Work - Volume 53, issue 3

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/JRS-162261

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 457-457, 2016

Authors: Beigi, Mina | Shirmohammadi, Melika | Kim, Sehoon

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-family conflict (WFC) is an inter-role conflict, which suggests that fulfilling expectations of family roles makes it difficult to satisfy expectations of work roles, and vice versa. Living an academic life includes balancing multiple work demands and family responsibilities, which may generate WFC for many faculty members. Researchers have emphasized the need for further studies of how faculty integrate work and family demands. OBJECTIVE: This study explores WFC among Iranian faculty. We examine relationships among work hours, time spent with family, work-interference with family (WIF), family-interference with work (FIW), and job satisfaction. METHODS: Faculty members …from 25 Iranian public universities completed a questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was used to test hypotheses in a single model. RESULTS: Findings suggest a positive relationship between faculty weekly work hours and WIF, and between time spent with family and FIW. WIF correlated negatively with job satisfaction, and work hours correlated positively with job satisfaction. Time spent with family and FIW had no influence on job satisfaction, and spouse employment moderated the relationship between WIF and job satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Findings have implications for human resources and organizational development professionals seeking insight into how faculty members and other knowledge workers experience work-family interrelationships. Show more

Keywords: Academia, work-family conflict, job satisfaction, faculty, Iran

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152173

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 459-468, 2016

Authors: Lipskaya-Velikovsky, Lena | Kotler, Moshe | Jarus, Tal

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employment is a key element in recovery from schizophrenia. Yet 60%–80% of people with schizophrenia are not involved in work occupations. Factors influencing employment were explored mostly in community settings, while the recovery process begins already during hospitalization. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate parameters that can distinguish during hospitalization between people with schizophrenia who will work in competitive employment, in sheltered employment or will not work after discharge. METHODS: The research followed 104 participants from acute hospitalization to the community, six months after discharge, to obtain employment related data. The participants’ …cognitive abilities, schizophrenia symptoms, and functional capacity were evaluated during hospitalization. In addition, demography and illness related factors were collected. RESULTS: The results indicate that persons with different employment statuses varied in several parameters during hospitalization. However, the most effective discriminant model includes negative symptoms, functional capacity measure and the number of hospitalizations. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that people with different employment statuses have unique characteristics already during hospitalization. In the future, appropriate rehabilitation programs may be suggested to each group based on these characteristics to promote employment among people with schizophrenia and contribute to recovery. Show more

Keywords: Work, acute hospitalization, cognition

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152178

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 469-478, 2016

Authors: Grande, Antonio José | Cieslak, Fabrício | Silva, Valter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical Activity in the workplace has received special attention from researchers who are looking to promote lifelong health and well-being. The workplace is being investigated as a possible place to assess and create strategies to help people to become healthier. The transtheoretical model and stages of change has been adapted as a tool to assess the stages of behavioral change towards exercising. OBJECTIVE: To assess the change in health behavior following a three-month exercise program based in the workplace. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study design was used in which 165 employees participated in the study. An …intervention program of workplace exercise was applied for three months. Participants were assessed through the transtheoretical model and stages of change questionnaire before and after intervention to understand changes in their position on the behavioral change continuum. RESULTS: The number of employees who were physically active increased after the workplace exercise intervention (13.9% , 95% CI 9.5 to 20.1; P  = 0.009). There was a significant decrease in the proportion of employees in the pre-contemplation stage (–6.1% , 95% CI 3.3 to 10.8; P  = 0.045) and contemplation stage (–11.5% , 95% CI 7.5 to 17.3; P  = 0.017), and a significant increase in the action stage (10.9% , 95% CI 7.0 to 16.6; P  = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Engaging in workplace exercise has a significant positive effect on health behavior and willingness to become more physically active. Show more

Keywords: Motor activity, habits, occupational health, life style, health behavior

