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Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Public Health Statistics and Risk Assessment".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (2 May 2022) | Viewed by 38746

Special Issue Editor

Center of Health Services Research Brandenburg, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, 16816 Neuruppin, Germany
Interests: work and health; diversity in medicine and inclusion of persons with disabilities; integrative medicine / integrative oncology; quantitative and qualitative methods in empirical research

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Work plays a pivotal role in society. It is not only the primary source of income for most people but is also an essential factor in shaping quality of life and social identity. Work disability is a vital public health problem in Western industrialised countries and an enormous economic burden for society (Vilsteren et al., 2015). Mental health and musculoskeletal disorders are the leading causes for sick leave, with long-term sick leave connected to occupational, social, and economic deprivation (Henderson 2005). Many workplaces cannot meet the specific needs of their employees, and may even cause and/or aggravate significant mental and physical health problems.

This Special Issue focuses on the current state of knowledge on the links between work and physical and mental health. We welcome contributions of new (quantitative, qualitative, mixed-methods) original research papers, reviews, and case series. Papers dealing with new theoretical approaches for occupational and/or rehabilitation management are also appreciated. Other accepted manuscript types may include methodological papers, position papers, brief reports, and commentaries.

IJERPH is an interdisciplinary journal. This Special Issue therefore welcomes manuscripts from different disciplines, including health services research, rehabilitation science, implementation science, psychology, epidemiology, sociology.

Dr. Kyung-Eun (Anna) Choi
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • work conditions
  • rehabilitation
  • prevention
  • resilience
  • wellbeing
  • stress
  • sick leave
  • return to work
  • psychosocial
  • coordination programmes

Published Papers (15 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review, Other

8 pages, 544 KiB  
Article
Long Working Hours Indirectly Affect Psychosomatic Stress Responses via Complete Mediation by Irregular Mealtimes and Shortened Sleep Duration: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Tenshi Watanabe, Jiro Masuya, Shogo Hashimoto, Mina Honyashiki, Miki Ono, Yu Tamada, Yota Fujimura, Takeshi Inoue and Akiyoshi Shimura
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6715; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116715 - 31 May 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4899
Abstract
Background: Long working hours are detrimental to physical and mental health. However, the association between long working hours and psychosomatic symptoms have remained controversial, possibly because of the existence of mediators between working hours and psychosomatic stress responses. We hypothesized that lifestyle habits, [...] Read more.
Background: Long working hours are detrimental to physical and mental health. However, the association between long working hours and psychosomatic symptoms have remained controversial, possibly because of the existence of mediators between working hours and psychosomatic stress responses. We hypothesized that lifestyle habits, regarding sleep and mealtimes, act as mediators, and analyzed the associations between long working hours, sleep duration, mealtime regularity, and psychosomatic stress responses in office workers. Methods: From April 2017 to March 2018, an online cross-sectional survey regarding overtime work hours, work-related stress, sleep, and eating habits was conducted with employees of 17 companies located in Tokyo, Japan. Answers were obtained from 3559 employees, and 3100 provided written consent for the academic use of their answers, and were included in the analysis. A path analysis was conducted to assess the effect of overtime work on psychosomatic stress via shortened sleep or irregular mealtimes. Results: Overtime work hours had no direct effect on psychosomatic stress responses and depressive symptoms. However, overtime work hours affected sleep duration and the regularity of mealtimes. The effects of overtime work hours on psychosomatic stress responses and depressive symptoms were completely mediated by sleep duration and the regularity of mealtimes. Conclusion: Long working hours do not affect mental health directly; however, shortened sleep duration and irregular mealtimes mediate the effect of long working hours on psychosomatic stress responses and depressive symptoms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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20 pages, 2459 KiB  
Article
Mental and Physical Well-Being and Burden in Palliative Care Nursing: A Cross-Setting Mixed-Methods Study
by Susann May, Franziska Gabb, Yuriy Ignatyev, Jana Ehrlich-Repp, Kerstin Stahlhut, Martin Heinze, Matthew Allsop, Henrikje Stanze and Felix Muehlensiepen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6240; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19106240 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2284
Abstract
The working routines in palliative care nursing are associated with a variety of causes of stress with regional and setting-specific differences in Germany. This mixed-methods study aimed to investigate the mental and physical well-being among nurses in German palliative and hospice care and [...] Read more.
