Addressing Psychosocial, Organizational, and Environmental Stressors Emerging From the COVID-19 Pandemic and Their Effect on Essential Workers' Mental Health and Well-being: A Literature Review

COVID-19 on Food Insecurity in Hispanic/Latino Essential and Non-essential Workers

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic's economic fallout has further exacerbated the health and well-being among Hispanics/Latinos, who maybe overrepresented in essential job industries and are vulnerable to experiencing food insecurity. This study explores whether the COVID-19 pandemic affected food security status differently among Latino/Hispanic essential and non-essential workers in the United States.

METHODS

The COVID-19 Latino health cross-sectional survey was conducted and administered in person and virtually. Bivariate analyses and chi-square tests were performed to investigate the association between essential worker status and changes in food security status during the COVID-19 pandemic. All reported p-values were two-sided; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Of the 869 Hispanic/Latino respondents, 393 (45%) were deemed essential workers, and 476 (55%) were non-essential workers. About 22% of essential workers reported a household income of less than $20,000, whereas 19% of non-essential workers had an income above $100,000. Half (54%) of essential workers reported food insecurity. Over one-third (35%) of essential and 22% of non-essential workers reported increased food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, there was a significant difference in food insecurity status between essential and non-essential Hispanic/Latino workers (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results underscore the prevalence of food insecurity due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to create comprehensive food policies that address the lack of availability of adequate food among Hispanic/Latino essential workers who already face pandemic-related challenges.

The employment preferences of young people in Canada: a discrete choice experiment

BACKGROUND

Young people across the world are facing numerous challenges, with unemployment and precarious employment being substantial issues, impacting young people with all levels of education. For many young people, the pandemic exacerbated their employment precarity. While efforts were made to ameliorate these pandemic related challenges for young people, information about the employment preferences of Canadian young workers (YW) is limited. The aim of this study was to understand the employment needs, challenges and preferences of Canadian YW in the COVID-19 era and beyond.

METHODS

Using discrete choice experiment, YW from across Canada aged 18-29 years old were recruited to participate in an online survey October 2022 to April 2023 which was offered in both English and French. Nine job attributes were identified based on findings from the qualitative component of this mixed methods project: wage, earnings stability, job flexibility, vacation, sick time, health insurance, and workplace policies (respectful workplace, and being valued and understood as an employee). Respondents were presented with nine choice sets, each representing two scenarios that differ on policies or actions (attributes) related to their employment during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESULTS

Based on the respondent (N = 231) sample, analysis revealed that of YW aged 18-29 years, most valued having employment benefits along with workplace policies. These values were strongest for women and 18-21-year-olds. Overall, the employment preferences of Canadian YW in the current study align with four of five attributes considered by the International Labour Organization as minimum standards for decent work. These include adequate compensation, adequate access to health care, adequate free time and rest, and organizational values that support one's [own and] family values. More specifically, study findings show that within the cohort there are strong gendered and aged-based preferences for non-monetary over monetary job attributes. These include employment benefits along with equitable, supportive employment policies.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that health and wellbeing are highly valued by YW and are among key drivers of employment preferences for Canadian YW during and after the pandemic, and therefore call for policies in the workplace that support the health and well-being of YW.

Lessons for the COVID era and beyond: The impact of inactive lifestyle and mental health events on burnout syndrome in university professors working from home during the pandemic