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152175

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 479-484, 2016

Authors: Larsson, Robert | Åkerlind, Ingemar | Sandmark, Hélène

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Previous research indicates that companies manage workplace health in various ways, but more in-depth empirical knowledge of how workplace health promotion (WHP) is managed in public sector organizations is needed. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore how WHP is managed and incorporated into the general management system in two large Swedish municipal organizations. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Fourteen senior managers were purposefully selected and interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Documents were used as supplementary data. All data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The management of WHP …was described as a set of components that together contribute to the organization’s capacity for WHP. The informants described WHP as dominated by fitness programmes and as following a problem-solving cycle, in which the annual employee survey emerged as an important managerial tool. Achieving feasible WHP measures and appropriate follow-ups were described as challenges. The provision of leadership competence for WHP and use of supportive resources were described as additional components. CONCLUSIONS: The WHP management approach needs to be broadened to include work environment and organizational factors. Further integration with occupational health and safety and the general management system in the organizations is also needed. Show more

Keywords: Integration, management, occupational health and safety, public sector organization, workplace health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152177

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 485-498, 2016

Authors: Marchand, Gunn Hege | Lau, Bjørn | Myhre, Kjersti | Røe, Cecilie | Bautz-Holter, Erik | Leivseth, Gunnar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: It is unknown whether living with neck and back pain, disability, and mental disorders influences the perception of psychological and social factors at work among sick-listed patients. OBJECTIVES: The primary aim of the present study was to examine the associations between pain, disability, anxiety, depression, and perceived psychological and social factors at work among sick-listed patients with neck and back pain. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 380 sick-listed patients with neck and low-back pain who were referred to spine clinics at two Norwegian university hospitals. Ordinal regression was applied, with psychological and social …factors at work as the dependent variable. RESULTS: Pain was not associated with psychological and social factors at work. Disability was associated with a minor increase in the perception of demands among women, but not men. Women with high anxiety or depression scores experienced less control over work situations and less positive challenges at work. Men with high depression scores perceived low support. CONCLUSIONS: Sick-listed patients with neck and back pain who had concurrent anxiety or depression reported increased psychological and social challenges at work. To provide suitable treatment in the clinical setting, further attention should be paid to the interaction between anxiety or depression and perceived job strain. Show more

Keywords: Work environment, psychosocial environment, job stress, sickness absence

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152226

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 499-509, 2016

Authors: Song, JooBong | Lee, Chaiwoo | Lee, WonJung | Bahn, Sangwoo | Jung, ChanJu | Yun, Myung Hwan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: For the successful implementation of job rotation, jobs should be scheduled systematically so that physical workload is evenly distributed with the use of various body parts. However, while the potential benefits are widely recognized by research and industry, there is still a need for a more effective and efficient algorithm that considers multiple work-related factors in job rotation scheduling. OBJECTIVE: This study suggests a type of job rotation algorithm that aims to minimize musculoskeletal disorders with the approach of decreasing the overall workload. METHODS: Multiple work characteristics are evaluated as inputs to the proposed algorithm. …Important factors, such as physical workload on specific body parts, working height, involvement of heavy lifting, and worker characteristics such as physical disorders, are included in the algorithm. For evaluation of the overall workload in a given workplace, an objective function was defined to aggregate the scores from the individual factors. A case study, where the algorithm was applied at a workplace, is presented with an examination on its applicability and effectiveness. RESULTS: With the application of the suggested algorithm in case study, the value of the final objective function, which is the weighted sum of the workload in various body parts, decreased by 71.7% when compared to a typical sequential assignment and by 84.9% when compared to a single job assignment, which is doing one job all day. CONCLUSIONS: An algorithm was developed using the data from the ergonomic evaluation tool used in the plant and from the known factors related to workload. The algorithm was developed so that it can be efficiently applied with a small amount of required inputs, while covering a wide range of work-related factors. A case study showed that the algorithm was beneficial in determining a job rotation schedule aimed at minimizing workload across body parts. Show more

Keywords: Job rotation, ergonomic assessment tool, musculoskeletal disorders, physical workload