The working routines in palliative care nursing are associated with a variety of causes of stress with regional and setting-specific differences in Germany. This mixed-methods study aimed to investigate the mental and physical well-being among nurses in German palliative and hospice care and to gain a deeper understanding of procedural and structural aspects that may influence the mental and physical burden in palliative nursing care. The mixed-methods approach combined qualitative interviews, (n = 16) an online survey (n = 101), and subsequent data validation in a focus group (n = 6). Interview and focus group data were analysed using structured qualitative content analysis. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and an explorative quantitative analysis. Moderate to very high levels of stress were reported across all settings, but were highest for nurses in specialized outpatient palliative care settings. Underlying causes of stress related to working conditions in the nursing profession across all palliative care settings were poor working hours, perceived inadequate remuneration, and high demands for documentation. To ensure sustainable high-quality palliative care, adaptations to working conditions that target causes of stress and burden in palliative care nurses are required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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17 pages, 588 KiB  
Article
“I’ll leave that to the case managers.” Healthcare Service Providers‘ Perceptions of Organizational Readiness for Change in a Randomized Controlled Trial—A Qualitative Analysis Exploring Implementation Success
by Kyung-Eun (Anna) Choi, Lara Lindert, Lara Schlomann and Holger Pfaff
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5782; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095782 - 09 May 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2313
Abstract
Up to 50% of unsuccessful implementations of organizational change are due to a lack of organizational readiness for change (ORC). This qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences of occupational physicians (OPs) and staff of test and training centers (ETTCs) with team effectiveness [...] Read more.
Up to 50% of unsuccessful implementations of organizational change are due to a lack of organizational readiness for change (ORC). This qualitative study aims to investigate the experiences of occupational physicians (OPs) and staff of test and training centers (ETTCs) with team effectiveness in the context of ORC. The change setting is the implementation of a new occupational health program in a multicentric randomized controlled trial for musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in Germany. Two rounds of expert interviews with OPs (1st round: n = 10, 2nd round: n = 13) and one round of expert interviews with ETTCs (n = 9) were conducted and analyzed with a deductive–inductive procedure. The focus of the analysis was the assessment of change commitment and change efficacy, as well as their influence on general ORC on a collective level according to Weiner’s model (2009). Differential critical assessment of change by the care providers led to a missing collective change commitment and consequently to a missing organizational change commitment. Main inhibiting factors include lacking feedback about (e.g., recruitment) success, limited time resources of and narrow communication between responsible study staff, along with a low rate of utilization and limited adherence of the study population. Main facilitators include standardized procedures and documentation along with easy-access digital tools. Researchers may use the findings to improve the development of new intervention studies, especially in a randomized setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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12 pages, 657 KiB  
Article
The Role of Psychological Wellbeing in a Cross-Provider Worksite Healthcare Management Program for Employees with Musculoskeletal Disorders
by Lara Lindert, Lara Schlomann, Holger Pfaff and Kyung-Eun (Anna) Choi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(9), 5452; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19095452 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1357
Abstract
Background: Musculoskeletal and mental disorders are often comorbid, with complex correlations of pain, impairment due to pain, disability, and psychological wellbeing. This study investigates the role of psychological wellbeing in a worksite healthcare program for employees within a German randomized controlled trial. Methods: [...] Read more.
