costs. Research on company-level WDM activities and their economic impact is scarce. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explain the change in company-level work disability costs and their relation to WDM practices, and to identify the mechanisms of impact through which the successful economic outcome emerged. METHODS: The study design was a convergent mixed methods design with a multiple case study. The data from 14 business units concerned business …context, personnel, investments in and processes of WDM, and the costs of work disability in 2010-2013. The data were constructed into case descriptions which were analysed using qualitative comparative analysis. The economic analysis was carried out from the employers’ perspective. RESULTS: Five business units gained net benefits of approximately 1.5-2.5% of the payroll sum from their investments in WDM. These benefits were characterised by a combination of four strategic processes: i) dismantling barriers to co-operation, ii) improving the visibility of the strategic goals of work ability management in everyday practice, iii) WDM actions targeting the company’s main work disability risks, and iv) the facilitation of multi-actor co-operation through co-ordination and flow of information. CONCLUSION: Strategic processes to support the effectiveness of WDM were found. When aiming for economic success in work disability management, in addition to measuring and managing disability costs, it is also essential to maintain collaborative operations in everyday practice. Show more

Keywords: Work disability management, occupational health, qualitative comparative analysis, economic evaluation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210026

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 685-697, 2023

Authors: Balgiu, Beatrice Adriana

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Since most global organizations adopted teleworking since the COVID-19 pandemic, measuring teleworking-related concepts and its implications have become vital. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study consisted in the validation and the examination of the psychometric properties of the E-Work Life Scale (EWLS) which measures the relevant teleworking-related aspects: work-life interference, productivity, organizational trust, and flexibility. METHODS: To this aim, a group of teleworkers (N  = 357; Mage  = 38.90) completed the set of scales on which the study was based. The construct validity of the scale was examined by means of the confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and …the internal consistency by using Cronbach’s α, McDonald’s ω, and composite reliability (CR). Associations between the EWLS and the measures of life satisfaction, positive and negative affect and subjective well-being were also considered. A structural equation model is conducted to analyze the relationship between EWLS factors and life satisfaction. RESULTS: The findings obtained through CFA support the construct validity of the EWLS that is identical with the original version of the scale, which contains the four factors (χ2 /df = 2.61; CFI = 0.93; RMSEA = 0.069; SRMR = 0.067). The internal consistency is good for the four factors, as well as for the total score of the scale (αs > 0.69; ωs > 0.75; CRs > 0.78). Work-life interference is the factor that is most associated with subjective well-being. The dimensions of the EWLS determine the life satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The results lead us to believe that EWLS is a promising instrument for the assessment of the factors involved in teleworking. Show more

Keywords: Teleworking, work-life balance, efficiency, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211153

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 699-709, 2023

Authors: Kakaraparthi, Lalitha | Gadhavi, Bhavana | Kakaraparthi, Venkata Nagaraj | Reddy, Ravi Shankar | Tedla, Jaya Shanker | Samuel, Paul Silvian

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Handgrip strength is considered an important interpreter of general health, and hand functions in children. It is mainly influenced by anthropometric determinants and hand dimensions. OBJECTIVE: To assess the handgrip strength and their association with anthropometric determinants, hand circumference, hand span, and hand length among school children in both the dominant and non-dominant hand. METHODS: Anthropometric measurements, hand circumference, hand span, hand length, and grip strength measurements were obtained from 133 school children of both genders aged 6–12 years. A Jamar hand-held dynamometer was used to measure handgrip strength and the hand dimensions with a …tape measure in cm. RESULTS: Significant differences were found between the handgrip strength among boys and girls. The dominant hand was found to be sturdier than the non-dominant hand in both genders. We also found a significant correlation of anthropometric determinants and hand dimensions with handgrip strength. Age, BMI, hand circumference, hand span, and hand length had a strong correlation with grip strength (p  < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed the reference values and concluded its correlations with hand dimensions among school children aged 6–12 years and this information can serve as a manual for interpretation of handgrip strength measurements in children. Show more

Keywords: Grip strength, hand circumference, hand span, hand length, schoolchildren

