Work - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: Erol, Özgül | Küçükkaya, Burcu | Yenici, Ecehan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses working in the intensive care units (ICU) regarding the work-index-nursing work environment, the effect level ICU environment has on the nurses’ care behaviors and stress levels of the nurses should be determined. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the effect of the nurse manpower on care behaviours and stress level of the nurses working in the ICU. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional and correlational study. The sample of the study consisted of 123 nurses working in the ICUs. The data were collected using the survey form, Distress Thermometer (DT), The Practice Work Environment Scale …of the Nursing Work Index (PES-NWI), and Caring Behaviors Scale-24 (CBS-24). RESULTS: The mean age of nurses in the ICU was 30.2±5.6 and the mean of working time in the intensive care unit of nurses in the ICU was 3.7±3.1 years. The mean of the DT was 4.8±3.4, and the mean score of PES-NWI was 2.6±1.0 and the mean score of CBS-24 was 4.7±1.1 in nurses in the ICU. The regression model which was studied to investigate the relationship between caring behaviors and stress and nurse manpower of nurses working in intensive care unit was significant. CONCLUSION: Care behaviors and stress levels of nurses working in intensive care units are negatively affected by insufficient nurse manpower. Show more

Keywords: Intensive care unit, nurse, nurse manpower, caring behaviors, stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220710

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2024

Authors: Jia, Hongyan | Liang, Shuanrong

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Today’s youth is facing environmental changes. The environmental behavior of adolescents is critical to mitigating the negative impacts of these environmental problems. OBJECTIVE: According to value – basis theory and Value-Belief-Norm theory, the current research examines the link between biospheric values and pro-environmental behavior, together with the mediating and moderating effects of environmental self-identity and environmental concern. METHODS: We conducted cluster sampling of students in grades four to nine. A total of 1,053 students participated in the survey, and 763 valid data records were finally obtained (the return rate was 72.46%). RESULTS: The …findings indicated that: (1) there was a significant positive correlation between adolescents’ biospheric values and pro-environmental behavior; (2) there was a significant positive correlation between adolescent biospheric values and environmental self-identity; there was a significant correlation between adolescents’ environmental self-identity and pro-environmental behavior. The relationship between biospheric values and adolescents’ pro-environmental behavior is mediated by environmental self-identity; (3) adolescents’ environmental concern moderates their biospheric values and affects the latter half of pro-environmental behavior through environmental self-identity. Environmental self-identity has a greater predictive impact on pro-environmental behavior when there is a higher level of environmental concern. CONCLUSIONS: This paper proposes and verifies the positive relationship between biospheric values and adolescents’ pro-environmental behavior, as well as the mediating role of environmental self-identity and the moderating role of adolescents’ environmental concern. Show more

Keywords: Pro-environmental behavior, biospheric values, environmental self-identity, environmental concern, adolescents

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230471

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2024

Authors: Eklund, Annika | Sterner, Anders | Nilsson, Maria Skyvell | Larsman, Pernilla

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Transition programs for newly graduated nurses in hospital settings are reported to provide learning opportunities, strengthening confidence, workplace integration and skills, retention and job satisfaction. Still, our knowledge of long-term effects is scarce and few studies have used control groups. OBJECTIVE: To explore the long-term impact of having attended a transition program on the nurses’ experiences of the first years of practice. More specifically, ideology-infused psychological contract, ethical stress, perceived organizational support, job satisfaction, opportunities for learning, and intention to stay in the nursing profession, were explored as outcome variables. METHODS: …A questionnaire survey was carried out among registered nurses from November 2019 to January 2020, with a 54% response rate. The analysis was based on 149 nurses who had attended a transition program, and 72 who had not attended. The nurses had seniority between one and three years. Independent samples t -test were used to investigate differences between the groups. RESULTS: The two groups showed small and non-significant differences in the outcome variables. However, regarding the frequency of ethical value conflicts induced by insufficient resources, as well as experiences of ethical value conflict distress, the group of nurses who had attended a transition program showed statistically significantly higher mean values, although the effect sizes were small. CONCLUSION: Newly graduated nurses need more than transition programs and skills training to progress in their nursing role and develop competence, increase job satisfaction, and reduce stress. Achieving these goals requires a long-term supportive learning environment that is integrated into everyday work. Show more

