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Mofakhami M, Counil E, Pailhé A. Telework, working conditions, health and wellbeing during the Covid crisis: A gendered analysis. Soc Sci Med 2024; 350:116919. [PMID: 38728975 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Telework was massively adopted during the COVID-19 crisis. Related changes in working conditions may have affected women's and men's health differently due to the gendered division of work. Our study aimed to assess the gendered association of telework with physical and mental health outcomes one year after the onset of the pandemic and to determine whether the pathways of working conditions underlying these associations are gender-related. METHODS We compared pre-pandemic and Covid-crisis work contexts using a large representative sample of French employees surveyed in early 2021. We identified potential work-related mediators of the relationship between telework and well-being, i.e., change in autonomy, low support, work overload, digital issues, atypical working time, meaning at work, and work-life balance, and used multiple-matching and adjusting for confounders. RESULTS All things being equal, the health and well-being of teleworkers were, on average, less favourable than that of on-site workers, with little gender differences. The selected working conditions mediated a substantial part of the relationship, indicating that important pathways were captured, such as meaning at work. These pathways partly differed between women and men. In particular, in new teleworkers, the largest contributions came from digital issues for women, and from low support at work and work overload for men. CONCLUSION People who teleworked during the pandemic were at higher odds of deterioration of health and well-being than onsite workers. Health patterns were similar among male and female teleworkers; however, the pathways differed. These negative effects may yet have been absorbed once the government pandemic response became less stringent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malo Mofakhami
- Centre d'économie Paris Nord (CEPN) - UMR CNRS 7234, Université Sorbonne Paris Nord (USPN), Campus Condorcet, 12-16 Rue des Fillettes, 93300, Aubervilliers, France.
| | - Emilie Counil
- Institut national d'études démographiques (INED), Campus Condorcet, 9, Cours des Humanités - CS 50004, 93322, Aubervilliers Cedex, France.
| | - Ariane Pailhé
- Institut national d'études démographiques (INED), Campus Condorcet, 9, Cours des Humanités - CS 50004, 93322, Aubervilliers Cedex, France.
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Laura-Arias E, Villar-Guevara M, Millones-Liza DY. Servant leadership, brand love, and work ethic: important predictors of general health in workers in the education sector. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1274965. [PMID: 38646112 PMCID: PMC11026670 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1274965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Building a path aimed at the wellbeing of workers in the education sector is the fundamental basis to encourage quality education. To fill the gap in knowledge and address this aspect by understanding the behavior of the study population, it was proposed as with the objective of determining if servant leadership, brand love and work ethic predict the general health in workers. Methods A non-probability sampling was applied for convenience. For this purpose, a sample of 509 workers from Peru was submitted to study, who completed a questionnaire consisting of: scale of servant leadership, work ethic, GHQ-12 and brand love. By applying a quantitative method using a structural equation modeling partial least squares approach. Results The present study demonstrated that the three constructs (servant leadership, brand love, and work ethic) predict the general health of workers in a positive and significant way, in a sample of Peruvian workers in the education sector. Furthermore, the results suggest that these factors can be used to improve the health of employees in educational institutions in Peru and possibly in other contexts as well. Conclusion Given these results and after knowing the solidity of the predictions, the importance of promoting general health in workers in the education sector.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Laura-Arias
- UPG de Ciencias Empresariales, Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú
| | - Miluska Villar-Guevara
- UPG de Ciencias Empresariales, Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú
- EP de Administración, Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad Peruana Unión, Juliaca, Perú
| | - Dany Yudet Millones-Liza
- UPG de Ciencias Empresariales, Escuela de Posgrado, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú
- EP de Administración, Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad Peruana Unión, Lima, Perú
