Work - Volume 73, issue 3

Authors: Grönlund, Anne | Öun, Ida

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The potential of flexible scheduling to alleviate work-family tensions and replace female part-time work has not been thoroughly explored. Specifically, research has not acknowledged that employees’ schedule control may be conditioned by organizational demands for availability and commitment. OBJECTIVE: We examine the links between flexibility and gendered patterns of work-family reconciliation by considering how work arrangements balance employer demands and employee control and how they relate to work-family tensions. METHODS: Using mixed-methods, we combine a survey of Swedish parents (n  = 2320) with interviews of survey respondents (n  = 40). First, we identify clusters of flexible work …arrangements and explore differences between mothers and fathers. Second, we analyze the relationship between flexible work arrangements and work-family tensions. Finally, the qualitative data are used to explore how flexibility/lack of flexibility enter into parents’ work-family tensions and negotiations. RESULTS: Three types of flexible work arrangements are found. Boundaryless jobs, which combine high levels of control with high requirements for organizational flexibility, are more common among fathers and highly educated. Confined jobs have low levels of both employee- and employer-oriented flexibility, but high demands, and are common among mothers and in female-dominated workplaces. Despite higher levels of control, boundaryless jobs are not associated with less work-family conflict. In malleable jobs, control is relatively high and demands low and work-family tensions are less noticeable. CONCLUSIONS: Employer- and employee-oriented flexibility go hand in hand, but work arrangements differ radically between groups. High flexibility does not alleviate work-family tensions, and part-time work remains an important work-family strategy for mothers. Show more

Keywords: Flexibility, schedule control, gender, organizational demands, work-family reconciliation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210668

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 843-856, 2022

Authors: Gyllensten, Kristina | Fredriksson, Sofie | Widen, Stephen | Söderberg, Mia | Waye, Kerstin Persson

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Noise is a common workplace problem that can affect health and performance. High sound levels have been found in sectors that largely has been overlooked in noise research such as health care and education. In these communication-intense environments the work requires speech communication, thus making it difficult to wear hearing protection. OBJECTIVE: To explore nurses’ and preschool teachers’ experiences of taking part in a participatory intervention project aiming to improve the sound environment and the psychosocial work environment. METHODS: One preschool and one obstetrics ward took part in the study, and a qualitative design was …used to evaluate the experience of the participatory intervention approach. RESULTS: Five main themes were found in the analysis: Awareness; Taking control of the sound environment; Influence of the building and interior design; Circumstances influencing the intervention process; and Motivation to maintain change. CONCLUSIONS: Despite demanding working situations and lack of financial resources, preschool and obstetrics staff described being creative in planning and implementing several different solutions to improve the sound environment at their workplaces, while interventions specifically improving the psychosocial work environment were fewer. Hence, our study suggest that a participatory intervention approach may facilitate participation and motivation, but resources and support are needed for a comprehensive and effective implementation. Show more

Keywords: Occupational noise, sound environment, participatory interventions, communication-intense working environment, qualitative analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211009

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 857-869, 2022

Authors: Liu, Li | Guo, Fu

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Due to the prevalence and increased demand for manual packaging tasks, the concern for worker health and safety has grown. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the effects of gender and work postures on subjective discomfort, muscle fatigue, and kinematics during a manual packaging task. METHODS: Twenty participants, including 10 males and 10 females, were recruited to perform a 60-minute manual packaging task in sitting and standing postures. RESULTS: Discomfort was evidenced by increased the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) values (sit: from 6 to 14.55; stand: from 6 to 17.15) and muscle …fatigue was supported by decreased median power frequency (MPF) values for right brachioradialis (RB) (sit: –23.68%; stand: –16.20%), right upper trapezius (RUT) (sit: –20.14%; stand: 11.79%), and right erector spinae (RES) (sit: 8.64%; stand: 11.21%) muscles. Women were more likely to bend forward in a relaxed upper body position, especially while sitting, which may increase the risk of low back pain and women also reported greater discomfort than men, but not in the hands and back. Compared with sitting, the back showed greater muscle fatigue in standing, while muscle fatigue for the shoulders and hands was the opposite. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that work posture should be considered to prevent fatigue in manual packaging tasks. Given the impact of gender on muscle fatigue, work performed by women and men should both be considered. The results can help to develop action strategies and work posture design to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the manual packaging industry. Show more

Keywords: Work postures, gender, EMG, musculoskeletal disorders, kinematics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205107