The rapid shift to remote work due to the COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly impacted work environments, intensifying challenges related to mental health and burnout among university professors. This study aimed to evaluate the presence of Burnout Syndrome (BS) in university professors following the adoption of remote home work (RHw) mandated by COVID-19 health measures and to identify key predictors, including both risk and protective factors. Virtual questionnaires were administered to 345 professors of both genders, collecting data on bio-sociodemographic, clinical health and lifestyle screen. The Maslach Burnout Inventory was used to assess BS. Results showed high levels of emotional exhaustion, low levels of depersonalization, and moderate levels of reduced personal accomplishment among professors. Protective factors against emotional exhaustion included older age, lack of irritation with RHw, and regular physical activity, while risk factors included excessive workload, dissatisfaction, irritability, fatigue, changes in body mass, and physical inactivity. Older professors showed lower levels of depersonalization, while body mass changes and frequent alcohol consumption increased it. For reduced personal accomplishment, protective factors included older age, greater work experience, and employment in private institutions, whereas dissatisfaction was a risk factor. Findings indicate that RHw results in chronic stress for professors, primarily through emotional exhaustion. Key contributing factors include excessive workload, dissatisfaction, irritability, fatigue, and pandemic-related lifestyle changes, while protective factors include older age, positive attitudes toward RHw, and regular physical exercise.

The COVID-19 pandemic and occupational health-transitioning to the new normal

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a profound impact on workers’ health and well-being. There are significant implications for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) as we transit to the new normal, including the adoption of digital health solutions, emergence of remote work and the need to review our perspectives on the traditional OSH framework in tackling workplace hazards in a pandemic. This will better prepare us for the inevitable next global pandemic.

The compounding impact of the social determinants of health and COVID-19 on the mental health of young workers in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative, arts-based study

The COVID-19 pandemic, a global health crisis, was acutely felt in the labour market for many young workers. Importantly, precarious employment, identified as an emergent social determinant of health, may negatively affect the mental health and well-being of young workers. To this end, we engaged with young workers to understand their workplace needs and challenges in the COVID-19 era and hear their recommendations for action. Semi-structured interviews and a graphic recording focus group were conducted with 33 young workers aged 18-26 years old in Manitoba, Canada, who had worked a minimum of 30 hours per week prior to COVID-19 onset and were living independent of their parents. Analysis involved delineating units of meaning from the data, clustering these to form thematic statements and extracting themes. Second-level analysis involved applying themes and sub-themes to a social determinants of health framework. The multifaceted, compounding realities of young workers' pre-COVID-19 employment situations were amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic, adversely impacting young worker's mental health. Unique findings from this study highlight the generational differences in this cohort, who are opposed to participating in fragmented systemic structures (neoliberalism) and inequitable employment conditions, and who yearn for social inclusion and work-life balance. Their recommendations for government and employers call for permanent and stable employment opportunities, economic and mental health supports, and space to be heard and valued, as they navigate the many life course challenges as emerging adults. Societies are dependent on young workers to develop and support the Canadian economy for future generations. Thus, it is a critical that recommendations proposed by young workers in this study be acted upon and implemented to provide an equitable, stable, and supportive future for young workers in Canada and beyond.

The Psychosocial, Organizational, and Environmental Stressors Experienced by Food Service Workers in a Hospital Setting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

To identify stressors faced by hospital food service workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic and effective interventions mitigating these stressors. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we conducted surveys ( n = 305) and interviews ( n = 9) in the summer and fall of 2022 with employees in hospital settings to determine the psychosocial, organizational, and environmental stressors they faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and interventions that improved health and well-being. Findings: The main stressors reported were fear of infection, increased work demands and schedule unpredictability, and financial insecurity. Employee well-being was bolstered by regular, clear, bidirectional communication; a sense of community and purpose; benefits like paid sick leave and health insurance coverage; and organizational policies that included masking and vaccine requirements demonstrating commitment to protecting worker health. Conclusion: Organizations can play a critical role in guarding the health, well-being, and resilience of frontline workers.

Perceived work stressors and the transition to burnout among nurses in response to the pandemic: implications for healthcare organizations

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to assess the associations of pre-pandemic perceived work stressors and work satisfaction among nurses, including nurse assistants, with burnout profiles and their transitions in response to the pandemic.