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152232

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 511-521, 2016

Authors: Soeker, Shaheed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury causes functional limitations that can cause people to struggle to reintegrate in the workplace despite participating in work rehabilitation programmes. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to explore, and describe the experiences of individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury regarding returning to work through the use of the model of occupational self-efficacy. PARTICIPANTS: In the study 10 individuals who were diagnosed with a mild to moderate brain injury participated in the study. METHODS: The research study was positioned within the qualitative paradigm specifically utilizing case study methodology. In order to …gather data from the participants, individual interviews and participant observation techniques were used. RESULTS: Two themes emerged from the findings of the study theme one reflected the barriers related to the use of the model (i.e. Theme one: Effective participation in the model is affected by financial assistance). The second theme related to the enabling factors related to the use of the model (i.e. Theme two: A sense of normality). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study indicated that the Model of Occupational Self Efficacy (MOS) is a useful model to use in retraining the work skills of individual’s who sustained a traumatic brain injury. The participants in this study could maintain employment in the open labour market for a period of at least 12 months and it improved their ability to accept their brain injury as well as adapt to their worker roles. The MOS also provides a framework for facilitating community integration. Show more

Keywords: Occupational therapy, Model of Occupational Self Efficacy, case study methodology and traumatic brain injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152229

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 523-534, 2016

Authors: Memarian, Babak | Mitropoulos, Panagiotis

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Construction work involves significant physical, mental, and temporal task demands. Excessive task demands can have negative consequences for safety, errors and production. OBJECTIVE: This exploratory study investigates the magnitude and sources of task demands on a concrete operation, and examines the effect of the production practices on the workers’ task demands. METHODS: The NASA Task Load Index was used to measure the perceived task demands of two work crews. The operation involved the construction of a cast-in-place concrete building under high schedule pressures. Interviews with each crew member were used to identify the main sources …of the perceived demands. Extensive field observations and interviews with the supervisors and crews identified the production practices. RESULTS: The workers perceived different level of task demands depending on their role. The production practices influenced the task demands in two ways: (1) practices related to work organization, task design, resource management, and crew management mitigated the task demands; and (2) other practices related to work planning and crew management increased the crew’s ability to cope with and adapt to high task demands. CONCLUSIONS: The findings identify production practices that regulate the workers’ task demands. The effect of task demands on performance is mitigated by the ability to cope with high demands. Show more

Keywords: Production system design, construction, concrete, NASA-TLX, worker, task demands

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152179

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 535-550, 2016

Authors: Fafliora, Eleftheria | Bampalis, Vasileios G. | Zarlas, George | Sturaitis, Panagiotis | Lianas, Dimitrios | Mantzouranis, George

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers are at high risk of facing workplace violence and nurses represent the most affected group. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess workplace violence encountered by nurses working in three different healthcare settings. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary hospital, a non-tertiary hospital and a primary care unit. The research tool was an anonymous self-report questionnaire concerning the prevalence, characteristics, consequences, causes and preventive measures of workplace violence. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0 RESULTS: Eighty nurses participated in the study. The majority (76%) had experienced …workplace violence. Men (OR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.01–0.56) and more experienced nurses (OR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.70–0.97, for each additional year of working experience) were less affected in the last year. Verbal violence was the dominant type (98%). The vast majority (80%) reported a negative psychological impact, while 65% reported that they feel sometimes, rarely or never safe in their workplace. One of the main suggested causes of workplace violence was the long waiting time (99%), while the most common suggested measure of prevention was entrance control (93%). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high prevalence of workplace violence against nurses working in different healthcare facilities. Country and unit-specific studies may be beneficial for implementing appropriate interventions for reducing work place violence. Show more

