Work - Volume Pre-press, issue Pre-press

Authors: Johanna Karwehl, Laura | Frischkorn, Jonas | Walter, Lothar | Kauffeld, Simone

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Semantic analyses of patents have been used for years to unlock technical knowledge. Nevertheless, information retrievable from patents remains widely unconsidered when making strategic decisions, when recruiting candidates or deciding which qualifications to offer to employees in technological fields. OBJECTIVES: This paper provides an approach to evaluate whether competencies and competence demands in technological fields can be derived from patents and if this process can be automated to a certain extent. METHODS: A sample of significant patents is analyzed with regard to comprised competence data via semantic structures like n-gram and Subject-–Action–Object …(SAO) analysis. The retrieved data is cleansed and matched semantically to inventor competencies from social career networks and checked for similarities. RESULTS: A social career network profile analysis of significant inventors revealed a total of 570 competencies that were matched with the results of the n-gram and SAO analysis. Overall, 15%of the extracted social career network competence data were covered through extracted n-grams (87 out of 570 terms), while the SAO analysis showed a match rate of 18.8%, covering 107 terms. CONCLUSIONS: The outlined approach suggests a partly automatable process of promising character to identify technological competence demands in patents. Show more

Keywords: Semantic patent analysis, competence foresight, Human resource analytics

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211262

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-20, 2022

Authors: Weigel, Andreas | Baumgart, Thorben Lukas | Zeuge, Anna | Sauter, Louisa Maria | Niehaves, Bjoern | Huchler, Norbert | Heinlein, Michael | Wittal, Regina | Staiger, Benjamin

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The virtual and real worlds of work are increasingly merging through digital transformation. This also applies to products and services. Virtual Reality (VR) with all its learning opportunities is a promising technology to improve workflows and enable transparency between different departments and organizations. This transparency is particularly important when it comes to preventing potentially dangerous work situations. OBJECTIVE: We investigate weaknesses in competence transfer processes between computer-aided designers and service employees connected in a hybrid value chain. On the one hand, designers receive only little feedback, hence are missing necessary evaluation to adjust their designs to empirical …specifications. On the other hand, service employees, therefore, work with sometimes impractical machine designs which makes their work on-site unergonomic, dangerous, and more difficult. METHODS: We present a design science-driven, empirical approach to provide enhanced competence transfer with the help of VR. Thereby, we evaluate a self-developed VR demonstrator with an iterative approach consisting of 60 qualitative interviews. RESULTS: The developed VR demonstrator supports interorganizational sharing of (tacit) knowledge by enabling designers to take the service perspective and ensuring collaboration across organizational boundaries. By intentionally using VR technology as an interruption to the work, the design can be viewed from a service perspective and evaluated for occupational safety and health issues. CONCLUSIONS: The work process improvements achieved by the VR demonstrator enable early consideration of design issues that are particularly relevant to safety, thus ensuring greater occupational safety and health protection in the processes for service employees. Show more

Keywords: Design science research, perspective taking, tacit knowledge transfer, interruption, collaboration

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211244

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-17, 2022

Authors: Henrotin, Jean-Bernard | Petit-Gelin, Véronique

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The Oxford shoulder score (OSS) questionnaire for measuring patient perception of shoulder disability, has not tested specifically in a non-surgical population and no study has assessed the OSS with modern psychometrics based on Rasch model (RM). OBJECTIVE: To assess the psychometric properties of the OSS using RM among health-care workers with shoulder disorders and to verify its interest in a non-surgical population. METHODS: In an occupational health department of a French hospital center, a retrospective review was performed of the medical records from June 2019 to October 2020. Responses to 110 questionnaires were examined from …55 subjects (97% of women). A polytomous Rasch model based on the Partial Credit Model was used. RESULTS: Overall fit was satisfactory, the reliability coefficient was high and an ascending order was observed with the 5 categories of the scale. Analysis of the residuals supports unidimensionality and the local independence assumption. Item performance remained stable across the subgroup examined (DIF measures). Scale to-sample targeting indicated a substantial floor effect, and the mildest impairments were not well discriminated. CONCLUSIONS: OSS presents good psychometric qualities. However, it does not clearly discriminate subjects presenting the lowest levels of impairment. Its use in a non-surgical population is questionable. Show more

Keywords: Shoulder, patient health questionnaire, psychometrics, health personnel, hospitals, occupational health

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205334

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-10, 2022

Authors: Andalib, Elham | Faghani, Masoumeh | Heidari, Mahmoud | Tabari Khomeiran, Rasoul