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Wachtler B, Beese F, Demirer I, Haller S, Pförtner TK, Wahrendorf M, Grabka MM, Hoebel J. Education and pandemic SARS-CoV-2 infections in the German working population - the mediating role of working from home. Scand J Work Environ Health 2024; 50:168-177. [PMID: 38346224 PMCID: PMC11064849 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES SARS-CoV-2 infections were unequally distributed during the pandemic, with those in disadvantaged socioeconomic positions being at higher risk. Little is known about the underlying mechanism of this association. This study assessed to what extent educational differences in SARS-CoV-2 infections were mediated by working from home. METHODS We used data of the German working population derived from the seroepidemiological study "Corona Monitoring Nationwide - Wave 2 (RKI-SOEP-2)" (N=6826). Infections were assessed by seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 antigens and self-reports of previous PCR-confirmed infections from the beginning of the pandemic until study participation (November 2021 - February 2022). The frequency of working from home was assessed between May 2021 and January 2022.We used the Karlson-Holm-Breen (KHB) method to decompose the effect of education on SARS-CoV-2 infections. RESULTS Individuals with lower educational attainment had a higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection (adjusted prevalence ratio of low versus very high = 1.76, 95% confidence interval 1.08-2.88; P=0.023). Depending on the level of education, between 27% (high education) and 58% (low education) of the differences in infection were mediated by the frequency of working from home. CONCLUSIONS Working from home could prevent SARS-CoV-2 infections and contribute to the explanation of socioeconomic inequalities in infection risks. Wherever possible, additional capacities to work remotely, particularly for occupations that require lower educational attainment, should be considered as an important measure of pandemic preparedness. Limitations of this study are the observational cross-sectional design and that the temporal order between infection and working from home remained unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Wachtler
- ORCID ID 0000-0002-3959-5676, Department of Epidemiology and Health Monitoring, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany.
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Scoditti E, Bodini A, Sabina S, Leo CG, Mincarone P, Rissotto A, Fusco S, Guarino R, Ponzini G, Tumolo MR, Magnavita N, Tripepi GL, Garbarino S. Effects of working from home on lifestyle behaviors and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey study. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300812. [PMID: 38558099 PMCID: PMC10984516 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak has led to relevant changes in everyday life worldwide. One of these changes has been a rapid transition to and an increasing implementation of working from home (WH) modality. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of mandatory WH during the COVID-19 pandemic on lifestyle behaviors, Mediterranean diet adherence, body weight, and depression. An online cross-sectional survey was conducted in the early 2022 at the National Research Council of Italy using ad hoc questions and validated scales collecting information on physical activity, sedentary behavior, hobbies/pastimes, dietary habits including adherence to the Mediterranean diet, body weight, and depression during WH compared with before WH. 748 respondents were included in the study. An increased sedentary lifetime was reported by 48% of respondents; however, the subsample of workers who previously performed moderate physical activity intensified this activity. Body weight gain during WH was self-reported in 39.9% of respondents. Mediterranean diet adherence increased (p≪0.001) during WH compared with before WH. The average level of mental health did not record an overall variation; however, the proportion of subjects with mild and moderate depression increased (p = 0.006), while workers who reported values indicative of depression before the transition declared an improvement. These findings highlight health-related impact of WH during the COVID-19 pandemic that may inform future strategies and policies to improve employees' health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Egeria Scoditti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonella Bodini
- Institute for Applied Mathematics and Information Technologies "E. Magenes" (IMATI), National Research Council (CNR), Milano, Italy
| | - Saverio Sabina
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Lecce, Italy
| | - Carlo Giacomo Leo
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Lecce, Italy
| | - Pierpaolo Mincarone
- Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies (IRPPS), National Research Council (CNR), Research Unit of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
| | | | - Stanislao Fusco
- Training and Welfare Unit, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Guarino