Keywords: Occupational health, verbal abuse, physical abuse, consequences

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152225

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 551-560, 2016

Authors: Harris, J.E. | Mays, J. | Ratcliff, G. | Chase, S. | Vemich, L. | Colantonio, A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Returning to work is one of the most important goals cited by individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, they may have difficulty evoking past work history. The ability to recall work history is integral to the rehabilitation process of return to work. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine 1) the level of agreement on the reporting of occupations and 2) if agreement is affected when specific occupational details are required in recall between adults with traumatic brain injury and their informants. METHODS: This is a retrospective cohort study of 259 individuals, …with moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, and their selected informants (e.g. spouse, parent). Interviews were conducted separately for the individual and respective informant to gather information on type of occupation at time of injury and at time of interview. Reported occupations were coded using a standard classification system. Level of agreement was analyzed by interclass correlation coefficients and percent agreement, and the significance of bias was calculated. RESULTS: Participants were a mean age of 44.5 at time of study with 40% employed compared to 77% at time of injury. Agreement between participants and their informants for occupational title was high for both time periods though more so at the time of injury compared to current status. Level of agreement for specificity was moderate to high however, decreased as need for specificity of detail increased. CONCLUSION: While participant-informant responses appear to be reliable for occupational classification, when detailed information is required corroborating information is likely needed. Show more

Keywords: Traumatic brain injury, return to work, rehabilitation, validity, reliability

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152223

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 561-567, 2016

Authors: Soeker, Shaheed | Matimba, Tandokazi | Machingura, Last | Msimango, Henry | Moswaane, Bobo | Tom, Sinazo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Employee assistance programs (EAPs) are responsible for helping employees cope with problems such as: mental distress, alcoholism and other drug dependencies, marital and financial difficulties – in short, the whole host of personal and family troubles endemic to the human condition. OBJECTIVE: The study explored the challenges that employees who abuse substances experience when returning to work after the completion of an employee assistance program. METHODS: The study used a qualitative exploratory descriptive research design. Three male participants and two key informants participated in the study. One semi structured interview was conducted with each one …of the participants and one semi structured interview with the key informants. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: 1) Loss of one’s worker role identity, 2) Negative influences of the community continues to effect the success of EAP, 3) EAP as a vehicle for change and, 4) Healthy occupations strengthen EAP. CONCLUSIONS: This study portrayed the following: how substance abuse effect the worker role of individuals employed in the open labor market, the challenges and facilitators experienced by employees who abuse substances when returning to their previous work roles and how occupation based interventions can be incorporated in EAP programs. Occupational therapists could use the health promotion approach, work simplification, energy conservation techniques and ergonomic analysis techniques. Show more

Keywords: Keywords, Occupation based intervention, substance abuse, corporate environment, qualitative research and occupational performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152230

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 569-584, 2016

Authors: Castellucci, H.I. | Catalán, M. | Arezes, P.M. | Molenbroek, J.F.M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Students are exposed to the first systematic tasks or activities that a human being carries out in his/her life while at school. In this workplace situation, school furniture is a key factor for the adoption of proper body posture. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to observe and determine the potential mismatch between school furniture dimensions and anthropometric characteristics of the students from the Valparaíso region of Chile. METHODS: The sample consisted of 3,078 volunteer participants from 18 schools (public, semi-public, private). Eight anthropometric measures were gathered, together with six furniture dimensions. Mismatch analyses …were carried out by using pre-defined mismatch criteria. RESULTS: Many different types of school furniture were presented at the schools. Also, a high level of mismatch was registered for seat height, desk height and seat-to-desk clearance. Finally, the analysis of all considered dimensions together showed that there was a high level of cumulative mismatch. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that there were high levels of mismatch between the school furniture and student anthropometric characteristics and that this mismatch varied within the difference types of schools. This situation may have occurred because furniture acquisition was made without considering any ergonomic criteria. Show more