Keywords: New graduated nurses, transition, well-being, job satisfaction, moral distress, turnover, hospital work environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230537

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2024

Authors: Wong, Zhao Wen | Othman, Johan Awang Bin | Abdullah Sani, Mohd Najib | Tan, Tian Siang

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Pianists often suffered from postural related problems due to prolonged sitting and awkward postures. Despite that postural related problems are common among pianists, there is only one study found by the authors, which applied RULA to assess pianists’ postures, without any modification to the original RULA worksheet. None of the other existing literature has applied this postural assessment tool to assess the pianists’ overall posture. There is no existing Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) checklist that exactly fits into the context of piano playing, at least not without some modifications. OBJECTIVE: To propose a Rapid Upper Limb …Assessment for Pianists (RULA-p) for postural assessment, which will allow pianists to identify awkward postures (if any) during piano playing, thus, achieving healthful playing for injury prevention. METHOD: This study modified (i) the muscle use score; and (ii) the force/load score, from the existing RULA as a rapid assessment for pianists’ posture. RESULTS: Proposed the modified RULA for pianists (RULA-p) in the worksheet format. CONCLUSION: Overall, this study is intended to further expand the existing literature on the early prevention of pianists’ PRMDs. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, occupational injuries, posture, ergonomics, observation, checklist, pianists, modified RULA for pianists (RULA-p)

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240143

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-11, 2024

Authors: Cázares-Manríquez, Melissa Airem | Olguín-Tiznado, Jesús Everardo | García-Alcaraz, Jorge Luis | Camargo-Wilson, Claudia | Cano-Gutierrez, Julio Cesar | López-Barreras, Juan Andrés | García-Rivera, Blanca Rosa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal System Disorders (MSDs) are a group of injuries that represent common occupational diseases and should be evaluated for prevention purposes because an increase has been observed due to the repetitive movements performed in the industry. This research was carried out in a manufacturing industry where metal parts are manufactured, and workers experience back and wrist pain. OBJECTIVE: To prediagnose Musculoskeletal System Disorders (MSDs) and examine the relationship between temperature, demographic, and physiological factors in workers through predictive models, contributing to MSD prevention. METHODS: Information from 36 operators was used to obtain vital signs and …somatometry data, and thermograms of their hands in the dorsal, palmar, and back areas were collected and analyzed to determine the relationship between temperature and demographic and physiological factors. RESULTS: The ergonomic evaluations proved that the operators were at high risk owing to repetitive movements and postures adopted during work. Eighty-six percent of cases with injuries were identified using infrared thermograms, proving their high level of effectiveness. When studying the relationship between temperature behavior during recovery from repetitive activities and demographic and physiological factors, it was determined that age, dominant hand, respiratory frequency, and BMI were the most significant. CONCLUSIONS: Nine regression models were obtained, with coefficients of determination between 0.17 and 0.71. The significant factors for worker injuries were age, dominant hand, respiratory rate, and BMI. However, the sample size and variability in work activities should be extended to generalize the findings. Show more

