Work - Volume 73, issue 4

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223647

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1089-1090, 2022

Authors: Cureton, Jenny L. | Leslie, Mykal | McMahon, Brian | Lowe, Hannah E. | Tovey, Bridget | Rumrill, Phillip D.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The most prevalent mental health diagnosis is anxiety disorder, which remains largely undertreated. OBJECTIVE: This investigation considered differences in workplace discrimination against adults with anxiety disorders during two eras of legal history: the original Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA, 1990-2008) and the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA, 2009-present). METHOD: Research questions addressed differential (a) numbers and types of allegations, (b) case resolutions, and (c) demographic characteristics of the charging parties. RESULTS: Results indicated substantially more allegations and merit-based resolutions filed by charging parties with anxiety disorders post-ADAAA. Furthermore, the post-ADAAA era revealed increases in …allegations from women and people from non-white racial groups. CONCLUSION: These findings can inform advocacy and counseling and rehabilitation services for clients who experience anxiety. Show more

Keywords: Anxiety disorders, workplace discrimination, counseling, advocacy, disabilities

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-223649

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1091-1102, 2022

Authors: Ekşi, Ali | Gümüşsoy, Süreyya | Utanır Altay, Sinem | Kirazlı, Gülce

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Violence against pre-hospital emergency health workers is a growing problem worldwide and negatively impacts the effectiveness of emergency services. The social distancing, isolation and quarantine measures that have been employed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 have also had economic and psychosocial effects. Therefore, it is important to explore how the negative repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic have influenced these violent incidents that interfere with the work of emergency medical services (EMS). OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate how violence against EMS workers has been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This …study takes an interpretive social science approach, using the qualitative method of in-depth semi-structured interviewing. Audio of the interviews was recorded with the interviewee’s consent. Sound recordings were transcribed and their content was categorised into themes. Categorised texts were then evaluated using descriptive analysis. RESULTS: Participants reported that, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they encountered more violence than usual on EMS assignments to non-emergency situations, though a sense of gratitude towards health workers at the beginning of the pandemic and positives attitudes towards health workers also contributed to reduced violence towards them. The data indicate that workplace violence among EMS employees has increased as the problems caused by the pandemic have intensified, suggesting that additional measures need to be taken to protect them. CONCLUSION: In parallel with an increase in social violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, violence against EMS workers also increased in prevalence. A multidimensional approach should now be taken to determine how violence against EMS employees will be affected by risks such as the intergenerational transmission of social violence, a psychosocial repercussion of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially considering the increasing workplace violence among EMS employees. Show more

Keywords: Violence, COVID-19, pandemic, EMS

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220147

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1103-1108, 2022

Authors: Taheri, Mohammad Reza | Mortazavi, Seyyed Bagher | Asilian, Hasan | Ahmadi, Omran

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected both global economy and public health around the world. These effects have also been observed in many workplaces, including mines. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the human error of copper miners during the pandemic. METHOD: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was performed on 192 workers of a copper mine in Iran. For this, occupation tasks were firstly analyzed using the Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), and then the human error in different subunits was assessed using the basic Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM). The prevalence of COVID-19 …among miners was determined by assessing positive PCR test records. RESULTS: The probability of human error in the operational subunits including mining, crushing, processing, and support subunits was estimated to be 0.0056, 0.056, 0.0315, and 0.0177, respectively. All three operational units were found to be in the scrambling control mode. The support unit was determined to be in the tactical control mode. Approximately 50% of all workers had been infected with COVID-19, with the highest prevalence in support units. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, copper miners are at higher risk of human error induced by poor working conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to employ some management strategies such as promotion of safety, health monitoring, and adopting supportive measures to control occupational stresses and therefore the probability of human error in the mine’s operational units. Show more

