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ISSN 1051-9815 (P)
ISSN 1875-9270 (E)
Impact Factor 2024: 1.7
WORK: A Journal of Prevention, Assessment & Rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary, international journal which publishes high quality peer-reviewed manuscripts covering the entire scope of the occupation of work. The journal's subtitle has been deliberately laid out: The first goal is the prevention of illness, injury, and disability. When this goal is not achievable, the attention focuses on assessment to design client-centered intervention, rehabilitation, treatment, or controls that use scientific evidence to support best practice.
WORK occasionally publishes thematic issues, but in general, issues cover a wide range of topics such as ergonomic considerations with children, youth and students, the challenges facing an aging workforce, workplace violence, injury management, performing artists, ergonomic product evaluations, and the awareness of the political, cultural, and environmental determinants of health related to work.
Dr. Karen Jacobs, the founding editor, and her editorial board especially encourage the publication of research studies, clinical practice, case study reports, as well as personal narratives and critical reflections of lived work experiences (autoethnographic/autobiographic scholarship),
Sounding Board commentaries and
Speaking of Research articles which provide the foundation for better understanding research to facilitate knowledge dissemination.
Narrative Reflections on Occupational Transitions, a new column, is for persons who have successfully transitioned into, between, or out of occupations to tell their stories in a narrative form. With an internationally renowned editorial board,
WORK maintains high standards in the evaluation and publication of manuscripts. All manuscripts are reviewed expeditiously and published in a timely manner.
WORK prides itself on being an author-friendly journal.
WORK celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2015.
*WORK is affiliated with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)* *WORK is endorsed by the International Ergonomics Association (IEA)* *WORK gives out the yearly Cheryl Bennett Best Paper Award*
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Trauma has high prevalence rates in populations of people with disabilities, and the effects of traumatic experiences can negatively impact employment. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the existing literature regarding post-traumatic growth (PTG), trauma informed care (TIC), and the conservation of resources (COR) theory. METHOD: We begin with an overview of PTG, TIC, and trauma in relation to disability and employment. Then, we review the personal, condition, object, and energy resources within the COR theory. RESULTS: The remainder of the article focuses on applying PTG and TIC in state-Federal…VR programs with a theoretical framework defined by COR. We conceptualize the application in four major VR phases: (a) eligibility determination, (b) rehabilitation plan development, (c) service provision, and (d) job placement. CONCLUSION: By implementing TIC and considering the consumer’s resources, VR counselors can help emphasize PTG throughout the process and prioritize PTG as the ultimate goal. The authors provide brief and preliminary implementation recommendations for VR counselors.
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Keywords: Trauma, conservation of resources, vocational rehabilitation
Abstract: BACKGROUND: During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, academicians were juggling their personal and professional life amid lockdown while trying to deliver maximum knowledge through online classes. This chronic stress is emotionally draining and can eventually lead to burnout. OBJECTIVE: To examine the levels of perceived stress and burnout and examine the effects of self-efficacy and coping in reducing stress and preventing burnout in academicians during the COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: This survey included 63 physiotherapy academicians from various physiotherapy colleges in India. Assessments used to collect data were the Perceived Stress Scale, Oldenburg Burnout Inventory, General Perceived…Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Brief Resilient Coping Scale. The data was collected through Google Forms and sent through an online mode via various social media apps. RESULTS: This study revealed that the majority of the physiotherapy academicians were experiencing moderate levels of stress eventually leading to burnout. Stress levels were higher in academicians with more than 10 years of experience. Also, self-efficacy and resilient coping were negatively correlated with perceived stress and burnout. CONCLUSION: Academicians experienced increasing amounts of stress during the COVID-19 pandemic, which, if not addressed on time, can lead to job burnout.
