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,