Work - Volume 69, issue 3

Authors: Skelly, Donna L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Computer workstation use is a risk factor for the development of musculoskeletal disorders. Governmental guidelines have been developed as a resource for workstation set-up to minimize this risk. The degree of worksite compliance with guidelines has not been examined. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine workstations using the VDT Workstation Checklist to determine compliance, and potential modifications. METHODS: Subjects were recruited from a variety of work settings in Erie, PA. Workstations were assessed with the worker present, using the VDT Workstation Checklist. Adjustments and recommendations were made as appropriate. RESULTS: …Of the 60 workstations examined, 48%did not receive a passing score. All but one were correctable to an acceptable level with minimal low-cost modifications. The recommendation for wrist rests (43%), changes in monitor height (30%) or position (27%) and reposition of the keyboard (13.3%) and mouse (13.3%) were the most frequent modifications. Ten (16.7%) workstations did not require modification. CONCLUSIONS: Almost half of workstations reviewed were not in compliance with current guidelines, however almost all (98%) could be brought into compliance with simple modifications. Office workers need guidance in setting up workspace and adjusting ergonomic equipment to provide comfortable and safe work settings and minimize musculoskeletal symptoms. Show more

Keywords: Observational assessment, VDT workstation checklist, musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213532

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1019-1026, 2021

Authors: Armenta-Hernández, Oziely Daniela | Maldonado-Macías, Aidé Aracely | Baez-Lopez, Yolanda Angélica | Realyvásquez-Vargas, Arturo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This research work establishes the relationship between job strain and being overweight among Mexican managers. Recently in Mexico, there has been a sharp increase in work-related diseases and mental health disorders. Furthermore, evidence shows that Mexicans rank top among employees who suffer from stress, yet research on the impact of job strain on the phenomena of obesity and being overweight among such vulnerable job positions in the industrial field is scarce. METHODS: The sample included 170 overweight middle and senior managers from six companies in the Mexican Manufacturing Industry. Cedillo’s Spanish version of the Job Content Questionnaire …by Karasek was used, and the Body Mass Index (BMI) was used to characterize an overweight condition. Structural Equations Modelling studied the relationships among variables. RESULTS: Even though, the model shows a power of explanation of 6%(R2  = 0.06), the variable showing the greatest direct effect on the overweight variable is social support, with 21%(p  < 0.01, β= –0.21). Regarding the total effects, only two of the four variables studied contributed directly to the overweight variation: the social support variable and the job demand variable. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the model hold a relatively low explanatory power; however, they do show a relationship between the studied variables. Also, the importance of the supervisor and co-workers’ support should be considered when developing organizational strategies for the prevention of work stress and an overweight condition. Show more

Keywords: Work stress, obesity, body mass index, white-collar positions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213533

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1027-1040, 2021

Authors: Roll, Shawn C. | Hardison, Mark E. | Forrest, Jane L. | Colclazier, Nikki L. | Sumi, Joyce Y. | Baker, Nancy A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are prevalent in dental hygienists. Although engineering controls and ergonomic training is available, it is unclear why this intransigent problem continues. One possible barrier is that a comprehensive, standardized protocol for evaluating dental hygiene work does not exist. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to generate a valid and reliable observational protocol for the assessment of dental hygiene work. METHODS: An iterative process was used to establish and refine an ecologically valid video acquisition and observation protocol to assess key activities, tasks, and performance components of dental hygiene work. RESULTS: Good inter-rater …reliability was achieved across all variables when the final coding scheme was completed by three independent raters. CONCLUSIONS: This work provides an exemplar of the process required to generate a comprehensive protocol for evaluating the work components of a particular job, and provides standardized nomenclature for use by scientists and practitioners interested in understanding and addressing the pervasive issue of work-related disorders in dental hygienists. Show more

Keywords: Dental hygienists, research protocol, clinical, ergonomics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213534

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1041-1052, 2021

Authors: Lexén, Annika | Emmelin, Maria | Hansson, Lars | Svensson, Bengt | Porter, Susann | Bejerholm, Ulrika