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Abstract: BACKGROUND: The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic changed the way people live. As a result, workload and mental health problems increased, especially in healthcare workers. OBJECTIVE: To verify the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMD) and its association with sociodemographic and work variables in healthcare workers of a Family Health Support Center in the Primary Health Care context (NASF-AB) in Brazil during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted with 68 healthcare workers, both sex (55 female/13 male), from the Primary Health Care context in Brazil, particularly NASF-AB of Salvador Bahia. NASF-AB is part of…a policy to consolidate Primary Health Care in Brazil. NASF-AB of Salvador has twelve multidisciplinary teams distributed in twelve health districts. The data collection was performed from May to August 2021. The self-reporting questionnaire - 20 (SRQ-20), that assessed the prevalence of CMD, and a sociodemographic questionnaire assessed sociodemographic and work variables via Google forms. RESULTS: The prevalence of CMD was 39.71%. On SRQ-20, 70, 59% of participants felt nervous; 54, 41% felt tired all the time and 51, 47% felt tired easily. CMD was also significantly associated with females (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of CMD was high (39, 71%), with females (n = 27/55) being more susceptible to CMD than males (n = 0/13). Feel nervous, tired all the time and easily tired were the most frequent symptoms reported by the participants, indicating depressive/anxious mood, and reduced vital energy. Our findings highlight the need for specific measures to improve health and quality of life of healthcare workers.
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Keywords: Mental health, primary health care, public health, coronavirus, occupational health
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Nurses have been affected by stress, developing many related consequences during the health emergency caused by the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is essential for healthcare organizations to protect their human resources because there is a strong correlation between the health status of healthcare workers and the quality of care provided. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to measure the perception of the organizational health level of the workplace among COVID-19 nurses (i.e. nurses who directly dealt with COVID-19 countermeasures) as an influence on work quality and work-related stress. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried…out by administering the Nursing Questionnaire on Organizational Health (QISO) to nurses in contact with COVID-19 patients. The search period ranged between August and September 2021 with nurses who work and/or worked in Lazio. RESULTS: 123 questionnaires were collected. The scores with a value below the recommended level (2,6) are: “Comfort of the working environment” (mean = 2.57; SD = 0.66); “Valorization of skills” (mean = 2.40; SD = 0.62); “Openness to innovation” (mean = 2.46; SD = 0.77); “Satisfaction with top management” (mean = 2.48; SD = 0.81); and the inverse scale “Fatigue” (mean = 2.94; SD = 0.55). CONCLUSION: Management of healthcare organizations should define action strategies to promote and increase organizational well-being and reduce work-related stress risk factors. Some action strategies that could be used include improving the elements of the work environment to make it more comfortable for workers; strengthening and improving communication; improving the relationship between nurses and senior management; and establishing a team of experts for psychological assistance.
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Keywords: Nurses, nursing staff, heath workers, research instruments, organizational climate, organizational well-being, work environment, public health organization, professional satisfaction, workforce
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) impacts an individual’s workforce involvement post-injury. Support services and workplace accommodations that can help with work re-integration post-TBI may differ based on a person’s sex and gender. The added impact of COVID-19 remains under-explored. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the support services and workplace accommodation needs and the impact of COVID-19 on work and mental health for persons with TBI, considering sex and gender. METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed. Descriptive and regression analyses were applied to uncover sex and gender differences, along with content analysis for open-ended responses.…RESULTS: Thirty-two persons with TBI (62% women, 38% men) participated. Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and counselling services were indicated as the most needed services by women and men. Modified hours/days and modified/different duties were the most needed workplace accommodations. Mental challenges impacting well-being was a highlighted concern for both men and women. Women scored poorer on the daily activity domain of the Quality of Life after Brain Injury – Overall Scale (p = 0.02). Assistance with daily activities was highlighted by women for a successful transition to work, including housekeeping and caregiving. Men were more likely than women to experience change in employment status because of COVID-19 (p = 0.02). Further, a higher percentage of men expressed concern about the inability to pay for living accommodations, losing their job, and not having future job prospects. CONCLUSION: Findings reveal important differences between men and women when transitioning to work post-TBI and emphasize the need for sex and gender considerations.
