Work - Volume 57, issue 2

Authors: Stergiou-Kita, Mary | Grigorovich, Alisa | Damianakis, Thecla | Le Dorze, Guylaine | David, Christine | Lemsky, Carolyn | Hebert, Debbie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Misperceptions regarding persons with brain injuries (PWBI) can lead to stigmatization, workplace discrimination and, in turn, influence PWBIs full vocational integration. OBJECTIVE: In this study we explored how stigma may influence return-to-work processes, experiences of stigma and discrimination at the workplace for persons with (moderate to severe) brain injuries, and strategies that can be employed to manage disclosure. METHODS: Exploratory qualitative study; used in-depth interviews and an inductive thematic analytical approach in data analysis. Ten PWBI and five employment service providers participated. PWBI discussed their work experiences, relationships with supervisors and co-workers and experiences …of stigma and/or discrimination at work. Employment service providers discussed their perceptions regarding PWBI’s rights and abilities to work, reported incidents of workplace discrimination, and how issues related to stigma, discrimination and disclosure are managed. RESULTS: Three themes were identified: i) public, employer and provider knowledge about brain injury and beliefs about PWBI; ii) incidents of workplace discrimination; iii) disclosure. Misperceptions regarding PWBI persist amongst the public and employers. Incidents of workplace discrimination included social exclusion at the workplace, hiring discrimination, denial of promotion/demotion, harassment, and failure to provide reasonable accommodations. Disclosure decisions required careful consideration of PWBI needs, the type of information that should be shared, and the context in which that information is shared. CONCLUSIONS: Public understanding about PWBI remains limited. PWBI require further assistance to manage disclosure and incidents of workplace discrimination. Show more

Keywords: Head injury, brain injury, work, stigma, workplace discrimination

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172556

Citation: Work, vol. 57, no. 2, pp. 245-258, 2017

Authors: Harrod, Molly | Miller, Erin M. | Henry, Jennifer | Zivin, Kara

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ensuring Veteran employment needs are met is a top priority for the Department of Veteran Affairs and the United States government. However, Veterans, especially those with mental health disorders, continue to encounter difficulties when employed. While many employment related programs offer numerous services aimed at helping Veterans gain employment, their ability to maintain long-term employment remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to understand factors that affect the ability of Veterans with mental health disorders to maintain long-term employment. METHODS: An exploratory, qualitative study design consisting of semi-structured interviews with 10 Veterans …was performed. Inductive thematic analysis was performed to identify salient themes. RESULTS: We found that participants’ symptoms manifested themselves within the workplace affecting their ability to maintain employment, participants felt as if they had been demoted from what they did in the military, and they felt unable to relate to civilian co-workers. Strategies that helped some transition into the civilian workforce were also identified. CONCLUSIONS: A better understanding of the difficulties some Veterans face when trying to maintain employment is needed. Our findings suggest that increasing awareness of existing programs and ensuring that services provide resources and skills that help Veterans maintain long-term employment is critical. Show more

Keywords: Long-term employment, mental health, reintegration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172551

Citation: Work, vol. 57, no. 2, pp. 259-268, 2017

Authors: Runeson-Broberg, Roma | du Prel, Jean-Baptist | Westerholm, Peter | Nordin, Maria | Knutsson, Anders | Alfredsson, Lars | Fahlén, Göran | Peter, Richard

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In aging societies, zest for work may be pivotal when deciding to stay occupationally active longer. Psychosocial work stress is a prevalent public health problem and may have an impact on zest for work. Work over-commitment (WOC) is a personal coping strategy for work stress with excessive striving and a health risk. However, the long-term effect of WOC on zest for work is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the age-related associations of work over-commitment with zest for work. METHODS: During 1996–1998 and 2000–2003, predominantly industrial workers (n  = 2940) participated in the WOLF-Norrland study and …responded to a questionnaire referring to socio-demographics, WOC, zest for work, effort-reward imbalance proxies, and mental health. Age-adjusted multiple logistic regressions were performed with original and imputed datasets. RESULTS: Cross-sectionally, work overcommitted middle-aged employees had an increased prevalence of poor zest for work compared to their contemporaries without WOC (OR: 3.74 [95%-CI 2.19; 6.40]). However, in a longitudinal analysis associations between onset of ‘poor zest for work’ and the WOC subscales ‘need for approval’ (OR: 3.29 [95%-CI 1.04; 10.37]) and ‘inability to withdraw from work’ (OR: 5.14 [95%-CI 1.32; 20.03]) were observed. CONCLUSION: The longitudinal findings among older employees could be relevant regarding the expected need to remain occupationally active longer. Show more

