Work - Volume 74, issue 3

Authors: Jacobs, Karen

Article Type: Editorial

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-236002

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 763-763, 2023

Authors: Tatar, Berivan | Müceldili, Büşra | Erdil, Oya

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As an unprecedented outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic has restricted and dramatically changed several respects of life. In terms of working life, the transition to a remote working system has brought several changes and interrupted the continuity between past and present working life. In this case, this adversity has led people to past experiences and memories, and many people have used nostalgia as a crucial resource for alleviating the negative impact of the outbreak. OBJECTIVE: In this context, as a form of nostalgia, the current study particularly investigated memories eliciting organizational nostalgia and antecedents and consequences of organizational …nostalgia in the pandemic era. METHODS: Photo-elicitation interview in general, and participant-driven photo-elicitation in particular, was used as a data collection method. A cross-sectional design was employed for this study. In total, 10 photo-elicitation interviews through 62 photos were carried out with participants in Turkey. The thematic analysis was used for coding and analyzing the interviews. RESULTS: The current study demonstrated that (1) participants feel nostalgic for managers, colleagues, events, job, and working environment-related memories; (2) lack of social connectedness, loneliness, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty triggers pandemic-induced nostalgia; and (3) pandemic-induced organizational nostalgia has an impact on the variety of emotions (regret, hope, pride, freedom, joy, peace, excitement, yearning, gratitude, sadness, and happiness) of employees in the pandemic era. CONCLUSIONS: This study contributes to overcoming the lack of studies investigating the nostalgic emotion of employees in the pandemic era and how this emotion might contribute to overcoming the effects of COVID-19. Show more

Keywords: Nostalgia, organizational nostalgia, photo-elicitation, qualitative research, COVID-19

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-211461

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 765-784, 2023

Authors: Labrecque, Charlotte | Lecours, Alexandra | Gilbert, Marie-Hélène | Boucher, Frédérique

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic caused an unprecedented health emergency across the world. Public health measures aimed at slowing the spread of the virus impose measures concerning physical distancing that citizens must observe. Thousands of workers quickly found themselves having to telework, with no preparation by their organizations. The literature reports the positive effects of teleworking on certain indicators of well-being, as well as best teleworking practices in a normal context. The urgent and unplanned nature of the switch to teleworking in a crisis may have changed the relationship between teleworking and well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore …workers’ perspectives on teleworking in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, regarding its effects on their well-being. METHODS: Following a descriptive interpretive research design, we collected qualitative data from 15 teleworkers via focus groups and individual interviews. Two researchers used a thematic analysis strategy to analyze the data. RESULTS: Data analysis led to identifying 16 factors that participants cited as influencing the well-being of teleworkers. These form eight categories: delays related to uncertainty, manager practices, organizational practices, social interactions, job characteristics, teleworking space, personal realities and personal practices. The results show the influence of interactions between work demands, control and social support on the well-being of workers. CONCLUSION: Because of its many advantages, organizations and their workers will increasingly engage in telework. The influences of telework on people’s well-being call for implementing concrete “best practices” that are applicable and that consider workers’ perspectives. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, work, telecommuting, health, qualitative research

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220029

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 785-798, 2023

Authors: Sertcelik, Ahmet | Cakir, Banu | Metan, Gokhan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) were seriously affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). It is a priority to protect HCWs against COVID-19 and ensure the continuity of the health care system. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors for COVID-19 in HCWs and the effectiveness of the measures taken on protection. METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted in two hospitals serving on the same campus which are affiliated with a university from Turkey, between 03.12.2020 and 05.22.2020. We aimed to recruit three controls working in the same unit with the cases diagnosed with COVID-19 by polymerase …chain reaction (PCR) and whose SARS-CoV-2 PCR test is negative. Self-reported data were collected from the HCWs by the face-to-face method. Descriptive and analytical methods were used and a logistic regression model was built. Results: The study was completed with 271 HCWs, 72 cases, and 199 controls. Household contact with a COVID-19 patient or a patient with symptoms compatible with COVID-19 was found to be significantly higher in the cases than in the controls (p  = 0.02, p  < 0.001). When the measures for control the COVID-19 were analyzed, using a medical mask (OR = 0.28, 95% confidence interval = 0.11–0.76, p  = 0.01) by COVID-19 patient and using the respiratory mask by HCWs (OR = 0.13, 95% CI = 0.03–0.52, p  = 0.004) during close contact was found to be protective against COVID-19 transmission. Conclusion: This study showed an association with using medical masks by the patients as an important protective precaution for the transmission of COVID-19 to HCWs. Respiratory masks should be used by HCWs while in close contact with COVID-19 patients regardless of aerosol-producing procedures. Show more