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Lecce, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ponzini
- Institute for Research on Population and Social Policies (IRPPS), National Research Council (CNR), Research Unit of Brindisi, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Tumolo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technology (DISTEBA), University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Nicola Magnavita
- Post-graduate School of Occupational Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Luigi Tripepi
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Sergio Garbarino
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal/Child Sciences (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Martinolli G, Posada AS, Belli S, Tomás I, Tordera N. The Joint Role of Focused and Molar Climates and Eudaemonic Well-being as Mediators of the Relationship between Flexible Telework and Scientific Productivity in Spanish ERC-Granted Teams. THE SPANISH JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 27:e5. [PMID: 38351867 DOI: 10.1017/sjp.2024.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Flexible work arrangements, such as teleworking, have gained massive and unprecedented usage for creating work environments that foster well-being and productivity. Yet empirical evidence is still scant and not much is known about the role of organizational climate(s) in this process. Accordingly, the present study was set out to investigate the mediating mechanisms linking flexible teleworking to scientific productivity by considering climate for well-being dimensions, the climates for excellence and for innovation, and eudaemonic well-being as mediating constructs. Data were collected from 358 members of 48 Spanish European Research Council (ERC) granted teams and analyses were conducted both at the individual and team level, after checking for the relevant aggregation indexes. Relevant and significant relations were found within the hypothesized statistical model both at the individual and team level of analysis. The climate dimension of team support and the climate for innovation, together with eudaimonic well-being, resulted to be linked by significant relationships suggesting a potential mediating path. Also, empirical evidence supported considering gender as a control variable for the relationship between flexible teleworking and the climate dimension of work-life balance. In conclusion, climate variables and eudaimonic well-being represent relevant variables for the explanation of the relationship between flexible teleworking and scientific productivity. Practical and theoretical implications, and limitations are further discussed in the article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido Martinolli
- Universitat de València (Spain)
- Siete - Gestión Humana y Organizacional S.A.S. (Colombia)
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Perego F, De Maria B, Parati M, Cassetti G, Gorini A, Bari V, Gelpi F, Porta A, Dalla Vecchia LA. Cardiac autonomic profile, perceived stress and environmental comfort in healthy employees during remote and in-office work. Sci Rep 2024; 14:3727. [PMID: 38355646 PMCID: PMC10867114 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54283-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Remote work (REMOTE) causes an overlap between working and domestic demands. The study of the cardiac autonomic profile (CAP) by means of heart rate variability (HRV) provides information about the impact of REMOTE on workers' health. The primary aim was to determine whether CAP, self-perceived stress, environmental and workstation comfort are modified during REMOTE. The secondary aim was to explore how these indices are influenced by individual and environmental work-related factors. Fifty healthy office employees alternating REMOTE and in-office (OFFICE) working were enrolled, rated self-perceived stress, environmental and workstation comfort using a visual analogue scale and performed a 24-h electrocardiogram during REMOTE and OFFICE. Stress was lower (5.6 ± 2.2 vs. 6.4 ± 1.8), environmental comfort higher (7.7 ± 1.9 vs. 7.0 ± 1.5), and the workstation comfort poorer (6.2 ± 1.8 vs. 7.5 ± 1.2) during REMOTE. CAP was similar during REMOTE and OFFICE. CAP was influenced by some work-related factors, including the presence of offspring, absence of a dedicated workspace during REMOTE and number of working hours. All these variables determined a decreased vagal modulation. The working setting seems to impact the levels of perceived stress and comfort, but not the CAP. However, individual and environmental work-related factors reduce cardiac vagal modulation during REMOTE, potentially increasing the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Perego
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Camaldoli 64, 20138, Milan, Italy
| | - Beatrice De Maria
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Camaldoli 64, 20138, Milan, Italy.