Background: Musculoskeletal and mental disorders are often comorbid, with complex correlations of pain, impairment due to pain, disability, and psychological wellbeing. This study investigates the role of psychological wellbeing in a worksite healthcare program for employees within a German randomized controlled trial. Methods: For our analyses we used data of the module for minor musculoskeletal complaints (N = 180). The intervention included a workplace-related training and case manager support. Results: Changes over time were significant in the disability score (t(179) = 9.04, p < 0.001), pain intensity (t(179) = 9.92, p < 0.001), and psychological wellbeing (t(179) = −4.65, p < 0.001). Individuals with low vs. high psychological wellbeing showed significant differences in their disability scoret0,t1 (tt0(178) = −4.230, pt0 < 0.001, tt1(178) = −2.733, pt1 < 0.001), pain intensityt0,t1 (tt0(178) = −3.127, pt0 < 0.01, tt1(178) = −3.345, pt1 < 0.01, and motivationt0 (tt0(178) = 4.223, pt0 < 0.001). The disability score mediates the impact of pain intensity on psychological wellbeingt1 (beta = 0.155, p < 0.05). Psychological wellbeing had an impact on the disability scoret1 (beta = −0.161, p < 0.01). Conclusions: The lower the psychological wellbeing is at an intervention’s beginning, the higher the potential is for its improvement, which might affect individuals’ experienced impairment due to pain. In order to achieve the best outcomes, interventions should include both pain-related and psychological aspects. Future research needs to explore the causality of the found interrelationships further. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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12 pages, 1348 KiB  
Article
The Role of Surface Acting in the Relationship between Job Stressors, General Health and Need for Recovery Based on the Frequency of Interactions at Work
by Giulia Sciotto and Francesco Pace
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4800; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19084800 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1801
Abstract
The aim of the study was to verify whether the frequency of face-to-face interactions with the public at work can reveal differences in how people react to emotional regulation demands. In particular, we investigated the mediating role of surface acting (a strategy of [...] Read more.
The aim of the study was to verify whether the frequency of face-to-face interactions with the public at work can reveal differences in how people react to emotional regulation demands. In particular, we investigated the mediating role of surface acting (a strategy of dealing with emotional dissonance) in the relationship between two typical job stressors (workload and mental load) and two outcomes closely related to work-related well-being: employees’ general health and the need for recovery. Prior studies investigating the detrimental effects of emotional dissonance mostly focused on service workers. However, in light of a survey conducted by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (2016) highlighting the growing psycho-social risk constituted by intense human interactions in the workplaces, even in unexpected categories of workers, we hypothesize that emotional demands may also be a concern for those who do not specifically interface with clients as part of their job duties. The results of the multi-group analysis of front-office (N = 734) and back-office (N = 436) Italian workers showed that surface acting fully mediates the relationship between workload and general health among back-office workers, while it only partially mediates this relationship among front-office workers. Furthermore, surface acting is positively associated with the need for recovery and negatively with general health, with higher values for back-office workers. The findings support the hypothesis that the emotional demands are not only a service worker issue and highlight the need to address emotional regulation strategies to enhance the quality of life in and outside the workplace for all employees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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16 pages, 367 KiB  
Article
Dilemmas and Repercussions of Workplace Violence against Emergency Nurses: A Qualitative Study
by Mei-Chi Hsu, Mei-Hsien Chou and Wen-Chen Ouyang
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(5), 2661; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19052661 - 25 Feb 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4531
Abstract
Nurses received the highest rate of workplace violence due to their close interaction with clients and the nature of their work. There have been relatively few qualitative studies focus on nurses’ perceptions of and experiences with the antecedents, dilemma and repercussions of the [...] Read more.