Keywords: Case-control, personal protective equipment, health personnel, protective measure, mask

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220053

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 799-809, 2023

Authors: Ozyemisci Taskiran, Ozden | Topaloglu, Mahir | Giray, Esra | Turan, Zeynep | Yilmaz Yalcinkaya, Ebru | Sakarya, Sibel

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Following the first COVID-19 cases in Turkey, face-to-face education was ceased after March 16, 2020 until the end of the educational year (i.e. June 19, 2020) and education was substituted remotely due to confinement. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the frequency of musculoskeletal complaints in school-age children and associated risk factors including reduced physical activity, increased screen time and poor ergonomics conditions in school-age children during the pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included parents or guardians of 960 students aged between 6–13 years old with a non-randomized sampling. A survey was administered consisting of …65 items related with sociodemographic characteristics of the children and family, online education hours, technological device(s) used, screen time, type of physical activity, presence of musculoskeletal problems and poor ergonomics conditions such as incorrect sitting posture. RESULTS: Logistic regression results demonstrated that age, excess weight gain, total daily screen time, smartphone use, incorrect sitting posture were associated with musculoskeletal complaints. CONCLUSION: The long-term closure of schools due to the pandemic may have led to an increase in musculoskeletal complaints in 6–13 years old children, based on the factors identified in this study, which were excess weight gain, increased screen time and incorrect sitting posture. These findings might help education and health authorities to develop strategies to improve musculoskeletal health of children especially in emergencies such as the pandemic. Show more

Keywords: COVID-19, ergonomics, musculoskeletal diseases, remote education, Turkey

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220263

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 811-821, 2023

Authors: Hizli Guldemir, Hilal | Kayali Sevim, Merve | Eti, Serkan

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: In metropolitans, where public transportation is used extensively, bus drivers are one of the occupational groups with a high risk of contracting COVID-19. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the difference between the clinical status of a group of bus drivers and field officers with COVID-19 on public transportation lines in Istanbul. METHODS: The study was conducted with 477 male volunteer participants. COVID-19 was confirmed through a positive nasopharyngeal culture sample using the real-time PCR test. Demographic information, biochemical parameters, clinical status, and the use of nutritional supplements were compared between those who recovered from …COVID-19 at home or in the hospital. RESULTS: The body mass indexes (BMI) of 83.9% of individuals was above normal and 75.4% were treated for the disease at home. There were significant differences in terms of age, BMI, weight loss, smoking, use of nutritional supplements, blood glucose levels and vitamin B12 values. However, there was no significant difference between the types of nutritional supplements used or other biochemical parameters. CONCLUSION: It was determined that those who survived the disease at home were younger and had a lower BMI. It is important for both individuals and for general public health to create healthy working environments, especially for bus drivers, who have a high risk of COVID-19 contamination and transmission due to their long exposure time. Show more

Keywords: Body mass index, occupational groups, obesity, pandemic

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220292

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 823-830, 2023

Authors: Chen, Yumiao | Wu, Ziting

Article Type: Review Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Virtual reality (VR) is a combination of technologies that allow the user to interact with a computer-simulated environment with the experience of immersion, interactivity, and imagination. However, ergonomic problems related to virtual reality have adverse effects on the health and experience of users, which restrict the application of virtual reality technology. OBJECTIVE: The paper aims to provide an overview of the ergonomics evaluation of VR for further development of software and hardware of VR. METHODS: This paper describes and discusses the ergonomics issues involved in the software and hardware of VR from three aspects: visual, …physiological, and cognitive. The paper also summarizes the research methods and evaluation metrics. RESULTS: Many attempts have been made to study ergonomics issues of VR, mainly including pressure, muscle fatigue, thermal comfort, visual fatigue, and motion sickness. Ergonomics studies are very valuable for research related to virtual reality. There is a summary table that lists the main evaluation metrics and methods. CONCLUSIONS: According to current research, this review gives three recommendations for further research on VR, which will be helpful for further human-centered research and design work within the VR industry. Show more

Keywords: Virtual reality, head mount display, ergonomics /human factors, evaluation methods

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-205232

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 831-841, 2023

Authors: Larinier, Nicolas | Vuillerme, Nicolas | Jadaud, Alexandre | Malherbe, Solène | Balaguier, Romain

