Work - Volume 42, issue 4

Authors: Shigaki, Cheryl L. | Anderson, Kim M. | Howald, Carol L. | Henson, Lee | Gregg, Bonnie E.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: To identify employee perceptions regarding disability-related workplace issues in Institutions of Higher Education (IHE). Participants: Faculty and staff (N=1,144) at a large, Midwestern university. Methods: A voluntary on-line survey of disability-related employment issues was developed by the university's Chancellor's Committee of Persons with Disabilities. Item responses were analyzed using descriptive and Pearson chi-square statistical methods. Results: Fifteen percent of faculty and staff respondents were found to …have disabilities, with 26% reporting experience of job discrimination, and 20% reporting harassment because of their disability. Results indicated significant differences on gender, employment standing (i.e., faculty or staff) and disability status (i.e., with or without a disability), in regard to perceptions of disability acceptance, campus accessibility, disability awareness, ADA policy, and knowledge of work accommodation procedures. Conclusions: Recommendations for IHEs are provided to promote a welcoming and inclusive campus that ultimately supports work success for persons with a disability. Show more

Keywords: College, university, employment, discrimination, harassment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1409

Citation: Work, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 559-571, 2012

Authors: Shih, Yi-Nuo | Huang, Rong-Hwa | Chiang, Hsin-Yu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: Previous studies indicate that noise may affect worker attention. However, some background music in the work environment can increase worker satisfaction and productivity. This study compared how music with, and without, lyrics affects human attention. Participants: One hundred and two participants, aged 20–24 years, were recruited into this study. Fifty-six males and 46 females participated in this study. Methods: Background music with, and without lyrics, was tested for effects on listener …concentration in attention testing using a randomized controlled trial (RCT) study. Results: The comparison results revealed that background music with lyrics had significant negative effects on concentration and attention. Conclusions: The findings suggest that, if background music is played in the work environment, music without lyrics is preferable because songs with lyrics are likely to reduce worker attention and performance. Show more

Keywords: Work environment, music with lyrics, occupational form, occupational performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1410

Citation: Work, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 573-578, 2012

Authors: da Silva, Luiz Bueno | Coutinho, Antonio Souto | da Costa Eulálio, Eliza Juliana | Soares, Elaine Victor Gonçalves

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The main objective of this study is to evaluate the impact of school furniture and work surface lighting on the body posture of public Middle School students from Paraíba (Brazil). Participants and methods: The survey was carried out in two public schools and the target population for the study included 8th grade groups involving a total of 31 students. Brazilian standards for lighting levels, the CEBRACE standards for furniture measurements and the Postural Assessment …Software (SAPO) for the postural misalignment assay were adopted for the measurements comparison. The statistic analysis includes analyses of parametric and non-parametric correlations. Results: The results show that the students' most affected parts of the body were the spine, the regions of the knees and head and neck, with 90% of the total number of students presenting postural misalignment. The lighting levels were usually found below 300 lux, below recommended levels. The statistic analysis show that the more adequate the furniture seems to be to the user, the less the user will complain of pain. Conclusions: Such results indicate the need of investments in more suitable school furniture and structural reforms aimed at improving the lighting in the classrooms, which could fulfill the students' profile and reduce their complaints. Show more

Keywords: Student's workstation, postural misalignment, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1369

Citation: Work, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 579-587, 2012

Authors: Soeker, Mogammad Shaheed | Van Rensburg, Viki | Travill, Andre

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: The aim of this study was to identify the central concepts of a model that would facilitate the return to work process of individuals with brain injury. However for the purpose of this paper there will be a focus only on the barriers and facilitators that influence the return to work process. Participants: Ten individuals who were diagnosed with a mild to moderate brain injury participated in this study. Methods: Qualitative research methods were used …in order to explore the research question. The participants were selected by means of purposive sampling and the data was collected by means of in depth interviews. Results: The results of the study revealed that the participants experienced a sense of loss of function after the brain injury, a fear of the future and loss of confidence in their worker roles. The participants also indicated that by means of adapting occupational routines and actively engaging in rehabilitation they developed confidence in their worker roles. Conclusion: Occupational therapists have to use a client centred holistic work integrative approach in order to successfully rehabilitate as well as facilitate the return to work process with people who have suffered a traumatic brain injury. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, human occupation, work, occupational science, occupational therapy, occupational deprivation, vocational rehabilitation and client-centred approach

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1414

Citation: Work, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 589-600, 2012

Authors: Schnoor, Jörg

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: Objective: After the change from cost allowance to a German system of Diagnosis-Related Groups there has been much public discussion about how the new terms of employment within the health sector are increasingly in conflict with individuals' original motivations for their career choice. If such criticism remains unheard a further loss of employees might occur. Methods: Two decades of professional experiences have been reviewed. The results were personally assessed and summarized in a field report. Participants: …One senior physician, Department of Anesthesiology, University Hospital. Results: In total, a deliberate contact approach by management to address employees' criticisms and grumbling about the terms of employment is essential for enterprise's success. Conclusions: While employees can introduce criticisms more constructively to contribute ideas that protect the enterprise's success, executives will have to position themselves in such a way as to be open to these perspectives. Constructive contact with "hospital troublemakers" should be implemented into the enterprise culture. Guidance is necessary to institute such changes. Show more

Keywords: DRG, criticism, intrinsic motivation, leadership, gentle dissent

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-1454

Citation: Work, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 601-604, 2012

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 605-608, 2012

Article Type: Other

Citation: Work, vol. 42, no. 4, pp. 609-611, 2012