Keywords: Thermography, occupational illness, risk factors

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230659

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2024

Authors: Alam, Md Sarfaraz | Sharma, Milap | Jadhav, Ganesh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hot and humid indoor environment of the kitchen affects worker performance. The Indian Railway’s pantry car culinary is one of them that cooks food for the on-board passengers, which could be bothered by the hot indoor climate. OBJECTIVE: The current study aimed to identify the indoor working environment of the railway “pantry car” using heat stress indices such as “Universal Thermal Climate Index-UTCI,” “Wet-Bulb Globe Temperature-WBGT,” “Discomfort Index-DI,” “Tropical Summer Index-TSI,” “Heat Index-HI,” and Heart Rate-HR with clothing insulation. METHODS: The study was performed in 2018 (August-summer season) to collect field survey data on 6 railway pantry …cars. Measurements were carried out during peak cooking times such as morning “7 : 00 am”, day “11 : 30 am”, evening “4 : 00 pm,” and night “6 : 30 pm”. This study’s descriptive and Pearson’s correlation analysis was accomplished using SPSS version 2016 software. RESULTS: The analysis results revealed that the average values were for UTCI (37.77±5.26°C), WBGT (30.42±2.28°C), DI (30.05±2.70°C), TSI (33.21±2.90°C), HI (48.53±4.86°C), correspondingly. During analysis, the strongest correlation association was observed between “TSI and DI” (r  = 0.985, p  < 0.000) and WBGT and TSI (r  = 0.958, p  < 0.000). A “significant correlation” was found between UTCI and HI (r  = 0.637, p  < 0.05). While no signification correlation was found between “heat stress indices and physiological parameters (p  > 0.05)”. CONCLUSION: In this study, all the heat stress index limit values showed highly harsh working conditions inside the pantry car, which created unfavorable circumstances for the culinarians. Inappropriate “ventilation design” could be a reason for discomfort in the railway pantry car. Show more

Keywords: Heat stress, Indoor environment, kitchen, railway, Environmental ergonomics, thermal comfort, heart rate

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240207

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2024

Authors: Beekman, Elizabeth M. | Van Hooff, Madelon M.L. | Adiasto, Krisna | Claessens, Brigitte J.C. | Van der Heijden, Beatrice I.J.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Technological advancements and the COVID-19 crisis have accelerated the adoption of telework, impacting employees’ work dynamics. Moreover, an aging workforce emphasises the need for sustainable employability. With reference to the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model, this study explores how telework relates to job demands and job resources and, subsequently, to sustainable employability. OBJECTIVE: The present study investigates the repercussions of increased telework on employees’ sustainable employability. Hypotheses posit direct and indirect (i.e., mediated) relationships, providing insights for evidence-based telework policies. METHODS: Data from 552 government employees was collected through an online survey. Data collection occurred during …the COVID-19 pandemic when widespread teleworking was prevalent. A path model was employed to analyse associations between telework, job demands (specifically work pressure), job resources (social support, workplace communication, and role clarity), and sustainable employability dimensions, including vitality, work ability, and employability. RESULTS: Our path model reveals that heightened telework was associated with elevated work pressure and diminished role clarity. Surprisingly, a positive association emerges between work pressure and sustainable employability. Notably, no significant relationship is found between telework, social support, and workplace communication. Role clarity is likely to be pivotal, positively influencing vitality and employability. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides valuable insights into the effects of telework on job demands, resources, and sustainable employability. The unexpected positive association between work pressure and sustainable employability challenges conventional stressor paradigms. The relationships between telework, job demands, job resources, and sustainable employability uncovered in this study can contribute to evidence-based teleworking policies and strategies that support employee health and employability amidst evolving work structures. Show more

Keywords: Remote work, work from home, sustainable employability, Job Demands-Resources model, work pressure, social support, workplace communication, role clarity

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-240033

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-19, 2024

Authors: Goutille, Fabienne | Degbelo, Agossé Nadège | Calleja, Cecilia | Garrigou, Alain | Candau, Jacqueline