Keywords: Human errors, coronavirus, pandemic, miners, CREAM, work

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211430

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1109-1115, 2022

Authors: Küçükkaya, Burcu | Kahyaoğlu Süt, Hatice

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed working women’s workplace and family workload. The changing workplace-family workload may cause a decrease in work-family conflict management self-efficacy. The decrease in work-family conflict management self-efficacy in women may increase their depression, anxiety, and stress levels. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the relationship between Turkish women’s self-efficacy for managing work-family conflict and their depression, anxiety, and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 244 Turkish women via social media (Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp). The data were collected online through a questionnaire, the Depression Anxiety …Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and sub-scales of the Self-Efficacy for Managing Work-Family Conflict Scale (SE-WFC): Work-to-Family Conflict (WFC) and Family-to-Work Conflict (FWC). RESULTS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, 87.3% of working women experienced an increase in their family workload (100% increase in cooking and cleaning jobs). On the other hand, workplace workload of 83% of women increased. According to DASS-21, women experienced depression (55.7%), anxiety (49.6%) and stress (63.1%). A negative correlation was found between the mean scores of WFC/FWC and the mean scores of depression, anxiety, and stress. (p  < 0.001). CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Turkish women’s self-efficacy for managing work-family and family-work conflict decreased, and their depression, anxiety, and stress levels increased. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, pandemic, women, self-efficacy, work-family conflict, depression, anxiety, stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220190

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1117-1124, 2022

Authors: Akbolat, Mahmut | Durmuş, Ayhan | Ünal, Özgün | Ezen, Mustafa

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, if it is considered that educated manpower is the most valuable resource of countries, it can be thought that various policies should be developed both at the macro- and micro-levels to minimize the loss of healthcare employees. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the effects of the corporate policies for COVID-19 on the work stress and anxiety of healthcare employees. METHOD: The sample of the study consists of 136 of 265 healthcare employees in Sakarya Provincial Health Directorate Emergency Health Services in Turkey. The average age of the participants …was 34.43 years, and the average duration of professional experience was 12.12 years. Approximately 61% of the participants are male and 51% have a bachelor’s degree or higher level. A questionnaire form was used in the study as the data collection tool consisting of socio-demographic characteristics, institutional policies on COVID-19, work stress, and the Status Anxiety Scale. Process Macro Model 4, descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were used for the data analysis. RESULTS: According to the results of the study, the corporate policies for COVID-19 perception of participants were above average (3.30±0.82) while work stress (2.99±0.88) and anxiety (2.65±0.56) were below average. The corporate policies for COVID-19 perception of participants reduced their work stress (β = – 0.430) and anxiety (β = – 0.361). Additionally, anxiety played a mediating role in the effect of the corporate policies for COVID-19 perception on work stress, and it further raised the impact of corporate policies for COVID-19 perception on the work stress reduction (β = – 0.169). CONCLUSIONS: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health managers should determine and control the anxiety and stress levels of the health employees on their staff and take a number of steps to reduce their anxiety and stress. Show more

Keywords: Anxiety, COVID-19, organizational policy, stress

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205197

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1125-1133, 2022

Authors: Appannan, Jeya Santhini | Maheswaran, Logeswary | Raimee, Nuraishah | Lim, Wan Leng | Amran, Faridah Hanum

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Millions of employees were laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospitality industry has been gravely hit by this crisis. OBJECTIVE: Drawing from the theory of conservation of resources (COR), our study aims to examine possible factors that influence turnover intention among hotel employees. METHODS: The hypotheses were tested on 141 hotel employees from Klang Valley, Malaysia. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, purposive sampling was employed, and PLS-SEM was used in performing the data analyses. RESULTS: Job insecurity and psychological distress were found to be the potent antecedent of turnover intention. …In contrast, the role of perceived supervisor support did not significantly moderate the effects of both job insecurity and psychological distress on the quitting intention. CONCLUSION: Re-looking at existing policies and leadership styles may be fruitful in ensuring the sustainability path of an organization. This is pivotal in growing back the entire hospitality industry that has gravely affected by COVID-19. Show more

Keywords: Conservation of resources theory, turnover intention, hospitality industry, COVID-19, Malaysia