Nurses received the highest rate of workplace violence due to their close interaction with clients and the nature of their work. There have been relatively few qualitative studies focus on nurses’ perceptions of and experiences with the antecedents, dilemma and repercussions of the patient and visitor violence (PVV), leaving a considerable evidence gap. The aim of this study was to explore nurses’ experience of PVV in emergency department, the impact of PVV on quality of care, and supports needed after exposure to such incidents. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive and snowball sample of nurses, and analyzed the content of the interview transcripts. A total of 10 nurses were approached and agreed to participate. Those participants ranged in age from 24 to 41 years old, eight female and two male nurses, and the majority of them (80%) held a university Bachelor degree in nursing. The average time in nursing practice was 7.2 years. We conceptualized five analytical themes, which comprised: (1) multifaceted triggers and causes of PVV; (2) experiences following PVV; (3) tangled up in thoughts and struggle with the professional role; (4) self-reflexivity and adjustment; and, (5) needs of organizational efforts and support following PVV. This paper provides compelling reasons to look beyond solely evaluating the existence of workplace, and considering the perceived professional inefficacy, impacts of being threatened or assaulted in nurses. There are also urgent needs in provision of prevention and management of workplace training programs to ensure the high-quality nursing care. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
14 pages, 388 KiB  
Article
Work-Related Suicide Exposure, Occupational Burnout, and Coping in Emergency Medical Services Personnel in Poland
by Kinga Witczak-Błoszyk, Karolina Krysińska, Karl Andriessen, Jacek Stańdo and Adam Czabański
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1156; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19031156 - 20 Jan 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3149
Abstract
Work-related suicide exposure may significantly contribute to the risk of burnout in first responders. This study assessed the exposure to suicide, burnout, and coping mechanisms in emergency medical services in Poland, including psychosocial determinants, such as age, gender, and access to psychological support. [...] Read more.
Work-related suicide exposure may significantly contribute to the risk of burnout in first responders. This study assessed the exposure to suicide, burnout, and coping mechanisms in emergency medical services in Poland, including psychosocial determinants, such as age, gender, and access to psychological support. The level of burnout was assessed using the Link Burnout Questionnaire (LBQ), and coping was measured using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS). Data were analysed using a series of variance analyses and a partial least squares structural equation modelling. The study showed that 98% of emergency medical services personnel reported work-related suicide exposure. The LBQ score indicated symptoms of burnout, in particular relational deterioration, and the CISS showed low levels of emotion-oriented coping. Physicians reported higher levels of psycho-physical exhaustion than paramedics and nurses. Access to psychological support in the workplace was related to lower levels of burnout. Emergency medical services personnel are frequently exposed to suicide, which may be related to the risk of occupational burnout, and coping strategies used in this occupational group are often not optimal. Preventive measures, such as training emergency medical services personnel in regard to effective coping strategies, are needed, and personnel should be encouraged to access mental health services and supports. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
12 pages, 324 KiB  
Article
Incivility Is Associated with Burnout and Reduced Compassion Satisfaction: A Mixed-Method Study to Identify Causes of Burnout among Oncology Clinical Research Coordinators
by Jennifer S. Mascaro, Patricia K. Palmer, Marcia J. Ash, Caroline Peacock, Cam Escoffery, George Grant and Charles L. Raison
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11855; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182211855 - 12 Nov 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2224
Abstract
While oncology clinical research coordinators (CRCs) experience a combination of factors that are thought to put them at increased risk for burnout, very little research has been conducted to understand the risk factors associated with burnout among CRCs. We used a mixed-method approach, [...] Read more.