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The number of seasonal workers in the agricultural sector in France is increasing and their working conditions are difficult and disgraceful. While they have been shown in various studies to be subject to processes that result in them being unable to act on occupational health, some of them, mobilized online, have formed a collective whose is permitted them to develop collective actions. OBJECTIVES: Our article aims to describe this online collective and how the power to act emerged from the discussions. The purpose it’s also to determine how the functioning of these groups fosters the expression of …a collective point of view and the achievement of goals that is not attained elsewhere. METHODS: We carried out a collaborative research online with a collective of seasonal workers, which consisted in following and taking part in discussions about conditions at work and outside of work, using an instant messaging tool. The results of this collaborative research, included testimonies registration and co-produced with seasonal workers, has been analyzed mobilizing A. Sen’s capabilities approach. RESULTS: During their online discussions, the seasonal workers allow themselves to share the situations of injustice they are subject to with the other members. Here, we present their output and collective actions which were made possible by the mobilization of the resources of some of their members or by collaborating with other actors. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the remarkable conversion factors made available through this collective action online, certain “failures” show that in order for these workers to have better access to their rights, effective support by public policy is indispensable. Show more

Keywords: Migrant workers, community based participatory research, health and welfare, community care networks, exposures, agriculture, pesticides, France

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230744

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-16, 2024

Authors: Harty, Bo | Gustafsson, John-Anders | Thorén, Monica | Möller, Anders | Björkdahl, Ann

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In a demanding working life, it is important to determine how individuals can thrive at work. In a previous study we investigated whether a program of gratitude interventions can increase psychological wellbeing, engagement, job satisfaction, and psychological capital showing promising results. THE OBJECTIVE: of the present study was to present the development of a manager coached group intervention program related to gratitude at workplaces and to investigate the effects of such a program on the same variables. METHODS: The intervention included five group sessions of gratitude dialogue between employees, supervised by their first line managers. …Participants were assigned to an intervention or control group. Assessments were made before and after the intervention program and followed-up at 6 months post-intervention. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed. Both groups completed instruments measuring positive psychological capital (PCQ), work engagement (UWES), psychological wellbeing (PGWB-S), and job satisfaction (aJDI). All managers were interviewed after the intervention. RESULT: Compared with the control group the gratitude dialogue intervention was found to significantly enhance psychological wellbeing, engagement, and job satisfaction. The results were supported by the interviews with managers. IN CONCLUSION: our results suggest that gratitude dialogues at work may be an effective way of improving employee wellbeing. Suggestions on how to improve the results from this kind of gratitude intervention further are presented. Show more

Keywords: Gratitude, group intervention, psychological capital, health, training the trainer

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220604

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-14, 2024

Authors: Page, Laura | Meredith, Pamela | O’Reilly, Maria | Donohue, Genevieve | Stanley, Mandy

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is limited information focussing on the perspectives of persons with younger onset dementia (YOD) in employment. This poses challenges for supporting this demographic within the workplace and during their transition to retirement. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this scoping review is to address the identified need to ascertain what is known about the perspectives of employees with YOD. METHODS: Records were included if they: considered working-aged persons who received a diagnosis of YOD whilst employed or soon after ceasing employment; considered the perspective of the person with YOD; and were published in English. Four databases …(CINAHL, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library) were systematically searched, and grey literature was sought using the Google Scholar search engine. Using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, two reviewers screened the title/abstract then full text of identified documents. Disagreements were resolved with a third reviewer. Research papers were narratively synthesised, thematically analysed, and critically appraised. RESULTS: Fourteen peer-reviewed research papers, and nineteen grey literature items were included in the review, with research papers found to be of reasonably high methodological quality. Five themes were identified, describing the experiences of employees with YOD: (1) Trying to manage difficulties prior to diagnosis; (2) Disclosure at the point of diagnosis; (3) Reasonable adjustments; (4) Employment cessation; and (5) Regaining meaningful roles following retirement. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed evidence for an emerging understanding of the lived experience of developing YOD within the workplace; however, further research is needed regarding the capabilities and support needs for persons with YOD to influence workplace policies and practices. Show more

Keywords: Diagnosis, disclosure, employment, qualitative research, retirement, social stigma, workplace

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-230469

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-37, 2024