Keywords: Students, anthropometry, classroom, mismatch

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152233

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 585-595, 2016

Authors: Demou, Evangelia | Brown, Judith | Sanati, Kaveh | Kennedy, Mark | Murray, Keith | Macdonald, Ewan B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Sickness absence (SA) is multi-causal and remains a significant problem for employees, employers and society. This makes it necessary to concurrently manage a particular disabling condition and consider the working environment and employee-employer relationship. OBJECTIVE: To describe and examine the components of a novel SA management service Early Access to Support for You (EASY) and discuss their potential influence on the intervention. METHODS: A new sickness absence model, starting from day one of absence, was created called EASY. EASY is planned to support both employees and managers and comprises elements already found to be …associated with reduction of SA, such as maintaining regular contact; early biopsychosocial case-management; physiotherapy; mental-health counselling; work modification; phased return-to-work; and health promotion activities. RESULTS: During the EASY implementation period, the SA rate at a health board reversed its trend of being one of the highest rates in the Scottish National Health Service (NHS) and EASY was considered helpful by both managers and employees. CONCLUSIONS: This paper describes an innovative occupational health intervention to sickness absence management based on the bio-psychosocial model to provide early intervention, and discusses the pros and cons of applying cognitive behavioural principles at an early stage in sickness-absence events, in order to improve return-to-work outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Intervention, return-to-work, sickness absence, sickness absence management, rehabilitation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152137

Citation: WORK, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 597-608, 2016

Authors: Koopmans, Linda | Bernaards, Claire M. | Hildebrandt, Vincent H. | Lerner, Debra | de Vet, Henrica C.W. | van der Beek, Allard J.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ), measuring task performance, contextual performance, and counterproductive work behavior, was developed in The Netherlands. OBJECTIVES: To cross-culturally adapt the IWPQ from the Dutch to the American-English language, and assess the questionnaire’s internal consistency and content validity in the American-English context. METHODS: A five stage translation and adaptation process was used: forward translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert committee review, and pilot-testing. During the pilot-testing, cognitive interviews with 40 American workers were performed, to examine the comprehensibility, applicability, and completeness of the American-English IWPQ. RESULTS: Questionnaire instructions were slightly modified …to aid interpretation in the American-English language. Inconsistencies with verb tense were identified, and it was decided to consistently use simple past tense. The wording of five items was modified to better suit the American-English language. In general, participants were positive on the comprehensibility, applicability and completeness of the questionnaire during the pilot-testing phase. Furthermore, the study showed positive results concerning the internal consistency (Cronbach’s alphas for the scales between 0.79–0.89) and content validity of the American-English IWPQ. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the cross-cultural adaptation of the American-English IWPQ was successful and that the measurement properties of the translated version are promising. Show more

Keywords: Job performance, scale, psychometrics, translation, validation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152237

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 609-619, 2016

Authors: De Vries, Dawn R. | Woods, Suzanne | Fulton, Lawrence | Jewell, Gayla

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Published in Work , the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale (ISVS) [1 ] was initially validated with 124 Canadian health profession students. The authors stated that the ISVS was useful to evaluate beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes about interprofessional practice among health profession students and professionals. OBJECTIVE: While the primary purpose of this study was to identify attitudes and behaviors in occupational, physical, and recreational therapists, and speech-language pathologists, the study also evaluated the validity and reliability of the ISVS. METHODS: The ISVS was completed by occupational, physical, and recreational therapists, and speech-language pathologists in Michigan, …United States of America to examine beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes towards interprofessional collaboration. Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance by ranks test was used to analyze and compare responses across disciplines. Principle component analysis identified factors from the ISVS related to attitudes and behaviors. RESULTS: While no differences were found between therapy discipline and beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes, there was a significant finding related to the validity and reliability of the ISVS for use with health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: It was found that the ISVS is valid and reliable to use with health professionals but may yield different factors than with health students. Show more

Keywords: Collaboration, teamwork, interdisciplinary, interprofessional education, healthcare