While oncology clinical research coordinators (CRCs) experience a combination of factors that are thought to put them at increased risk for burnout, very little research has been conducted to understand the risk factors associated with burnout among CRCs. We used a mixed-method approach, including self-report questionnaires to assess burnout and compassion satisfaction, as well as individual and interpersonal variables hypothesized to impact CRC well-being. We also conducted a focus group to gain a more nuanced understanding of coordinators’ experiences around burnout, teamwork, resilience, and incivility. Coordinators reported relatively moderate levels of burnout and compassion satisfaction. Resilience, sleep dysfunction, stress, and incivility experienced from patients/family were significant predictors of burnout. Resilience and incivility from patients/family were significant predictors of compassion satisfaction. Themes that emerged from the focus group included that burnout is triggered by feeling overwhelmed from the workload, which is buffered by what was described as a supportive work culture based in teamwork. This study identified variables at the individual and interpersonal level that are associated with burnout and compassion satisfaction among oncology CRCs. Addressing these variables is of critical importance given that oncology CRCs and team-based coordinator care are vital to the success of clinical trials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
13 pages, 7913 KiB  
Article
A Cross-Provider Healthcare Management Program for Musculoskeletal Disorders: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial in 22 German Companies
by Kyung-Eun (Anna) Choi, Lara Lindert, Lara Schlomann, Christina Samel, Martin Hellmich and Holger Pfaff
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(22), 11844; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182211844 - 11 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1558
Abstract
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common cause for reduced work capacity and sick leave. Workplace health promotion programs are often neither tailored to the workplace nor the individual needs of the employees. To counteract lacking intersectional care, this four-year randomized controlled [...] Read more.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common cause for reduced work capacity and sick leave. Workplace health promotion programs are often neither tailored to the workplace nor the individual needs of the employees. To counteract lacking intersectional care, this four-year randomized controlled trial (RCT) aimed to investigate the effects of modular coordinating case management (treatment group) compared to supported self-management (control group) on MSD specific sick leave days (routine data), workability (WAI), self-efficacy (self-efficacy scale), and pain (German pain questionnaire, GPQ). The study network comprised 22 companies, 15 company health insurance funds, and 12 pension funds in Germany. Overall, 852 participants (Module A/early intervention: n = 651, Module B/rehabilitation: n = 190, Module C/reintegration: n = 10) participated. Both groups achieved fewer sick leave days, higher workability, and less pain (p < 0.0001) at follow-up compared to baseline. At follow-up, the coordinating case management group showed fewer disability days (GPQ), lower disability scores (GPQ), and lower pain intensities (GPQ) than the supported self-management group (p < 0.05), but no superiority regarding MSD specific sick leave days, workability, nor self-efficacy. Module A showed more comprehensive differences. The accompanying process evaluation shows barriers and facilitators for the implementation of the program, especially in a RCT setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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18 pages, 528 KiB  
Article
Occupational Self-Efficacy as a Mediator in the Reciprocal Relationship between Job Demands and Mental Health Complaints: A Three-Wave Investigation
by Jasmina Tomas
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11532; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111532 - 02 Nov 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3052
Abstract
The most recent version of the job demands-resources (JD–R) theory proposes that demanding working conditions and employee strain form a self-perpetuating loss cycle. By acknowledging that such cycles are detrimental for both employees and organizations, the present study aimed to contribute to enhancing [...] Read more.
The most recent version of the job demands-resources (JD–R) theory proposes that demanding working conditions and employee strain form a self-perpetuating loss cycle. By acknowledging that such cycles are detrimental for both employees and organizations, the present study aimed to contribute to enhancing the current scarce understanding regarding their explanatory mechanisms. For this purpose, it applied social cognitive theory to propose that occupational self-efficacy mediates the effects of two role stressors (i.e., role ambiguity and role conflict) on employee mental health complaints and vice versa. The hypothesized reciprocal mediation effects were tested using a three-wave full panel research design and a dataset of 917 (NT1 = 513, NT1+T2 = 122, NT1+T3 = 70, NT1+T2+T3 = 212) Croatian employees working in heterogeneous private sector industries. The results demonstrated that role conflict, but not role ambiguity, undermined employees’ beliefs in their capabilities to successfully master their jobs which, in turn, led them to experience more mental health complaints over time. Contrary to expectations, poor mental health did not lead to diminished efficacy beliefs nor, in turn, more job demands over time. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated an additional mechanism in the job demands-strain relationship and, at the same time, shed new light on the role of personal resources within the JD–R theory. Accounting for the malleable nature of employee efficacy beliefs, the study proposes several ways in which organizations can enhance occupational self-efficacy and thereby curb the causal chain linking job demands and employee strain reactions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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15 pages, 988 KiB  
Article
How Managers Perceive and (Do Not) Participate in Health Promotion Measures—Results from a Cross-Sectional Mixed-Methods Survey in a Large ICT Company
by Kristina Schubin, Holger Pfaff and Sabrina Zeike
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9708; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18189708 - 15 Sep 2021
Viewed by 1688
Abstract
Managers often face stress and high work demands. Yet they have received limited attention as targets of workplace health promotion measures (HPMs). This study’s primary objective (1) is to examine managers’ self-reported participation in HPMs and factors associated with HPM participation. The secondary [...] Read more.