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lack of mental health literacy among rehabilitation professionals and employers in the return-to-work of persons with mental health problems resulted in the development of a three-day group training program, the Support to Employers from rehabilitation Actors about Mental health (SEAM) intervention. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of SEAM on rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge and beliefs, attitudes, and supporting behaviors towards people with mental health problems and employers as part of the return-to-work process. METHODS: In this longitudinal study, 94 rehabilitation professionals were included. Data were collected prior to (T1), immediately after (T2) and 6 months after …SEAM training (T3) using knowledge and attitude scales and a questionnaire on supporting behaviors. SEAM includes training in Mental Health First Aid, presentations and discussions on current research on work and mental health, and strategies and communication guidelines to use when meeting service users and employers as part of the return-to-work of persons with mental health problems. SEAM also includes a homepage with targeted employer information. Data were analyzed using non-parametric statistics. RESULTS: SEAM significantly increased rehabilitation professionals’ knowledge of mental health (T1-T2: z  = –2.037, p  = 0.042; T2-T3: z  = –5.093, p  = 0.001), and improved their attitudes towards persons with mental health problems (T1-T2: z  = 4.984, p  = 0.001). Professionals (50–60%) also estimated that they had increased their use of supporting strategies towards service users and employers. CONCLUSIONS: The study suggests that SEAM can increase mental health literacy among rehabilitation professionals and lead to a greater focus on service users’ resources and work ability, as well as on employers’ support needs. Show more

Keywords: Vocational rehabilitation, occupational health, mental illness, occupational therapy, Mental Health First Aid

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213535

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1053-1061, 2021

Authors: Lyhne, Cecilie N. | Nielsen, Claus V. | Kristiansen, Sanne T. | Bjerrum, Merete B.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Work participation among employees with depression is hampered due to cognitive impairments. Although studies show higher levels of work disability among people with a lower education, highly educated employees may encounter specific challenges in fulfilling their work role due to the cognitive impairments of depression, as they often perform cognitively demanding jobs. There is little knowledge about their challenges and opportunities with regard to work participation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate how highly educated employees with depression manage work participation by focusing on their views on opportunities and challenges in fulfilling their work role. METHODS: Eight individual …interviews with highly educated employees with depression were conducted. Transcripts were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: The analysis revealed four categories: struggling with acknowledging depression and disclosure ; fear of being stigmatised at work ; work is a motivator in life ; and striving to fulfil the work role at the expense of private life activities . CONCLUSIONS: Highly educated employees with depression need guidance regarding the disclosure of information about health issues and work ability. To successfully manage their work role, they need a clear plan with outlined tasks, demands and goals. Healthcare professionals and workplaces should support them in setting limits with regard to work tasks and working hours. Show more

Keywords: Mental disorders, vocational rehabilitation, disclosure, qualitative interview, qualitative content analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213536

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1063-1073, 2021

Authors: Finkelstein, Claudia | Ordway, Anne | Johnson, Kurt L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Burnout is widely regarded as a syndrome resulting from chronic occupational stress. While physician burnout has been the subject of extensive research, physician wellness has been proposed as an alternative framework for understanding physician distress. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the organizational context of faculty wellness within an academic health care system. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 chairs of clinical and non-clinical departments in a US university school of medicine. RESULTS: Chairs described several system-level factors perceived to interfere with faculty wellness such as a stricter …regulatory environment, the loss of professional autonomy, the up or out promotion system, limitless hours, and the rise of shadow work. While all chairs articulated some degree of responsibility for the wellness of their faculty, some said they lacked the skills or knowledge of resources to fully engage in this role. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study are consistent with recent research on physician burnout, which has pivoted from describing burnout as an individual responsibility to including the professional, organizational, and societal factors which likely contribute to physician job satisfaction and well-being. As health care organizations, including academic medical centers, move toward systems-based solutions for physician occupational health, it will be incumbent upon organizational leaders to make administrative decisions favoring physician wellness. Show more