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 871-879, 2022

Authors: Ohlendorf, Daniela | Schneidereit, Laura | Hermanns, Ingo | Holzgreve, Fabian | Maltry, Laura | Ellegast, Rolf | Wanke, Eileen M. | Nienhaus, Albert | Groneberg, David A.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Working in forced postures and standing continuously can be classified as straining the musculoskeletal system. OBJECTIVE: Since such postures are frequently used in hospital canteen kitchens, we used kinematic analysis to determine the working postures of canteen kitchen staff. METHODS: In this study, the daily work routine of 18 (11 w/7 m) workers of a hospital canteen kitchen (Frankfurt Main/Germany) aged 21–62 years (46±13 years) was examined by means of kinematic analysis (CULEA system; IFA; Sankt Augustin/Germany) and a detailed computerized analysis of the activities performed on-site. Angle values of the head and trunk were evaluated in …accordance with ergonomic standards and presented using percentile values (P05-P95). The OWAS method was also employed to capture the proportions of standing, walking and sitting work. RESULTS: The kinematic posture analysis showed for all activities on the conveyor belt a tendency towards a dorsally inclined body position: trunk inclination (–7.5° to 0), thoracic spine inclination or a bending forward (–11.3° to 0°) and curvature of the back within the thoracic spine (–15.2° to 0°). In addition, >90% of the “activities on the belt” (46% of the daily working routine) were carried out standing. CONCLUSION: The activities on the conveyor belt were characterized by a tendency towards hyperextension of the trunk, possibly due to a too high working environment. Furthermore, an increased burden on body structures while standing can be concluded. From a primary prevention perspective, this increased standing load should be reduced by behavioral and relational prevention measures. Show more

Keywords: Musculoskeletal diseases, canteen kitchen, kinematic analysis, CUELA, occupational medicine

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205170

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 881-894, 2022

Authors: Kordsmeyer, Ann-Christin | Mette, Janika | Harth, Volker | Mache, Stefanie

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The current state of research indicates pregnancy-related discrimination as a potential stressor during pregnancy for women at work, which may result in perceptions of occupational stress. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine women’s perceptions of pregnancy-related stressors at work, problem- and emotion-focused coping strategies as well as attributed consequences for mental, physical and social dimensions. METHODS: The survey was completed online with a cross-sectional study design. Inclusion criteria for the study participation were being currently pregnant and engaged in paid work (regardless of full-time or part-time work). Women were recruited via social …media and with the support of pro familia . RESULTS: Results indicate that 79 (53.4%, n  = 148) participating women experienced pregnancy-related stressors at work. The most relevant kinds of stressors were intrapersonal stressors and interpersonal stressors related to employers or colleagues. The most prevalent coping strategy was to seek social support or advice from gynaecologists. Attributed physical consequences were exhaustion, fatigue and sleeping disorders. Mental health consequences were named in terms of feeling emotionally upset and having fears related to the baby’s health. CONCLUSIONS: Family-friendly support policies need to be further developed and topics like pregnancy-related stressors need to be addressed in an occupational context. Especially the perspective and knowledge of employers on the topic needs to be strengthened, e.g., to ensure an ongoing communication between employers, HR and employees during pregnancy. Further research is needed which provides representative data, analyses employer’s experiences and their attitudes in managing pregnancies as well as consequences for women when returning to work. Show more

Keywords: Coping strategies, mental health, occupational stress, pregnancy, working conditions

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205212

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 895-906, 2022

Authors: Lee, Youngjae | Srinivasan, Divya | Rawlings, Cara | Madigan, Michael L.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Slips, trips, and falls are the second leading cause of non-fatal injuries in workplace in the United States. A stage combat landing strategy is used in the theatre arts to reduce the risk of fall-induced injury, and may be a viable approach among some working populations. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare fall impact characteristics between experts in stage combat landing strategy and naïve participants after four training sessions of stage combat landing strategy training. METHODS: Forward and backward falls from standing were induced by releasing participants from static leans. Participants fell …onto a foam mat, and impact force was measured using force platforms under the mat. A statistical equivalence test was used to determine if impact characteristics between groups were similar. RESULTS: Results indicated equivalence between groups in peak impact force during backward but not forward falls. Equivalence between groups in impact time suggested a mechanism by which equivalence in peak impact force as achieve. CONCLUSIONS: Four training sessions was sufficient for naïve participants to exhibit fall impact characteristics similar to experts in an anecdotally-effective landing strategy, and support further study. To our knowledge, this was the first study to investigate training for a landing strategy involving stepping after losses of balance from standing. Show more

Keywords: Accidental falls, landing strategy, training, impact force, injury

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205236

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 907-913, 2022

Authors: da Silva, Ravenna Leite | da Silva, Luiz Bueno | Silva, Aryelle Nayra Azevedo

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nursing is among the most stressful professions. Studies that examine possible factors that influence the mental workload (MWL) of nurses are of fundamental importance, because through these results, efforts can be concentrated on improving their working conditions more efficiently. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of hospital infection on the MWL of nurses in an intensive care unit (ICU). METHOD: Cross-sectional and descriptive study, with a quantitative approach. Three research instruments were used: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and the Nursing Work Index-Revised Brazilian version (B-NWI-R). The sample consisted of 30 nurses …from the ICU of a public hospital in João Pessoa city, Brazil, during the daytime period, and the Spearman correlation test (α= 0,05) was applied to verify associations. RESULTS: There was a high MWL among nurses, with a NASA-TLX weighted average of 66.38 (SD±15.0). Correlations were found between the levels of hospital infection in the ICU and the MWL of the nurses (r  = 0.654, p  < 0.01); in the nurses’ care of patients with urinary tract infection, the correlation is 0.546, p  < 0.01; if care is provided to patients with lung problems, the correlation is 0.563, p  < 0.01 The ICU presented a favorable environment to nursing practices, with means lower than 2.5, according to the B-NWI-R. CONCLUSION: The MWL of the nurses was associated with the hospital infection levels of the intensive care sector studied. It was found that the MWL of nurses in relation to hospital infection in the ICU increased by 42.8%. This MWL is impacted by 29.8% when nurses’ care is linked to patients with urinary infection. But if care is provided to patients with lung problems, this percentage rises to 31.7% Show more