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: After the spread of infectious diseases, people stay at home as a shelter space to be safe and sound. Current homes and work spaces have shown not to be a good environment for health and hygiene. During different crises of infectious diseases, architects and designers analyze the needs for change and evolve of environments to achieve a suitable design that prevents the spread of pathogens. OBJECTIVES: This proper design should help improve people’s living standards and mental health in terms of functionality and environmental psychology. METHODS: In the traditional architecture of some …countries, such as Canada, Japan, and Iran, the vestibule has provided some possibility of separating the external and internal space. The design of the intermediate space with the appropriate scale of today’s buildings at the entrance can create a filter between the indoor and outdoor environments by dividing these spaces. RESULTS: The use of intermediate space by modern technology can prevent the transfer of viral infection into the interior of the building. This can be done by removing the virus from clothes, changing or covering shoes, disinfecting equipment, separating infected items, and creating proper ventilation in the intermediate space so that microorganisms cannot be transferred into the safe environment. CONCLUSIONS: In this paper, we looked at the architectural design in a new light to have a healthier life and more security, by inspiration of the patterns in traditional architecture and the human body. Show more

Keywords: Vestibule, health design, COVID-19, workplace psychology

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210216

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-12, 2022

Authors: Schumacher, Jan-Philip | Depenbusch, Sarah | Straatmann, Tammo | Bender, Elena | Schaper, Niclas | Hamborg, Kai-Christoph

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Challenged by digital transformation, organizations increasingly integrate information and communication technologies into work designs. Often focal points of such digital reengineering initiatives are technical and economic aspects. Yet, as integration of new technologies affects how employee work and interact, there is a need to evaluate human-centered criteria (human-factor evaluation), optimally by involving employees as situational experts. OBJECTIVE: The present study develops an integrative and persona-based evaluation approach of human-centered criteria for application in participative digital (re-)design of work to support the joint optimization of the technical and social system. METHODS: Drawing on methods from usability …evaluation, a persona-based approach is developed to facilitate comprehension and application of human-centered evaluation by employees. To that end, human-centered criteria from existing evaluation models are systemized with specific reference to digital transformation of work processes. The developed approach is tested in pilot runs of three German small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). RESULTS: The initial overview shows a divergence of specific human-centered criteria at the detailed level. Simultaneously, a high convergence is found for overarching dimensions and categories. The Integrative Socio-Digital Evaluation Model (ISDEM) is developed to balance complexity and abstraction of criteria. The derived persona-based approach (persISDEM) shows a good applicability in the pilot runs. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides an amendment to existing work design approaches with an emphasis on employee participation, enabling organizations to foster employees’ comprehension and motivation to engage in evaluations of digital (re-)design of work and to create motivating and healthy jobs for successful digital transformation. Show more

Keywords: Work design, work process, persona, perspective-based inspection, participation

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211248

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-27, 2022

Authors: Auweiler, Lisa | Lemmens, Vera | Hülsheger, Ute | Lang, Jessica

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rapidly changing stressful working conditions put new challenges on mental health in future work, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which need to be addressed on an organisational level. To promote, secure and sustain a healthy workforce in the long run, primary prevention of psychosocial risks is needed. Still, 70% of EU companies and over 85% of German SMEs lack the legally required implementation of psychosocial risk assessment (PRA) in their occupational safety and health (OSH) management. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the digital training PsyHealth worXs! as a suitable approach to …teach OSH stakeholders how to conduct PRA. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal evaluation study with two measurement times in the first and last week of the digital training based on N  = 312 questionnaires. RESULTS: After the training, participants’ knowledge of the PRA process was significantly higher, and they felt significantly more competent to derive OSH interventions. Overall, the process of PRA and the involvement of stakeholders were perceived as significantly easier. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that the digital training provides an easily accessible opportunity for SMEs to successfully enable their OSH management to implement PRA strategies. Future research will have to evaluate the overall long-term implementation increase of PRA in German SME companies. Show more

Keywords: Psychosocial risk assessment training, training evaluation, organisational prevention

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211264

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-13, 2022

Authors: Scheepers, Louisa | Kaiser, Saskia | Buchner, Axel | Dragano, Nico | Angerer, Peter

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Digitalisation is reaching German craft enterprises which must increasingly deal with complex software. The usability of the software is crucial for the effective use in everyday work and insufficient usability is associated with increased stress and strain. It thus seems necessary to identify possible usability-related stressors in craft-enterprise software. OBJECTIVE: Here we examine how users evaluate the usability of craft-enterprise software and whether usability is associated with perceived work-related stress. METHODS: To assess the perceived usability of German craft-enterprise software, an online survey was conducted with 161 participants from craft enterprises using a validated usability …questionnaire based on ISO 9241-110. In addition, 26 guideline-based interviews were conducted to identify the experience of managers and employees with craft-enterprise software, possible usability-related stress and strain. RESULTS: Both studies show that craft enterprises use software but only to a limited extend. While back-office administrative processes are routinely supported by software, mobile software support to manage customer service is used less frequently. Increasing complexity of craft-enterprise software is posing growing demands on the users. Software usability was rated to be crucial in the online survey, but the available software is only rated to be acceptable. This was also reflected in the interviews. Participants described usability problems and their relevance as stressors during software use. In consequence, the users experience strain such as feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that improving the usability of craft-enterprise software should reduce work-related stress and support craft enterprises to master the digitalisation process. Show more

Keywords: Software ergonomics, work-stress, usability-related stressors, business software