Keywords: Physician burnout, occupational stress, organizational change, culture of wellness

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213537

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1075-1081, 2021

Authors: Rombaut, Evy | Guerry, Marie-Anne

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in HR-analytics because of its ability to analyze employee behavior based on HR data. Predicting voluntary turnover of employees is an important topic of study, both in academia and industry. OBJECTIVE: The current study analyzes determinants for turnover, distinguishing between blue and white collar workers. The turnover analyses are based on a dataset from a payroll company, in contrary to previous turnover studies that used survey and interview data. METHODS: The studied dataset contains demographic and work specific factors for more than 380000 employees in 15692 Belgian corporations. Logistic regression …is used to estimate individual turnover probabilities, the goodness of the model is tested with the AUC method. RESULTS: The study confirms turnover determinants and differences between blue and white collar workers that were described in previous work based on survey and interview data. Additionally, the study exposes so far unstudied turnover determinants and differences between blue and white collar workers. Confirmed determinants are among others age, seniority, pay and work distance. New determinants are company car, meal vouchers, night work and sickness. Different relationships to turnover are revealed for blue and white collar workers based on gender, number of children, nationality and pay. CONCLUSIONS: The presented dataset-based approach has its merit in analyzing turnover: it enables to study actual turnover instead of turnover intentions, and reveals new turnover determinants and differences between blue and white collar workers. Show more

Keywords: Voluntary turnover, HR-analytics, blue and white collar workers

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213538

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1083-1101, 2021

Authors: Kahya, Emin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The number of studies investigating the relationship between office employees and the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is limited. Only a few focused on assessing workplace ergonomics of office employees. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the risk of MSDs and associated factors in the office workplaces of a large-size manufacturing company. METHODS: Data were gathered from 208 office employees from a manufacturing company via Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA) and Cornell questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed to examine the relationship between ergonomic risk levels and MSDs reported by the office staff. …RESULTS: The mean ROSA final score is 3.52 (std. dev. = 0.71), chair section is 3.30, monitor and telephone section is 2.18, and mouse and keyboard section is 2.69. Thirty-nine of 208 (18.8%) office workplaces are at risk. The most important factor to raise the risk level is found to be the height and depth of the chair. The Cornell questionnaire results highlight that the highest discomfort severity is related to the neck (32.26%), lower back (23.23%) and upper back (22.26%). The discomforts in the neck (r  = 0.362), upper back (r  = 0.404) and lower back (r  = 0.368) are moderately and positively correlated according to the final ROSA score. The results indicate that the highest risked departments are Accounting, Sub Industry, Production Planning, and Manufacturing Management. CONCLUSION: The parameters associated with the chair section should be considered a priority for reducing and eliminating MSDs among office employees. Show more

Keywords: Office employee, musculoskeletal disorder, rapid office strain assessment, cornell questionnaire

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213539

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1103-1113, 2021

Authors: Widar, Linda | Wall, Erika | Svensson, Sven

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The complex position of a first line manager is characterized by heavy workload and contradictory demands. Little is known about how first line managers experience demand and control in their work. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore experiences of demand and control among first line managers within psychiatric and addiction care. METHOD: In the present study, interviews with ten managers in for-profit psychiatric and addiction care in Sweden were analyzed with a phenomenographic approach. RESULTS: The managers experiences of demand and control implied varied and extensive responsibilities for a wide …range of professions; regulation by organizational, economic, and political frameworks; creating balance in their work; and handling the emergence and consequences of acute crisis. These experiences of demand and control involved high and contradictory demands together with coexisting high and low levels of control. Many of their work characteristics could be described in terms of both demand and control. CONSLUSION: The first line managers experiences of demand and control are more complex than implied by the job demand control theory. Our results suggest that the organizational position and branch should be considered when identifying health hazards in the work environment of first line managers. Show more

Keywords: Managerial position, job strain, for-profit care, interviews, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-213540

Citation: Work, vol. 69, no. 3, pp. 1115-1123, 2021