Keywords: Nursing, cross infection, intensive care unit

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205266

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 915-925, 2022

Authors: Huang, Yueng-Hsiang | Sears, Jeanne M. | He, Yimin | Courtney, Theodore K. | Rega, Elisa | Kelly, Anna

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Safety climate (SC) is a robust leading indicator of occupational safety outcomes. There is, however, limited research on SC among workers who have returned to work with a work-related permanent impairment. OBJECTIVE: This study examined three propositions: (1) a two-level model of SC (group-level and organization-level SC) will provide the best fit to the data; (2) antecedent factors such as safety training, job demands, supervisor support, coworker support, and decision latitude will predict SC; and (3) previously reported associations between SC and outcomes such as reinjury, work-family conflict, job performance, and job security will be observed. …METHOD: A representative cross-sectional survey gathered information about experiences during the first year of work reintegration. About one year after claim closure, 599 interviews with workers were conducted (53.8% response rate). Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted to test the factor structure of the SC construct. Further, researchers used correlation analyses to examine the criterion-related validity. RESULTS: Consistent with general worker populations, our findings suggest the following: (1) the two-factor structure of SC outperformed the single-factor structure in our population of workers with a permanent impairment; (2) correlations demonstrate that workplace safety training, decision latitude, supervisor support, coworker support, and job demands could predict SC; and (3) SC may positively impact reinjury risk, work-family conflict, and may increase job performance and job security. CONCLUSIONS: Our study validated a two-factor SC scale among workers with a history of disabling workplace injury or permanent impairment who have returned to work. Practical applications of this scale will equip organizations with the necessary data to improve working conditions for this population. Show more

Keywords: Safety climate, injured workers with permanent impairment, return-to-work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205285

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 927-936, 2022

Authors: Sohrabi, Younes | Yarmohammadi, Hamed | Pouya, Amin Babaei | Arefi, Maryam Feiz | Hassanipour, Soheil | Poursadeqiyan, Mohsen

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses experience many job tensions, which lead to job burnout. The consequences of nurses’ job burnout include absenteeism, reduced quality of patient care, interpersonal conflicts with colleagues, physical and mental problems, reluctance to provide care with patients, and quitting the job. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of job burnout among nurses in Iran using a meta-analysis method. METHOD: The study was conducted through a meta-analysis method based on the PRISMA checklist. An unlimited search was conducted until 2020 to access the Persian and English papers in national databases, including Medlib, SID, …Iranmedex, and Magiran, and databases including Cochrane, Science-Direct, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. The keywords were “job burnout, nurse, and Iran.” The data were searched and extracted by two researchers independently. All analyses were performed using version 2.0 of the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) software. RESULTS: The prevalence of job burnout was investigated in 14 papers with a sample size of 2271 individuals with an average age of 31.44 years old, and a confidence interval of 55% (44–66%). Fars province, with 89.2%, had the highest, and Zanjan province, with 25.9%, experienced the lowest prevalence of job burnout. The overall prevalence of job burnout was 44% in males and 66% in females so that the highest prevalence was in women. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of job burnout in nurses was high in some areas of Iran. A special attention by managers is needed in this field because of the several roles played by the nurses in the healthcare system and the improvement of public health. Implementation of plans to reduce the job burnout and to improve the mental health of nurses by reducing work hours, giving more opportunities to them to express their opinion(s) in amount of salary and benefits, and creating better working conditions are recommended. Show more

Keywords: Job burnout, nurse, Iran, systematic review, meta-analysis

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210283

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 937-943, 2022

Authors: Adachi, Katsunori | Inaba, Ryoichi

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) is widely used as a psychometric assessment scale to measure work engagement by relative evaluation. Determining standard values for absolute evaluation would make it more useful. The merit of absolute evaluation is that it can offer an objective evaluation to personnel members regardless of their status in the organization. OBJECTIVE: This study examines the criteria for absolute evaluation of the Japanese version of UWES-9 and creates a database for the evaluation of work engagement. METHODS: To examine the evaluation criteria for the total points of UWES-9 for 417 automotive …industry workers, responses were validated via a one-way analysis of variance and receiver-operating characteristic analysis, using the scales of “worthwhileness of work” and “level of job satisfaction” in the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire with similar work engagement concepts. RESULTS: In both scales, the ability to predict was at its highest when divided into the high work engagement group (wherein the total points of UWES-9 are 21 points and above). CONCLUSIONS: In the relative evaluation, 24 points from the average of the total points of UWES-9 is the standard. In the absolute evaluation, the lower standard around 21 points is probable. Show more

Keywords: UWES, worthwhileness of work, level of job satisfaction, evaluation criterion

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210297

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 3, pp. 945-959, 2022