METHODS

Three hundred and thirty-seven nurses working in an Italian University hospital participated in a longitudinal study including a survey in August 2019 investigating perceived work stressors (assessed using the HSE Indicator Tool), work satisfaction (Work Satisfaction Scale), and burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory), and a second survey in December 2020 assessing burnout. Using latent transition analysis, we identified burnout profiles and then estimated the associations between work stressors and satisfaction on profiles and transitions.

RESULTS

We identified three pre-pandemic profiles, namely engaged (67%), ineffective (15%), and burnout (18%); and three pandemic profiles, namely engaged (37%), exhausted (51%), and severe burnout (12%). The severe burnout profile consisted of 70% nurses classified in the burnout profile before the pandemic. Overall, work stressors and satisfaction were associated with both pre-pandemic and pandemic burnout profiles. Among nurses not in the burnout profile prior to COVID-19, pre-pandemic hostile relationships increased [odds ratio (OR) 1.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.34] and work satisfaction decreased (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.68-0.98) the probability to transition to exhausted. Moreover, work satisfaction (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.32-0.91) and participation in work organization (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.51-0.93) protected from transitioning to severe burnout. The association between peer support and the transition to exhausted needs further investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Pre-pandemic work stressors and satisfaction were associated with pandemic burnout and burnout transitions. To enhance preparedness for future crises, healthcare managers should carefully assess and tackle work-related constraints affecting nurses.

Stress at Work and Well-being Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A 1-Year Longitudinal Study in Switzerland

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to analyze the development of conditions at work and health-related variables (notably exhaustion) in Switzerland longitudinally before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Questionnaire data were collected from a population-based sample of 1,553 employees in February 2020 and 1 year later. Health and well-being associated with ( a ) working conditions in general and ( b ) COVID-19-specific predictors such as worries about being infected and conditions for working at home were analyzed using analysis of (co)variance and multiple regression.

RESULTS

Conditions at work and well-being were stable overall, even indicating slight improvements, notably for men compared with women. Both an index representing stressors and resources at work in general (Job Stress Index) and a COVID-19-related demand index showed consistent effects on health and the effect of COVID-19-related demands was stronger if the Job Stress Index deteriorated than when it improved.

Physicians' Turnover Intention During the "Post-COVID-19" Era: Risk and Protective Factors

PURPOSE

This research investigates risk and protective factors affecting physicians' turnover intention during the post-COVID-19 era.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH

A cross-sectional online survey study of 958 physicians working in Lombardy (Northern Italy) hospitals was conducted.

FINDINGS

In the post-COVID-19 era, burnout significantly increases physicians' turnover intention. The same is true for fear of being infected by COVID-19 (FIC), which indirectly affects turnover intention via burnout. The higher FIC and burnout, the higher intention to leave the job or working unity. Self-efficacy significantly decreases turnover intention by reducing FIC and burnout.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE

Implementing turnover preventive programs in healthcare professionals is essential, mainly reducing BO and promoting physicians' personal resources, such as self-efficacy.

Staying at home in the COVID-19 period: Effects on well-being and physical activity in women living with overweight or obesity

Background: Between March and May 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic led governments to take specific lockdown measures. Investigations have defined obesity as a risk factor for disease severity, but none has addressed the effects of lockdown on psychological well-being and physical activity in this population. The objective of the study was to analyze the evolution (before vs. during lockdown) of well-being and physical activity among French adult women living with overweight or obesity. Methods: 250 women, divided into 5 Body Mass Index (BMI) categories (healthy weight, overweight, obesity I, II or III), provided online information concerning their self-perceived psychological well-being and level of physical activity before and after one month (± 1 week) of lockdown. Results: This study shows that BMI is a factor that is associated with well-being and physical activity. Compared to women with a healthy weight who significantly increased their level of physical activity, those living with overweight or obesity perceived a significant decrease in psychological well-being, positive affect, and physical exercise. Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of taking into account the well-being and active behavior of women living with overweight or obesity during any lockdown period that could occur in future pandemics.