| | - Monica Parati
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Camaldoli 64, 20138, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Cassetti
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Camaldoli 64, 20138, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gorini
- Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri IRCCS, Via Camaldoli 64, 20138, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e di Comunità, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Della Commenda 19, 20122, Milan, Italy
| | - Vlasta Bari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Edmondo Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Gelpi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Porta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Via Mangiagalli 31, 20133, Milan, Italy
- Department of Cardiothoracic, Vascular Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS Policlinico San Donato, Piazza Edmondo Malan 2, San Donato Milanese, 20097, Milan, Italy
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Hall CE, Brooks SK, Mills F, Greenberg N, Weston D. Experiences of working from home: umbrella review. J Occup Health 2024; 66:uiad013. [PMID: 38258944 PMCID: PMC11020277 DOI: 10.1093/joccuh/uiad013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The concept of "working from home" is extremely topical following the COVID-19 pandemic; therefore, it is unsurprising that there has been an increased interest in collating research related to homeworking. This has been carried out by multiple reviews, all with slightly different research aims and methodologies. Collating the findings from the available reviews is therefore highly beneficial to establish the experience of homeworking to create recommendations for the future of home-based work. METHODS An umbrella review was carried out. In June 2022, literature searches were conducted across 4 electronic databases. Published reviews of literature that used a systematic process, were focused on working from home populations, and detailed factors that could be related to the personal experience of homeworking (eg, barriers, facilitators, advantages, disadvantages) were included. RESULTS A total of 1930 records were screened and 6 review articles were included. Results report on the following sections: working environment (eg, workplace design, space conditions), personal impact (eg, satisfaction, career impact), and health (eg, physical health, well-being) including a total of 19 themes. Mixed findings were apparent for nearly all included themes, highlighting the need to consider individual and contextual circumstances when researching working from home. CONCLUSIONS This review establishes the importance of retaining flexibility while homeworking for employees, managers, and organizations. Essentially, a one-size-fits-all approach to working from home is impractical as individual circumstances limit application. Eight recommendations for the future of working from home are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte E. Hall
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, United Kingdom
| | - Samantha K. Brooks
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Mills
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9QH, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Greenberg
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King’s College London, Weston Education Centre, London, SE5 9RJ, United Kingdom
| | - Dale Weston
- Behavioural Science and Insights Unit, Evaluation & Translation Directorate, Science Group, UKHSA, Porton Down, Salisbury, SP4 0JG, United Kingdom
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Yang Z, Huang Y. A bibliometric analysis of telework research based on Web of Science via VOSviewer. Work 2024; 77:671-686. [PMID: 37742685 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has sparked increased interest in telework as a means of reducing the spread of the virus and maintaining social distance. OBJECTIVE This study aims to generate a bibliometric analysis of research progress and trends in telework over the past 20 years. METHOD A search of key terms was conducted in the Social Science Citation Index, Science Citation Index Expanded, and Arts and Humanities Citation Index categories for documents published on telework from 2000-2023. A total of 3,446 studies were analyzed using VOSviewer for co-citation, co-word, and cluster analysis. RESULTS Bibliometric analysis revealed that telework research has experienced a significant increase during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the number of publications in 2022 being more than 15 times higher than that in 2019. The analysis revealed that the most commonly researched areas related to telework were applied psychology, management and business. The knowledge base focuses on the antecedents, moderators, mediators, and consequences of telework, and the research primarily centers around seven directions of well-being, mental health, and work-family conflict. A conceptual framework for telework research and suggestions for future investigation are proposed based on the results of the bibliometric analysis. CONCLUSION This study provides an overview of telework research over the past two decades, highlighting the current status and hot topics in the field. It calls for wider and more active participation of researchers globally to advance the understanding of telework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhirong Yang
- Library of Zhuhai Campus, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Library of Zhuhai Campus, Jinan University, Zhuhai, China
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Parker JJ, Garfield CF, Simon CD, Bendelow A, Heffernan ME, Davis MM, Kan K. Teleworking, Parenting Stress, and the Health of Mothers and Fathers. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2341844. [PMID: 37921771 PMCID: PMC10625030 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.41844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
This cross-sectional study examines the associations of telework during the COVID-19 pandemic with parents’ general health, changes to mental health, and parenting stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- John James Parker
- Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Craig F. Garfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Family and Child Health Innovations Program, Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
- Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Clarissa D. Simon
- Family and Child Health Innovations Program, Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research and Evaluation Center, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Anne Bendelow
- Data Analytics and Reporting, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Marie E. Heffernan
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Smith Child Health Outcomes, Research, and Evaluation Center, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Matthew M. Davis
- Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Kristin Kan
- Division of Advanced General Pediatrics and Primary Care, Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pediatrics, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Fiorini LA. Remote workers' perceived health during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study of influencing factors in the IT and communications sector in Malta. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2023; 61:342-356. [PMID: 36058850 PMCID: PMC10542470 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.2022-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a sudden switch to remote working that many organisations and workers were unprepared for. The study investigates the perceived impact of remote working on workers' health and influencing factors. The topic has received limited attention within published studies. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to IT and communication remote workers in Malta (N=459). Closed-ended questions were analysed quantitatively in order to identify perceived changes in health. Open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively to determine the perceived reasons for such changes. More workers reported that their health had deteriorated than improved during the first 12 months of the pandemic. Greater proportions of remote work were associated with improved levels of health. Several factors were perceived to have influenced levels of health, including: health behaviours, such as physical activity, nutrition, and sleep; the development of disease, particularly mental health issues; work related factors, such as social support, work demands, and the blurring of work-life boundaries; and personal factors, including family life and leisure. The study concludes that remote working can be beneficial for health when workers engage in the correct health-promoting behaviours and are provided with the necessary support, both during their working and private life.