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Physical activity programs at the workplace have shown positive results on physical capacities and pain for several years. Due to the duration of the training session or the need for an instructor, these supervised programs are rather difficult to implement. For this reason, numerous companies, especially companies in manual sectors, are turning to another solution, i.e. warm-up intervention before the work shift. These interventions present various advantages such as short duration and the possibility to perform exercises in working clothes. Surprisingly, while the positive effects of warm-up interventions on pain, performance, and physical and psychological capacities are expansively reported …in the sport context, effects of workplace warm-up intervention are lacking. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the acute effects of three different warm-up interventions on physical (pain, strength, flexibility) and psychological (workload) functions and also on work-related outcomes (work performance, readiness to work) among vineyard workers. METHODS: A cluster randomized study will be implemented among French vineyard workers. Four groups of 30 participants will be constituted; corresponding to four different conditions: (1) hybrid warm-up intervention (HWU); (2) dynamic warm-up intervention (DWU); (3) stretching warm-up intervention (SWU); (4) no warm-up intervention (NWU). A total of 120 vineyard workers will be recruited to participate in the study. CONCLUSION: The results will provide more evidence about the short-term effects of warm-up interventions at the workplace and will provide more evidence on which warm-up modality is the most effective on pain, performance, and physical and psychological capacities among vineyard workers. Show more

Keywords: Exercise, musculoskeletal disease, work performance

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220391

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 843-858, 2023

Authors: Hoefsmit, Nicole | Pennings, Bart | Houkes, Inge

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Dutch legislation encourages active participation of employees in their return-to-work (RTW) process. Empowering leadership may support employees’ self-direction in this process (i.e. by allowing and enabling their involvement in decision-making). OBJECTIVE: Building upon a previous study, we aimed to study (1) how representatives of a university, i.e. an employer for employees with high levels of education (EH), manage RTW, (2) the similarities and differences between the RTW management of employers (or representatives thereof) of employees with low (EL) and high levels of education, and (3) the degree to which the employers’ roles resemble empowering leadership. …METHODS: Qualitative methodology was applied. A thematic analysis of interview transcripts (rq1) was followed by a comparison of themes (rq2) and pattern matching (rq3). RESULTS: (1) EH tend to engage in dialogue and accommodate their employees as much as possible. (2) EL and EH showed several similarities, such as aiming to meet legal requirements on RTW management. Compared to EL, EH tend to focus more on facilitating employees. (3) Empowering leadership seems to be more common among EH. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to employees with low levels of education, those with high levels of education may be granted more opportunity to self-direct their RTW. The study results provide starting points for employers for employees with both low and high levels of education who aim to enable employees’ self-direction in RTW, and help them to develop empowering leadership styles. Show more

Keywords: Sickness absence, return to work, self-direction, empowering leadership, educational level

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210153

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 859-869, 2023

Authors: Stynen, Dave | Houkes, Inge | van Amelsvoort, Ludo | Jansen, Nicole | Kant, IJmert

Article Type: Research Article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The efficacy of an indicated prevention strategy for long-term absence due to sickness has been demonstrated and is implemented in multinational companies. Such a strategy may also be beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, due to the different contexts, adoption, and implementation of this strategy in SMEs may be quite different. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the opportunities, barriers, and facilitators for adoption and implementation of this preventive strategy, as anticipated by employers and employees of SMEs. METHODS: A qualitative needs assessment was conducted using semi-structured interviews with higher managers (n  = 15) …and a focus group with employees (n  = 8). Purposive sampling was used, and data were analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS: Employers had positive expectations concerning the gains of the preventive strategy, whereas employees had more reservations. Anticipated gains and intentions to implement the preventive strategy were rooted in underlying conceptions of the causes of sickness absence and the responsibilities of stakeholders. One key barrier shared across employers and employees concerned the potential lack of confidentiality. For employees, the role of the occupational health professional in the prevention of sickness absence was perceived as uncommon. Employers stressed lack of capacity and resources as a barrier, whereas employees stressed lack of follow-up by the employer as a barrier. CONCLUSIONS: SMEs are considerably receptive to the implementation of an indicated prevention strategy for long-term absence. Insight into the barriers and facilitators gives clues for wider and optimal implementation across a wider range of organizational settings. Show more

Keywords: Absenteeism, early intervention, preventive policies

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-210282

Citation: Work, vol. 74, no. 3, pp. 871-889, 2023