Work - Volume 49, issue 2

Authors: Matthews, Lynda R. | Harris, Lynne M. | Jaworski, Alison | Alam, Ashraful | Bozdag, Gokcen

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Labour force participation of people with mental disorders varies according to the nature of their disorder. Research that compares function and psychosocial need in job-seekers with different mental disorders, however, is scant especially in the Australian setting. Identifying rehabilitation needs of job-seekers with mental disorders receiving employment services is of interest to providers of disability employment services in Australia. OBJECTIVE: This study sought to identify differences in health, social …needs and function in people with anxiety, mood, or psychotic disorders accessing disability employment services to inform disability service providers of vocational rehabilitation interventions. PARTICIPANTS: 106 adult job-seekers with anxiety (29%), mood (51%), and psychotic (20%) disorders receiving job placement services from a disability employment service provider consented to participate in this study. METHODS: Self-report measures and the Executive Interview (EXIT) were used to document function. Differences between disorders were determined using one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS: Significantly better estimates of social functioning as measured by the Behaviour and Symptom Identification Scale (BASIS-32) were reported by job-seekers with psychotic disorders compared to those with anxiety or mood disorders. However, job-seekers with psychotic disorders reported longer periods of unemployment compared to those with mood disorders and longer estimates of the time it would take to obtain work compared to both the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived psychosocial problems, such as poor social function in job-seekers with anxiety and mood disorders and perceptions of poor employability in those with psychotic disorders, should be considered when developing vocational rehabilitation interventions, or where additional support may be required once employment is obtained. Show more

Keywords: Rehabilitation, psychosocial, psychiatric, mental illness, vocational

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131660

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 271-279, 2014

Authors: Pack, Tresvil G. | Szirony, Gary M. | Kushner, Jason D. | Bellaw, Jason R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work is salient to life, is central to well-being, and is a means by which individuals define themselves. Disabilities such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), however, can confound the interaction between person and work. OBJECTIVE: In the current study, in an effort to examine the effects of type of employment upon quality of life (QOL), employment was divided into three categories (full-time employment, part-time employment, and unemployment). METHOD: Comparisons were then made …between QOL ratings and the three categories. Although studies of QOL and MS are appearing more frequently in the literature, few studies have addressed this issue. RESULTS: A priori comparisons and Analysis of Variance resulted in the finding that persons with MS who were employed tended to rate their levels of QOL nearly one third of a standard deviation higher than their unemployed counterparts. CONCLUSION: Results of the study emphasize the need for the provision of quality vocational services to persons with MS. Issues such as quality vocational services, timeliness, and the importance of continued work are discussed. Show more

Keywords: Work, multiple sclerosis, disability, quality of life, QOL, well-being

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131711

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 281-287, 2014

Authors: Pedersen, Scott J. | Cooley, Paul D. | Mainsbridge, Casey

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Desk-based employees face multiple workplace health hazards such as insufficient physical activity and prolonged sitting. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to increase workday energy expenditure by interrupting prolonged occupational sitting time and introducing short-bursts of physical activity to employees' daily work habits. METHODS: Over a 13-week period participants (n=17) in the intervention group were regularly exposed to a passive prompt delivered through their desktop computer that required them to stand …up and engage in a short-burst of physical activity, while the control group (n=17) was not exposed to this intervention. Instead, the control group continued with their normal work routine. All participants completed a pre- and post- intervention survey to estimate workplace daily energy expenditure (calories). RESULTS: There was a significant 2 (Group) × 2 (Test) interaction, F (1, 32)=9.26, p < 0.05. The intervention group increased the calories expended during the workday from pre-test (M=866.29 ± 151.40) to post-test (M=1054.10 ± 393.24), whereas the control group decreased calories expended during the workday from pre-test (M=982.55 ± 315.66) to post-test (M=892.21 ± 255.36). CONCLUSIONS: An e-health intervention using a passive prompt was an effective mechanism for increasing employee work-related energy expenditure. Engaging employees in regular short-bursts of physical activity during the workday resulted in reduced sitting time, which may have long-term effects on the improvement of employee health. Show more

Keywords: Workplace health and wellbeing, sedentary behavior, employee health, physical activity, prompts

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131644

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 289-295, 2014

Authors: Sandmark, Hélène | Sarvento-Håkansson, Marita | Franke, Cecilia | Akhavan, Sharareh

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Stress problems are major public health problems. OBJECTIVE: To gain an increased understanding of howworking men seeking care due to minor mental dysfunctions related to stress recognize their symptoms, what triggers them, and how this impacts their everyday life. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen men of working age, consecutively seeking care due to minor mental dysfunctions indicating stress problems, at two clinics in the Stockholm area in Sweden during 2009 and 2010. METHODS: A qualitative methodology was …chosen, and interviews were performed and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: In the manifest content, categories such as difficulties in setting limits, low social support, high work demands, and mental and physical dysfunctions were identified. Three themes finally emerged (latent content) and indicated that in this group of informants there are stressors both within the individual himself, in working life, and a lack of recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our findings it would be possible to implement measures to prevent stress-related problems by promoting coping strategies on an individual level, encouraging social networks, and regular physical exercise. By implementing work policies and workplace modifications, and also providing individual support at the workplace, supervisors and human resources managers could prevent, or modify stress problems among employees. Show more