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Heiden M, Hallman DM, Svensson M, Mathiassen SE, Svensson S, Bergström G. Mismatch between actual and preferred extent of telework: cross-sectional and prospective associations with well-being and burnout. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1736. [PMID: 37674141 PMCID: PMC10481552 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16683-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to determine whether telework mismatch, i.e., lack of fit between actual and preferred extent of telework, is cross-sectionally and prospectively associated with well-being and burnout. METHODS A questionnaire was sent to employees in a Swedish manufacturing company in November 2020 (baseline) and September 2021 (follow-up). It contained questions about well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index) and burnout (Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire III), as well as the preferred extent of telework and extent of telework performed. Telework mismatch was calculated as the difference between the actual and preferred extent of telework. Change in mismatch over time was categorized as 1) less mismatch at follow-up than at baseline, 2) more mismatch at follow-up, and 3) identical levels of mismatch at baseline and follow-up. Multivariate and univariate analyses of variance were used to determine the effects of mismatch and change in mismatch over time on baseline ratings and changes in ratings of well-being and burnout. All analyses were performed with and without adjustment for age, sex, marital status, children, type of employment, commuting time and extent of telework performed. RESULTS The response rate was 39% at baseline (n = 928, 67% men, mean(SD) age: 45(11) years) and 60% at follow-up (n = 556, 64% men, mean(SD) age: 46(11) years). A cross-sectional association was found between telework mismatch and well-being, showing that employees who teleworked more than they would like reported worse well-being than those who teleworked less than they would like. No statistically significant association was found between telework mismatch and burnout. The ability of telework mismatch at baseline to predict changes in well-being or burnout over 10 months was small and non-significant. No association was found between change in telework mismatch over the 10-month period and corresponding changes in well-being or burnout. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that telework should be thoughtfully practiced in companies/organizations to avoid negative consequences for employees who already telework more than they prefer. Studies are needed to determine how long-term changes in match between preferred and actual extent of telework is associated with employee well-being, including how the association is modified by the nature of the job and the work environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Heiden
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden.
| | - David M Hallman
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Malin Svensson
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Svend Erik Mathiassen
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Sven Svensson
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
| | - Gunnar Bergström
- Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Department of Occupational Health Science and Psychology, Faculty of Health and Occupational Studies, University of Gävle, SE 801 76 Gävle, Gävle, Sweden
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Box 210, 171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Urrejola-Contreras GP. Relationship between mental fatigue and burnout syndrome in remote workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: an integrative review. Rev Bras Med Trab 2023; 21:e20221003. [PMID: 38313787 PMCID: PMC10835417 DOI: 10.47626/1679-4435-2022-1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the scientific evidence available in the literature addressing the relationship between mental fatigue and burnout associated with teleworking during the COVID-19 pandemic through an integrative review. This review searched the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Taylor & Francis, Embase, ScienceDirect, and SciELO using the DeCS and MeSH health sciences descriptors. The included articles were published between March and December 2021, during the pandemic. Of a total of 224 results, 215 articles were excluded and 9 were considered for the preparation of this integrative review. Mental fatigue was related to technostress, somatic symptoms such as anxiety and insomnia (p < 0.05), and loss of motivation (p < 0.05). Burnout was positively associated with work overload, high interdependence, and lower role clarity. The presence of a stressful factor and a protective factor was evidenced in burnout: intrusive leadership and workaholism, respectively. Greater exhaustion was observed in workers belonging to generation X (41 to 55 years old). Mental fatigue is related to exhaustion in the productive, physical, and psychological dimensions of individuals. Addiction to work has moderated this phenomenon, however, it is urgent to limit and optimize work hours as well as promote disconnection and rest among workers within the framework of a healthy work policy.