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152224

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 621-630, 2016

Authors: Wang, Mei-Ling | Hsieh, Yi-Hua

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Workplace bullying has become an omnipresent problem in most organizations. Gender differences have recently received increasing attention in the workplace bullying domain. OBJECTIVE: Integrating social dominance theory with gender role theory, this study explores whether male minority and supervisor gender are related to the incidence of workplace bullying. METHODS: Data from 501 public servants employed in the tax administration institute of Taiwan was collected via a questionnaire and analyzed using hierarchical regression. RESULTS: Male minority reported more workplace bullying than did the female majority. Subordinates working with male supervisors had more exposure to …bullying than those working with female supervisors. However, male supervisors did not exacerbate the relationship between male minority and workplace bullying, while females exposure to workplace bullying was attenuated when working with male supervisors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm the important role of gender differences when predicting bullying at work and support the view that gender is not merely an individual antecedent of bullying, but rather acts as a social factor to influence the incidence of workplace bullying. Show more

Keywords: Keywords, Male minority, supervisor gender, social dominance theory, gender role theory, public sector

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152239

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 631-638, 2016

Authors: Irmak, Rafet | Baltaci, Gul | Ergun, Nevin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is one of the most common condition specific outcome measures used in the management of spinal disorders. But there is insufficient study on healthy populations and long term test-retest reliability. This is important because healthy populations are often used for control groups in low back pain interventions, and knowing the reliability of the controls affects the interpretation of the findings of these studies. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the long term test-retest reliability of ODI in office workers. METHODS: Participants who have no chronic low back …pain history were included in study. Subjects were assessed by the Turkish-ODI 2.0 (e-forms) on 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th, 15th, 30th days to determine the stability of ODI scores over time. The study began with 58 (12 female, 46 male) participants. 36 (3 female, 33 male) participated for the full 30 days. STATISTICS: Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Friedman tests were used. Test-retest reliability was evaluated by using nonparametric statistics. All tests were done by using SPSS-11. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference among the median scores of each day. (χ = 6.482, p  >  0.05). CONCLUSION: The difference between median score of the days with 1st day was neither statistically nor clinically significant. ODI has long term test re-test reliability in healthy subjects over a 1 month time interval. Show more

Keywords: Healthy subjects, low back pain, outcome measure

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152234

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 639-642, 2016

Authors: Brunoro, C.M. | Bolis, I. | Sznelwar, L.I.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In a research project about work-related issues and corporate sustainability conducted in Brazil, the goal was to better understand how work-related issues were addressed in the corporate context. Particularly, there are some specific initiatives that serve as guides to organizational decisions, which make their performance indicators for the context of corporate sustainability. OBJECTIVE: 1) To explore the presence of work-related issues and their origins in corporate sustainability approach, analyzing a) corporate disclosures; b) sustainability guidelines that are identified as relevant in corporate disclosures; c) documents that are related to sustainable development and also identified as key-documents for …these guidelines and initiatives. 2) To present the activity-centered ergonomics and psychodynamics of work contributions to work-related issues in a corporate sustainability approach. METHODS: An exploratory study based on multiple sources of evidence that were performed from 2012 to 2013, including interviews with companies that engaged in corporate sustainability and document analysis using the content analysis approach. RESULTS: Work-related issues have been presented since the earliest sustainable development documents. It is feasible to construct an empirical framework for work-related issues and corporate sustainability approaches. CONCLUSIONS: 1) Although some authors argue that corporate sustainability has its roots based only on the environmental dimension, there is strong empirical evidence showing that social dimension aspects such as work-related issues have been present since the beginning. 2) Some indicators should be redesigned to more precisely translate the reality of some workplaces, particularly those indicators related to organizational design and mental health. Show more

Keywords: Sustainable development, corporate sustainability, activity-centered ergonomics, psychodynamics of work, labor practices, working conditions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162248