Managers often face stress and high work demands. Yet they have received limited attention as targets of workplace health promotion measures (HPMs). This study’s primary objective (1) is to examine managers’ self-reported participation in HPMs and factors associated with HPM participation. The secondary objective (2) is to examine managers’ perceptions of their working conditions. A cross-sectional mixed-methods online survey was conducted with a nonrandom sample of 179 managers in a large German ICT company. Stepwise logistic regression and qualitative content analysis were used for data analysis. Quantitative findings revealed that 57.9% of managers had not participated in HPMs yet. “Workload relief through digital tools” resulted as a significant predictor of managers’ previous HPM participation (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.42–5.66). In qualitative findings, workload, time, lack of knowledge, and lack of demand were reported as participation barriers (1). Managers reported that work facility traits, workload, social support, and corporate culture should be improved to make their working conditions more health-promoting (2). These findings suggest that providing adequate organizational working conditions may help improve managers’ HPM participation rates and their perception of health-promoting work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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13 pages, 993 KiB  
Article
The Importance of an Emotional Expression Guide to Prevent Work-Related Health Problems in Emotional Laborers
by Ji Sun Ha and Jin Ah Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6710; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18136710 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1743
Abstract
Background: As the service industry develops, the proportion of emotional laborers is gradually increasing, and their occupational health problems are gradually becoming serious social problems. Researchers must consider various factors, from the personal to the organizational levels, to prevent health problems from arising [...] Read more.
Background: As the service industry develops, the proportion of emotional laborers is gradually increasing, and their occupational health problems are gradually becoming serious social problems. Researchers must consider various factors, from the personal to the organizational levels, to prevent health problems from arising in the workplace. Many intervention studies have investigated the health and wellbeing of workers, but mainly at the individual level, even though an organization’s interest and efforts are essential for addressing work-related health problems. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to verify the importance of organizations’ interests to protect emotional laborers from work-related health problems. Methods: We used data obtained through the 4th Korean Working Condition Survey of 2014. The study cohort comprised 5857 survey participants over the age of 18 years. Employers, self-employed persons and professional soldiers were excluded. Logistic regression was employed to identify associations between an emotional expression guide and work-related health problems using SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Results: In the absence of an emotional expression guide, the risk of work-related physical and psychological health problems was increased. Even after adjusting for confounding variables, the risks were statistically maintained, particularly headache (odds ratio (OR) 1.798; 95% confidence interval 95% CI: 1.288–2.508), lower limb muscular pain (OR: 1.627; 95% CI: 1.130–2.342), general fatigue (OR: 1.582; 95% CI: 1.077–2.326) and depressive symptom (OR: 6.149; 95% CI: 1.198–31.563). Conclusion: This study showed that organizations’ interests and efforts to prevent workers from being harmed by the effects of emotional labor are important in the prevention of psychosocial and physical health problems; therefore, a national interest in supporting emotional laborers and in introducing policies to support these workers should be established. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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8 pages, 315 KiB  
Article
Precarious Employment and Increased Incidence of Musculoskeletal Pain among Wage Workers in Korea: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Sungjin Park and June-Hee Lee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6299; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph18126299 - 10 Jun 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1889
Abstract
The number of precarious workers is increasing globally, and precarious employment is becoming a public concern in terms of workers’ health. However, sufficient research on precarious employment and its impact on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship [...] Read more.