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Keywords: Gender role, pandemics, rehabilitation, sex, work
Abstract: BACKGROUND: An inclusive workplace culture supports and values the individual and collective work processes of workers from diverse backgrounds. The reality or perception of inclusion or exclusion at work can influence the social functioning, health, and well-being of workers. However, we lack knowledge about the concepts relevant to inclusion at the workplace. Furthermore, research is needed to better understand the drivers and obstacles to workplace inclusion to better promote participation in working life. OBJECTIVE: This scoping review of the qualitative literature identifies the barriers to and facilitators of workplace inclusion. METHODS: Systematic searches of five databases…were conducted from 2000 to January 2020. Pairs of reviewers independently screened and reviewed all citations and full-text articles. We used Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework which advances through five stages. Barriers and facilitators of workplace inclusion were categorized relative to a multi-layered conceptualization of workplace inclusion and grouped by theme. Studies were described and thematic results totaled and communicated with evidence tables and conceptual maps. RESULTS: Thirty-nine qualitative studies met our inclusion criteria. All five domains of the multi-layered framework were represented by the reported shared experiences of study participants. Organizational level factors, especially attitudinal barriers were the most reported barriers to workplace inclusion. Facilitators of workplace inclusion focused on employer level factors and most often cited the role of inclusive leadership and support. CONCLUSION: Workplace inclusion requires consideration of societal, organizational, employer, and interpersonal level factors in addition to individual worker characteristics.
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Keywords: Work, employment, social participation, scoping review
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The few studies attempting to estimate costs of fatal accidents at workplaces suffer from poor or obscure applied methodologies. As the costs are often limited for the exposed company/industry in the short run, economic decisions about investments to improve the safety and security of workplaces are moreover not made at the societal level nor within an appropriate time frame. In a social economic decision, the total potential productivity lost over time due to a fatal accident is considered regardless of who pays what compensation to the families involved. OBJECTIVE: This study introduces a methodology appropriate for making…long-term economic decisions at the societal level to prevent accidents in Swedish workplaces. METHODS: The introduced methodology, which is based on the human capital approach, is used to assess potential productivity losses associated with the accidents. RESULTS: The empirical findings show that, over the period 2008–2019, Swedish society could have gained more than 8.5 billion Swedish crowns by preventing accidents at Swedish workplaces. CONCLUSION: The objective achieved as the economic cost of fatal workplace accidents assessed from a long-term societal perspective. Effective preventive measures in the workplace make thus an incredible contribution to society in the form of increased national income, sustainable welfare and economic development.
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Keywords: Safety and security, human capital, labour productivity, societal perspective, effective working years
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Establishment in productive occupations i.e. work and further studies, is challenging for students who experience special educational needs (SEN). OBJECTIVE: The study aim was to investigate productive occupations and perceived work ability one year after upper secondary education among former students with SEN who had received a student-centred information and communication technology (ICT) intervention. METHODS: Questionnaire data on productive occupations (n = 81) were complemented with the semi-structured Worker Role Interview (WRI) concerning perceived work ability (n = 20), in an embedded mixed methods design. Group comparisons between participants who were and were not established in productive…occupations were performed. Written notes from the WRI were analysed with a deductive content analysis. RESULTS: Findings demonstrated that almost two-thirds (63% n = 51) of the former students with SEN were established in productive occupations. The established group had to a higher extent obtained pass grades and had to a lesser extent received time-assisting ICT. Managing daily routines in combination with a productive role in a satisfactory manner was perceived as most challenging for the participants in relation to their work ability. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that students with SEN need person-centred support to handle difficulties both in and outside upper secondary school to promote the transition from school to establishment in productive occupations.
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Keywords: Job satisfaction, participation, unemployment, young adults
Abstract: BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest in managers’ wellbeing due to the observed associations between their wellbeing and leadership behaviours, and between leadership behaviours and employees’ wellbeing. However, it is still unclear how managers’ wellbeing influences their practiced leadership across different workplace contexts, which specific behaviours are affected, and how this varies across time. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was therefore to explore managers’ and employees’ experiences and perceptions regarding the consequences of managers’ wellbeing for their leadership behaviours in small businesses. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 participants (20 managers and 19 employees)…working at 12 Swedish small firms, and analysed using content analysis. RESULTS: The findings show that managers were more constructive when they felt well, and more passively destructive when unwell. Variations in managers’ wellbeing influenced their mood, energy level, and performance, as well as the company’s working climate. However, these destructive leadership variations did not have a substantial impact, because several protective factors were present. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the wellbeing of managers in small businesses has perceptible consequences for their leadership behaviours. The study also shows that sustained leadership behaviours may coexist with temporary variations of these behaviours on a constructive-destructive continuum depending on the leader’s wellbeing. Overall, the findings contribute to a more nuanced and dynamic understanding of how the interaction between managers’ wellbeing and their behaviours unfolds in the particular context of small companies.
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