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13
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Falco A, Girardi D, Elfering A, Peric T, Pividori I, Dal Corso L. Is Smart Working Beneficial for Workers' Wellbeing? A Longitudinal Investigation of Smart Working, Workload, and Hair Cortisol/Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6220. [PMID: 37444069 PMCID: PMC10341102 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20136220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Building on the job demands-resources (JD-R) and allostatic load (AL) models, in the present study we examined the role of smart working (SW) in the longitudinal association between workload/job autonomy (JA) and a possible biomarker of work-related stress (WRS) in the hair-namely, the cortisol-dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA(S)) ratio-during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, 124 workers completed a self-report questionnaire (i.e., psychological data) at Time 1 (T1) and provided a strand of hair (i.e., biological data) three months later (Time 2, T2). Results from moderated multiple regression analysis showed that SW at T1 was negatively associated with the hair cortisol/DHEA(S) ratio at T2. Additionally, the interaction between workload and SW was significant, with workload at T1 being positively associated with the hair cortisol/DHEA(S) ratio at T2 among smart workers. Overall, this study indicates that SW is a double-edged sword, with both positive and negative consequences on employee wellbeing. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the hair cortisol/DHEA(S) ratio is a promising biomarker of WRS. Practical implications that organizations and practitioners can adopt to prevent WRS and promote organizational wellbeing are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Falco
- FISPPA Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Damiano Girardi
- FISPPA Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Achim Elfering
- Institute of Psychology, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tanja Peric
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Isabella Pividori
- Department of Agricultural, Environmental and Animal Sciences, University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Laura Dal Corso
- FISPPA Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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14
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Commers G, Victoriano-Habit R, Rodrigue L, Kestens Y, El-Geneidy A. Impacts of commute mode on body mass index: A longitudinal analysis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF TRANSPORT & HEALTH 2023; 30:101615. [PMID: 37096134 PMCID: PMC10099220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jth.2023.101615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Introduction COVID-19 has impacted millions of commuters by decreasing their mobility and transport patterns. While these changes in travel have been studied, less is known about how commute changes may have impacted individuals' body mass index (BMI). The present longitudinal study explores the relationship between commute mode and BMI of employed individuals in Montréal, Canada. Methods This study uses panel data drawn from two waves of the Montréal Mobility Survey (MMS) conducted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 458). BMI was modeled separately for women and men as a function of commuting mode, WalkScore©, sociodemographic, and behavioral covariates using a multilevel regression modeling approach. Results For women, BMI significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, but telecommuting frequency, and more specifically telecommuting as a replacement of driving, led to a statistically significant decrease in BMI. For men, higher levels of residential local accessibility decreased BMI, while telecommuting did not have a statistically significant effect on BMI. Conclusions This study's findings confirm previously observed gendered differences in the relations between the built environment, transport behaviors, and BMI, while offering new insights regarding the impacts of the changes in commute patterns linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Since some of the COVID-19 impacts on commute are expected to be lasting, findings from this research can be of use by health and transport practitioners as they work towards generating policies that improve population health.