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211467

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1135-1145, 2022

Authors: Bernuzzi, Chiara | Sommovigo, Valentina | Setti, Ilaria

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In an increasingly competitive marketplace, workers struggle to find a good balance between work and personal life. Difficulties in fulfilling the demands arising from these different domains may undermine employees’ well-being and job-related outcomes, thereby, impairing organizational productivity. OBJECTIVE: Does resilience play a relevant role in relation to work-life interface? And, if so, how is resilience related to its three facets (i.e., work-life conflict, enrichment, and balance)? To answer these questions, the current paper systematically reviews studies analysing the role of resilience in the work-life interface. METHODS: A key terms literature search was performed using …multiple electronic databases (i.e., Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, PubMed) without setting any publication date limitation. The review process followed the international PRISMA statement guidelines. A quality assessment was conducted using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. RESULTS: A total of 26 eligible papers published between 2009 and 2020 were included. Among these, 6 employed a qualitative design, while 20 studies adopted a quantitative design mostly examining resilience as antecedent. Data were predominantly collected in the healthcare sector. Resilience was mainly analysed in relation to work-life conflict. The most commonly used theoretical framework was Conservation of Resources theory. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, resilience was negatively associated with work-life conflict and positively related to both work-life balance and enrichment. A positive work-life balance can promote resilience, but resilience can also help workers to balance work and life. Additionally, resilience can protect from the negative effects of both work-life imbalance and work-life conflict on workers’ health and job-related outcomes. Show more

Keywords: Resilience, work-life conflict, work-life enrichment, work-life balance, systematic review

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205023

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1147-1165, 2022

Authors: Merrigan, Justin J. | Burke, Adam A. | Eddo, Oladipo O. | Kearney, James | Marks, Daniel | Martin, Joel R.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Law enforcement recruits (LER) often encounter shoulder injuries, which may cause attrition from academies. Investigating required upper body muscular fitness may inform of muscular balance around shoulder joints through anterior and posterior ratios in LER. OBJECTIVE: To investigate push to pull ratios (P2P) and factors related with P2P in LER. METHODS: LER (95 males; 12 females) completed testing during a single session in the academy’s first week: body mass, one-repetition maximum (1RM) bench press, push-up repetitions (reps) to failure, and pull-up reps to failure. Calculations were: estimated pull-up 1RM=body mass+0.033*(body mass x pull-ups); endurance P2P …(eP2P)=push-ups / pull-ups; strength P2P (sP2P)=bench press 1RM / estimated pull-up 1RM. Pearson correlation coefficients assessed relationships among tests and P2P (p  < 0.05). RESULTS: The sP2P was positively correlated with bench press 1RM and push-ups. The eP2P was negatively associated with pull-up reps and 1RM. Females had similar eP2P, but lower sP2P than male recruits (p  < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Practitioners may benefit from examining eP2P and sP2P as they should not be used interchangeably. Future research should examine whether the P2P ratios are associated with injury and subsequent inability to successfully complete law enforcement training academies. Show more

Keywords: Upper body assessment, muscular fitness, tactical athlete, strength, endurance, training academy

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210761

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1167-1174, 2022

Authors: Banerjee, Paromita | Reddy, Bhanuprakash G. | Gavaravarapu, SubbaRao M.

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The work style of employees engaged in the Information Technology (IT) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sectors in India is dominantly sedentary exposing them to detrimental obesogenic environments with unhealthy diets, increasing the risk of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Workplace health interventions have been reported to have the potential of reducing NCDs and related risk factors among the employees and thus reduce cost of absenteeism and improve productivity. OBJECTIVE: This formative research study aims to explore the opportunities and barriers of the development and implementation of a Workplace Health Programme (WHP). METHODS: In this study, a …mixed method including qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with employees and senior managers in employers of IT/BPO companies of different sizes in Hyderabad, India. The food and physical activity environment in the workplaces were explored using a checklist and ground truthing approach. A knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) questionnaire was developed to assess health, nutrition and physical activity of the employees. RESULTS: Through this formative research, the required areas for nutrition, physical activity and health education were identified. The scope of utilising existing facilities for physical activity and modifying the food environment was explored. We noted optimistic bias among the junior employees who did not consider themselves at risk of developing NCDs. CONCLUSIONS: The identified opportunities and barriers will help in developing strategic WHPs suitable to individual workplaces. The qualitative methods, ground truthing approach, checklist and KAP tools used here can assess the company environment and employee health and nutrition status. Show more

Keywords: Workplace wellness, employee health, focus group discussion, non-communicable diseases, food environment

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211017

Citation: Work, vol. 73, no. 4, pp. 1175-1187, 2022