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211257

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-15, 2022

Authors: Zaheer, Usman | Shahbaz, Maliha | Zaheer, Naauman | Israr, Junaid | Riaz, Asim | Yaqub, Aneeqa | Alam, Mohammad Khursheed

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has immensely affected the world’s population at physical and psychosocial levels. Dentists are no different from other healthcare providers, as they are equally if not more exposed to the threat of getting infected. OBJECTIVE: To assess the experience and behavior of public and private sector dentists practicing during the COVID-19 pandemic and their knowledge about it. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted online by sharing google forms through email, WhatsApp, and Facebook. The survey included questions on the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of dentists practicing during COVID-19. The data was …interpreted by SPSS 24 using a chi-square test, and a value of p  <  0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: A considerable number of general dentists (26.9%) and specialists (39.4%) adopted partial suspension of clinics. Restriction’s ease allowed 50.2% of the clinicians to resume their duties. 67.9% of the patients were medicated online during the lockdown phase. There was no significant difference regarding years of experience and willingness to treat/care (p -value 0.648). Personal protective equipment (PPE) was readily available for use in public or private practices, and the respondents agreed with its efficacy in protecting the operators. Compliance with PPE wear was 50% in all the respondents. CONCLUSION: The psychosocial repercussion of the pandemic continues to affect dental practices. Our attitude needs to improve as far as PPE is concerned, with regular training workshops and continuous updates of the developing Knowledge on COVID-19. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, personal protective equipment (PPE), dentists

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211018

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2022

Authors: Masci, Federica | Spatari, Giovanna | Giorgianni, Concetto Mario | Antonangeli, Laura Maria | D’Arrigo, Andrea | Biasina, Alberto Magenta | Priori, Alberto | Colosio, Claudio

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the arboriculture sector, some activities are still manually performed by forestry workers, which result consequently exposed to a high risk of developing muscle skeletal disorders. The Italian Compensation Authority reported an increase of work-related tendinopathies and carpal tunnel syndrome in loggers, but screening protocols are not available yet. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were: a) to evaluate the prevalence of tendinopathies and carpal tunnel syndrome in a sample of loggers and b) identify a sound screening approach. METHODS: 41 loggers and 41 paired control workers were recruited for a total of 164 hands. The protocol included …1) demographic data; 2) medical history; 3) identification of CTS symptoms through a questionnaire and a hand-chart; 4) upper limbs clinical examination; 5) Raynaud’s diseases questionnaire; 6) wrists ultrasound; 7) NCS of the distal median nerve. RESULTS: The prevalence of tendinopathies was statistically significant only in the non-dominant hand (75, 5% in the exposed group and 53, 6% in the non-exposed group). The prevalence of CTS was 32, 2% in the exposed group and 15, 5% in the non-exposed group. The questionnaire had a sensitivity of 56, 7% and a specificity of 75%. The hand-chart had a sensitivity of 30% and a specificity of 92%. The clinical examination had sensitivity of 30% and specificity of 80%. The ultrasound had a sensitivity of 70% and a specificity of 56%. CONCLUSIONS: Loggers are a population at risk of occupational hand and wrist disorders. The hand-chart could be considered, together with the questionnaire, as the best secondary prevention tool to diagnose CTS. Show more

Keywords: Wrist, musculoskeletal disorders, chainsaw operator, CTS, biomechanical overload

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205034

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-9, 2022

Authors: Tietz, Stephanie | Werner, Katja

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The importance of virtual work is growing. Especially in knowledge-intensive, dynamic and international sectors, virtual teams have become an ubiquitous work form, promising more flexibility and higher performance. To solve complex problems they have to share and assimilate knowledge, but it is difficult in virtual contexts to overcome social distance and to avoid communication issues. Knowledge sharing in virtual teams may be more prone to errors and take more time. OBJECTIVE: Current studies mainly consider a one-sided perspective, either focusing on technical or human influencing factors for effective knowledge sharing in virtual teams, but not on …the interaction between these. This study addresses that gap by exploring success-critical factors for knowledge sharing by using the socio-technical systems-approach. METHODS: The database of the study consists of 26 in-depth interviews. The interviews were partially structured and based on the Critical Incident Technique. Using a deductive categorization scheme consisting of four main categories and 21 subcategories, the frequencies and overlaps of influencing factors on successful knowledge sharing in virtual teams were examined. RESULTS: Each critical incident reported included factors from all four main categories (technology, structure, people and task) with specific frequencies and connections. Structural influencing factors as well as technological factors are mentioned particularly frequently together. CONCLUSION: The results of the study underline the importance of an integrated socio-technical view on knowledge sharing in virtual teams. Technical and social factors need to be considered simultaneously. The findings can be used for designing and optimizing knowledge sharing processes in virtual teams. Show more

Keywords: Distributed teams, knowledge transfer, knowledge management, socio-technical systems, collaborative work, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211241

Citation: Work, vol. Pre-press, no. Pre-press, pp. 1-18, 2022