Keywords: Recovery, immuno-compromised, musculoskeletal pain, work demands

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131647

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 297-306, 2014

Authors: Sanmiquel, Lluís | Rossell, Josep M. | Vintró, Carla | Freijo, Modesto

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Mines are hazardous and workers can suffer many types of accidents caused by fire, flood, explosion or collapse. Injury incidence rates in mining are considerably higher than those registered by other economic sectors. One of the main reasons for this high-level incidence rate is the existence of a large number of dangerous workplaces. OBJECTIVE: This work analyzes the influence that occupational safety management had on the accidents that took place in Spanish mining of industrial …and ornamental stone during the period 2007–2008. METHODS: Primary data sources are: (a) Results from a statistical study of the occupational health and safety management practices of 71 quarries defined by a questionnaire of 41 items; and (b) Occupational accidents registered in the Spanish industrial and ornamental stone mining throughout the period 2007–2008. RESULTS: The obtained results indicate that workplaces with a low average score in the analysis of occupational safety management have a higher incidence rate of accidents. CONCLUSIONS: Studies on mining workplaces are very important to help detect occupational safety concerns. Results from this study help raise awareness and will encourage the adoption of appropriate measures to improve safety. Show more

Keywords: Incidence rate, occupational safety management, surface mining, Likert scale

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-141854

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 307-314, 2014

Authors: Schmidt, Burkhard | Loerbroks, Adrian | Herr, Raphael | Litaker, David | Wilson, Mark | Kastner, Michael | Fischer, Joachim

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Leadership behavior may both serve as a supportive resource or as a source of psychological distress in the workplace. OBJECTIVE: Transformational leadership (TL), a behavior of superiors that fosters motivation, empowerment and a sense of teamness, has been associated with employee well-being, but the mechanisms that underlie these effects are unclear. We therefore explored the relationship between TL and stress by examining potential mediating roles for established organizational and personal resources. METHODS: We used cross-sectional …data on TL, psychosocial resources and employee strain from a company wide survey. Linear regression and structural equation modeling assessed potential mediation following the method outlined by Baron and Kenny. RESULTS: In a convenience sample consisting of mostly white-collar employees (n=320, 42.6% male), we observed a relationship between TL and employees' perceived work-related stress that was fully mediated by protective psychosocial resources (ß =−0.33, p< 0.01). Additionally, we found that TL positively affected these resources (ß=0.61; p< 0.01) and that absence of resources led to more psychological strain (ß=−0.54, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Transformational leadership seems to be associated with lower stress among employees and a perception of more available psychosocial resources. These findings indicate that TL might serve as a valuable focus for tailored interventions to improve employee health. Show more

Keywords: Stress, workplace, leadership, mediation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131713

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 315-324, 2014

Authors: Smith, Diane L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2011, about 1.8 million or 8 percent of the 22.2 million veterans were women in the US. The unemployment rate for female veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan rose to 13.5%, above the 8.4% for non-veteran adult women. OBJECTIVE: To examine data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), from 2004–2011 to determine the relationship between employment and veteran status, disability and gender. METHODS: Chi square analysis was used to determine …if significant differences existed between the employment rate of female veterans with disabilities and female veterans without disabilities, female non-veterans with disabilities and male veterans with disabilities. Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to determine how veteran status, disability and gender affected the likelihood of not being employed. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in employment rate between female veterans with disabilities and female veterans without disabilities, but not when compared to female non-veterans with disabilities or male veterans with disabilities. Disability was the strongest factor increasing the likelihood of not being employed, though veteran status and female gender were also predictive. CONCLUSIONS: Female veterans with disabilities experience low levels of employment. Policies and programs are needed to address the unique needs of these veterans. Show more

Keywords: Military, Veteran's Administration, vocational rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131648

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 325-334, 2014

Authors: Wind, Haije | Samoocha, David | van der Beek, Allard J. | Frings-Dresen, Monique H.W.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: A great number of workers suffer from problems to continue their work due to chronic health conditions. This leads to a large number of workers applying for a disability benefit. In order to prevent the application of a disability benefit, insight in the background of these applicants is needed. OBJECTIVE: To assess the expectations of Dutch claimants applying for a disability benefit, the rationale behind these expectations and the value of these expectations …in the process of evaluating disability. PARTICIPANTS: Applicants for a disability benefit were invited to participate in the study. METHOD: Claimants for a disability benefit filled out an internet questionnaire. The questions focused on the expectation of being granted a disability benefit and the rationale behind these expectations. Additionally, data on claimants' characteristics and responses to the first question of the Work Ability Index (WAI) were collected. The actual outcome of the application for a disability benefit was also recorded. RESULTS: Of the 206 claimants, 84% expected to receive a disability benefit, while 72% of the claims were assigned. Low education level, higher age and a low WAI score were correlated with the expectation of receiving a benefit. The combination of a low WAI score and expectation of a disability benefit actually predicted the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Patients are capable of predicting the outcome of their application for a disability benefit. Application for a disability benefit could be prevented if information on the WAI score and the expectation of a disability benefit is known at an earlier stage of the sickness absence process. Show more

Keywords: Secondary prevention, disability assessment, Work Ability Index, internet questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-131663

Citation: Work, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. 335-341, 2014