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211368

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 711-721, 2023

Authors: Hult, Marja | Saaranen, Terhi | Lindström, Petra Nilsson

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The salutogenic approach in workplace health promotion emphasizes resources to gain and maintain good health and wellbeing. One of these resources could be calling, but its relation to the salutogenic approach is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To explore the associations between salutogenic measures of health and occupational wellbeing and calling among workers from the care and educational sectors. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Autumn 2020 among Finnish public and private sector care workers. A total of 7925 workers responded. Descriptive analyses and analysis of variance were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: Salutogenic …measures of health and occupational wellbeing correlated strongly mutually, and both correlated moderately with calling. Workers aged over 55 years, workers acting in the education sector, workers with superior positions and temporary workers had the highest scores on health, occupational wellbeing and calling. When comparing occupational wellbeing dimensions by profession, managers had the highest scores and nurses the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides knowledge of promotive factors and health and occupational wellbeing resources for workplace health promotion in the care sector. Perceived calling in work can be considered a salutogenic resource for overall health and wellbeing; however, these connections should be further studied. Show more

Keywords: Education, health care, salutogenic approach, social services, work experience, workplace health promotion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211326

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 723-732, 2023

Authors: García-Remeseiro, Tania | Gutiérrez-Sánchez, Águeda | Taboada-Iglesias, Yaiza | Alonso-Fernández, Diego

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal pain represents a major public health problem. Workers who use visual display terminals (VDT) have suffered an increase in neck pain in recent decades. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between physical activity (PA), sitting time, posture, and neck disability in a population of employed adults who use a computer at work. METHODS: In this descriptive-correlational study, 88 workers with a mean age of 48.31 years participated. All of the participants filled out the Self-Report Habit Index (SRHI), International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), and Neck Disability Index (NDI). The …postural situation was also assessed with Posture Assessment Software (PAS/SAPO). RESULTS: A significant and inverse relationship was observed between the habit of PA practice and the Body Mass Index (BMI). A total of 59.1% of the participants have a moderate PA index. There was a statistically significant relationship between the NDI and the time that workers spend sitting in a workday. A significance level of p ≤0.05 was established for all the statistical analyses. CONCLUSION: The increase in sitting time produces an increase in neck disability among workers and there are no significant differences between the level of PA and the cervical angles analyzed. The promotion of leisure-time PA and the reduction of prolonged uninterrupted sitting time at work could be one of the means to reduce musculoskeletal morbidity in the working population. Show more

Keywords: Exercise, posture, neck pain, sedentary time, computer terminals

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205194

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 733-742, 2023

Authors: Mahmood, Nabeel | Qin, Rongjun | Butalia, Tarunjit | Manasrah, Maram

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: One of the main problems that may put people’s safety in danger is the lack of real-time detection, evaluation, and recognition of predictable safety risks. Current real-time risk identification solutions are limited to proximity sensing, which lack providing the exposed person with risk-specific information in real-time. Combined values of concurrently presented risks are either unrecognized or underestimated. OBJECTIVE: This study goes beyond the proximity sensing state-of-the-art by envisioning, planning, designing, developing, assembling, and examining an automated intelligent real-time risk (AIR) assessment system. METHODS: A holistic safety assessment approach is followed to include identification, prioritization, detection, …evaluation, and control at risk exposure time. Multi-sensor technologies based on RFID are integrated with a risk assessment intelligent system. System prototype is developed and examined to prove the concept for on-foot building construction workers. RESULTS: The evaluation of AIR assessment system’s performance proved its validity, significance, simplicity, representation, accuracy, precision, and timeliness. The reliability of providing quantitative proximity values of risk can be limited due to the signal attenuation; however, it can be reliable in providing risk proximity in a subjective linguistic fashion (Near/Far). CONCLUSION: The main contributions of the AIR assessment system are that the mobile wearable device can provide a linguistic meaningful risk assessment resultant value, the value represents the combined evaluation of concurrently presented risks, and can be sound delivered to the exposed person in real-time of exposure. Therefore, AIR system can be used as an effective prognostic risk assessment tool that can empower workers with real-time recognition and measurability of risk exposure. Show more

Keywords: Real-time assessment, concurrent safety risks, RFID multi-sensors, static dynamic risks, linguistic values, risk rose, fuzzy fault tree analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210011

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 743-760, 2023

Authors: Oggioni, Barbara Passos | Duarte, Francisco José de Castro Moura | Abraçado, Mateus Pereira | Béguin, Pascal

Article Type: Correction

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223652

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 2, pp. 761-761, 2023