The number of precarious workers is increasing globally, and precarious employment is becoming a public concern in terms of workers’ health. However, sufficient research on precarious employment and its impact on musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is lacking. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between precarious employment and the risk of MSP among Korean wage workers. After merging the data from the 4th and 5th Korean Working Conditions Surveys, 59,644 wage workers were analyzed. The control group comprised full-time permanent workers, and precarious employment was defined as workers involved in temporary or daily employment, or part-time workers. The outcome variable was the summed number of MSP in three anatomical sites (back, neck and upper limb, lower limb). Zero-inflated negative binomial analyses were selected to estimate the odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between precarious employment and MSP. In adjusted models with age, sex, educational level, income level, weekly working hours, and occupation, precarious employment was significantly associated with an increased risk of both MSP (OR 1.66 95% CI 1.56–1.77) and work-related MSP (OR 1.18 95% CI 1.11–1.25). Given the job insecurity and health inequity associated with precarious employment, special attention on precarious workers’ health is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)

Review

Jump to: Research, Other

30 pages, 759 KiB  
Review
Working Conditions of Occupational Physicians—A Scoping Review
by Eva Eisch, Paulina Kuper, Lara Lindert and Kyung-Eun (Anna) Choi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(10), 6222; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19106222 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1662
Abstract
Occupational physicians (OPs) offer a wide range of health support for employees and are confronted with varying job characteristics and demands. They monitor occupational health and safety and promote work(place)-related health measures and assessments. While helping employees to (re)gain a healthy status, their [...] Read more.
Occupational physicians (OPs) offer a wide range of health support for employees and are confronted with varying job characteristics and demands. They monitor occupational health and safety and promote work(place)-related health measures and assessments. While helping employees to (re)gain a healthy status, their own job satisfaction as well as the investigation of their working conditions have earned limited research attention. Thus, this scoping review aims to summarize the current state of knowledge concerning OPs’ working conditions, i.e., work-related resources and stressors. PubMed, Web of Science and LIVIVO as well as grey literature were screened for relevant English or German articles until 10/2021. From a total of 1683 identified publications, we analyzed 24 full text articles that fulfilled all inclusion criteria. The overall study sample included 3486 male (54.6%), 2892 female (45.3%) and 5 diverse OPs, from which 1049 OPs worked in full-time (85.6%) and 177 in part-time (14.4%). The majority (72.4%) worked for the Occupational Health Service (OHS), 13% were self-employed, and 14.6% worked for a company/in-house service. The classification of stressors and resources was based on an inductively generated categorization scheme. We categorized 8 personal, relational and environmental resources and 10 stress factors. The main resources were support for personnel development and promotion, positive organizational policy, promoting work-life balance and other aspects of health. Key stressors were information deficits, organizational deficiency and uncertainty as well as socioeconomic influences and high professional obligations. The working conditions of OPs are still a topic with too little research attention. This scoping review reveals several starting points to maintain a healthy OP workforce and gives recommendations for action for the near future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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Protocol
Organizational Health Literacy in the Context of Employee Health: An Expert-Panel-Guided Scoping Review Protocol
by Lara Lindert, Lukas Kühn, Paulina Kuper and Kyung-Eun (Anna) Choi
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4381; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19074381 - 06 Apr 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2454
Abstract
Health literacy (HL) is an interplay of individual and organizational health literacy (OHL). While individual HL has been intensively studied, the importance of OHL has become a greater focus of research attention. The National Action Plan Health Literacy in Germany emphasizes the promotion [...] Read more.
Health literacy (HL) is an interplay of individual and organizational health literacy (OHL). While individual HL has been intensively studied, the importance of OHL has become a greater focus of research attention. The National Action Plan Health Literacy in Germany emphasizes the promotion of HL in all areas of everyday life, including occupation and the workplace. The proposed scoping review aims at identifying and evaluating definitions, empirical studies and instruments on OHL targeting employee recipients. The search will be conducted in two consecutive steps and guided by expert-panel discussions in accordance to the method of Consensus Development Panels. The search will be conducted in Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar according to the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley and supplemented by the snowball principle and a hand search. All records will be included that were published until the final search date. To define eligibility criteria, the PCC framework of the Joanna Briggs Institute is used. The scoping review will critically discuss whether a new definition of OHL in the context of employee health is of purpose for future research and practice. Nonetheless, it will provide orientation in the context of employee health, also facing the consequences of SARS-CoV-2. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical and Mental Health in the Workplace)
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