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 643-659, 2016

Authors: Sammito, Stefan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Overweight and obesity are becoming more and more relevant for armed forces in westernized countries, especially with respect to the impact on recruitment and soldiers’ performance. The German Armed Forces have been organizing a Military Obesity Intervention Program (OIP) in Warendorf, Germany, since 2001. In addition to the existing outpatient program, a course version was offered. This course version is of interest since it offers a potential alternative to outpatient programs. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the results obtained from the course version of the OIP and comparing these to other OIPs. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of the …course version of the OIP, starting in 2001, based on an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: 334 participants showed significant improvement (p  <  0.05) in bodyweight (–3.4±6.6 kg), body mass index (–1.0±2.0 kg/m2 ), waist circumference (–3.8±6.4 cm), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (–5.6±18.0 / –3.3±12.8 mm Hg), physical capacity (+11.4±32.6 Watt), total cholesterol (–0.16±0.94 mmol/l), HDL (+0.04±0.23 mmol/l), LDL (–0.16±0.80 mmol/l), uric acid (–31.2±69.3μ mol/l) and hemoglobin A1c (–0.13±0.52%). The entire OIP course was completed by 180 participants (53.9%). 27.5% of all 334 participants had reduced their body weight by 5% or more during their participation in the OIP. CONCLUSIONS: In this specific OIP only a small number of obese patients reduced their bodyweight, even though the examined parameters improved significantly. Therefore, greater efforts need to be undertaken in order to prevent overweight and obesity in the military in addition to the implemented obesity intervention programs. Show more

Keywords: Military, physical capacity, overweight, body mass index

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152236

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 661-667, 2016

Authors: Andruškienė, Jurgita | Kuzmienė, Ala | Martinkėnas, Arvydas | Jurgutis, Arnoldas | Ejlertsson, Göran | Andersson, Ingemar

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Research in the area of workplace health promotion from a salutogenic perspective is lacking in Eastern Europe. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between psychosocial work environment and health from a salutogenic perspective among Lithuanian hospital workers. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design a questionnaire was distributed to staff in a large hospital in Lithuania. Out of 811 employees, 714 completed the survey: 151 physicians, 449 nurses and 114 other staff members (e.g., psychologists, technicians, therapists). A response rate of 88.0% was achieved. The Work Experience Measurement Scale (WEMS) and the Salutogenic Health Indicator Scale (SHIS) were …linguistically adapted and used for the first time in a Lithuanian context. Logistic and multiple linear regression models were used for the analyses. RESULTS: Supportive working conditions, positive internal work experiences and time experience contributed the most to good health, defined as a high SHIS index. Having an executive post was significantly related to good work experiences, i.e. a high WEMS score, while being at the age of 40–54 years was associated with a low WEMS score. Physicians had the highest score on supportive working conditions; while nurses had the lowest scores on autonomy. CONCLUSIONS: A salutogenic approach enables an organisation to identify how to improve working conditions for the employees by focusing on possibilities and resources. Individual activities for workplace health promotion among different work groups seem necessary. Show more

Keywords: Salutogenic, workplace health promotion, evaluation, Eastern Europe, organisation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-152171

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 669-677, 2016

Authors: Dockrell, Sara | Blake, Catherine | Simms, Ciaran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is no global agreement on a schoolbag weight limit and little assessment of its utility. The duration of carriage is another factor yet there is no previous systematic assessment of the utility of cut-off values for it in identifying schoolbag-related discomfort. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to establish if there was a threshold for musculoskeletal discomfort based on (i) percentage bodyweight (% BW) of the schoolbag; (ii) duration of carriage; or (iii) combined % BW and duration. METHODS: Using data from 462 primary school children, a novel experimental approach was used to explore the utility …of conventional schoolbag weight limit guidelines and duration of carriage. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to examine the predictive performance of schoolbag weight and duration of carriage. RESULTS: The mean schoolbag weight (4.8±1.43 kg) represented a mean 12.4±4.18% BW. Only 30.7% of the sample carried schoolbags that were≤10% BW. The majority (76%) carried schoolbags to school for≤10 minutes. No % BW, duration of carriage or mechanical burden criterion provided a threshold cut-off point for accurately predicting schoolbag-related discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: Guidelines for safe schoolbag carriage that are based on mechanical factors alone could not be upheld. The association between duration of carriage and back discomfort warrants further investigation. Show more

Keywords: Schoolbag, weight limit, duration of carriage, guidelines

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-162260

Citation: Work, vol. 53, no. 3, pp. 679-688, 2016