Keywords: Work stress, WOC, ERI, coping

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172555

Citation: Work, vol. 57, no. 2, pp. 269-279, 2017

Authors: Milner, A. | Witt, K. | Maheen, H. | LaMontagne, A.D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Emergency and protective services personnel (e.g., police, ambulance, fire-fighters, defence, prison and security officers) report elevated levels of job stress and health problems. While population-level research is lacking, there has been some research suggesting suicide rates may be elevated in emergency and protective services. OBJECTIVES: This paper compares suicide rates between emergency and protective services occupational groups over a 12-year period (2001–2012) in Australia. METHOD: Labour force data was obtained from the 2006 Australian Census. Suicide data was obtained from the National Coroners Information System (NCIS). Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the …association between suicide and employment as an emergency or protective service worker (including prison and security officers) over the period 2001–2012, as compared to all other occupations. Information on suicide method was extracted from the NCIS. RESULTS: The age-adjusted suicide rate across all emergency and protective service workers was 22.4 (95% CI 19.5 to 25.2) per 100,000 in males and 7.8 in females (95% CI 4.6 to 11.00), compared to 15.5 per 100,000 (95% CI 15.2 to 15.9) for males and 3.4 (95% CI 3.2 to 3.6) for females in other occupations. The highest risk by subgroup was observed among those employed in the defence force, prison officers, and ambulance personnel. The major method of death for all occupational groups was hanging. CONCLUSIONS: Our results clearly highlight the need for suicide prevention among emergency and protective service occupations. Show more

Keywords: Intentional self-harm, emergency service worker, police, ambulance, fire-fighter, military

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172554

Citation: Work, vol. 57, no. 2, pp. 281-287, 2017

Authors: Sinakhone, Joyce K. | Hunter, Bronwyn A. | Jason, Leonard A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Women in metropolitan areas have lower employment participation and employment rates than men. Although women face multiple challenges in the labor market, those who have a history of substance use and are abstinent may have a greater disadvantage in obtaining viable employment opportunities due to factors associated with substance use. No research to date has examined employment experiences among women in recovery from substance use. OBJECTIVE: This study examined employment characteristics and experiences of women who had a history of substance use and lived in sober-living environments in urban areas. METHOD: Data were collected …through telephone interviews to sober living homes that were located in 20 urban areas. RESULTS: Themes identified through thematic analysis included employment challenges, the importance of work to substance abuse recovery, job satisfaction, employment aspirations, and employment support in the sober living home. CONCLUSION: Employment is important to women in substance abuse recovery, not only as a means for financial support, but also as a life priority. The results highlight how employer scheduling practices, low-level positions, and lack of employment supports impact recovery. Findings provide insight into the need for employment support services, including employer education and flexible policies for women in recovery. Show more

Keywords: Oxford House, recovery homes, addiction, employment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172552

Citation: Work, vol. 57, no. 2, pp. 289-295, 2017

Authors: Taib, Mohd Firdaus Mohd | Bahn, Sangwoo | Yun, Myung Hwan | Taib, Mohd Syukri Mohd

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been recognized as one of the main occupational health problems for dentists. Many studies have suggested that dentists experience work-related pain or discomfort in the neck, shoulder, and back, as well as in other parts of the body. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between specific physical and psychosocial factors and/or ergonomic conditions on MSD symptoms among dentists in Malaysia. METHODS: A group of 85 dentists was asked to complete a questionnaire to determine whether their complaints were related to physical and psychosocial factors and/or ergonomic conditions in …their practices. RESULTS: Among the nine reviewed body areas, the shoulders were most often affected by symptoms of MSDs (92.7%). Moreover, MSDs of the neck and upper back were most likely to prevent these practitioners from engaging in normal activities (32.9%). In general, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of MSD symptoms in relation to gender, age, body mass index, years in practice, number of patients, and frequency of breaks. CONCLUSIONS: Our results were consistent with those reported in other studies that focused on MSD problems among dentists in other countries. To reduce the prevalence of MSDs, more attention should be paid to instituting ergonomically sensible approaches in the dental practice setting. Show more

Keywords: Surveys, Nordic, stress, dentistry, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-172559

Citation: Work, vol. 57, no. 2, pp. 297-308, 2017