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15
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Wels J, Wielgoszewska B, Moltrecht B, Booth C, Green MJ, Hamilton OKL, Demou E, Di Gessa G, Huggins C, Zhu J, Santorelli G, Silverwood RJ, Kopasker D, Shaw RJ, Hughes A, Patalay P, Steves C, Chaturvedi N, Porteous DJ, Rhead R, Katikireddi SV, Ploubidis GB. Home working and social and mental wellbeing at different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in the UK: Evidence from 7 longitudinal population surveys. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004214. [PMID: 37104282 PMCID: PMC10138202 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Home working has increased since the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic's onset with concerns that it may have adverse health implications. We assessed the association between home working and social and mental wellbeing among the employed population aged 16 to 66 through harmonised analyses of 7 UK longitudinal studies. METHODS AND FINDINGS We estimated associations between home working and measures of psychological distress, low life satisfaction, poor self-rated health, low social contact, and loneliness across 3 different stages of the pandemic (T1 = April to June 2020 -first lockdown, T2 = July to October 2020 -eased restrictions, T3 = November 2020 to March 2021 -second lockdown) using modified Poisson regression and meta-analyses to pool results across studies. We successively adjusted the model for sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, sex), job characteristics (e.g., sector of activity, pre-pandemic home working propensities), and pre-pandemic health. Among respectively 10,367, 11,585, and 12,179 participants at T1, T2, and T3, we found higher rates of home working at T1 and T3 compared with T2, reflecting lockdown periods. Home working was not associated with psychological distress at T1 (RR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.79 to 1.08) or T2 (RR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.88 to 1.11), but a detrimental association was found with psychological distress at T3 (RR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.05 to 1.30). Study limitations include the fact that pre-pandemic home working propensities were derived from external sources, no information was collected on home working dosage and possible reverse association between change in wellbeing and home working likelihood. CONCLUSIONS No clear evidence of an association between home working and mental wellbeing was found, apart from greater risk of psychological distress during the second lockdown, but differences across subgroups (e.g., by sex or level of education) may exist. Longer term shifts to home working might not have adverse impacts on population wellbeing in the absence of pandemic restrictions but further monitoring of health inequalities is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques Wels
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre Metices, Université libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bożena Wielgoszewska
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), Social Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bettina Moltrecht
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), Social Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Booth
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), Social Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael J. Green
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Olivia KL Hamilton
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Evangelia Demou
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Giorgio Di Gessa
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Huggins
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, The University of Edinburgh Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Jingmin Zhu
- Research Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Santorelli
- Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Bradford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Silverwood
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), Social Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Kopasker
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Richard J. Shaw
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Alun Hughes
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Praveetha Patalay
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), Social Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Steves
- Twin Research & Genetic Epidemiology, King’s College London, St Thomas’ Hospital London, United Kingdom
| | - Nishi Chaturvedi
- MRC Unit for Lifelong Health and Ageing, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Porteous
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, The University of Edinburgh Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Rhead
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), Social Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, School of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Clarice Pears Building, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - George B. Ploubidis
- Centre for Longitudinal Studies (CLS), Social Research Institute, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Borge RH, Johannessen HA, Fostervold KI, Nielsen MB. Office design, telework from home, and self-certified sickness absence: A cross-sectional study of main and moderating effects in a nationally representative sample. Scand J Work Environ Health 2023; 49:222-230. [PMID: 36645881 PMCID: PMC10621899 DOI: 10.5271/sjweh.4078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate (i) the main effects of office design and access to telework from home (TWFH) on self-certified sickness absence and (ii) the moderating effects of access to TWFH on the relationship between office design and self-certified sickness absence. METHODS The study used cross-sectional survey data from a nationally representative sample from Norway (N=4329). Research objectives were investigated with negative binomial hurdle models, adjusting for age, gender, education level, leadership responsibility, and time spent on office work. Moderating effects of TWFH were evaluated with pairwise comparisons and plots of estimated marginal means. RESULTS In adjusted models, employees in conventional open-plan offices [odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-1.54] had significantly higher odds of sickness absence than employees in private offices. Employees with access to TWFH (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.74-0.99) had significantly lower odds of sickness absence than employees with no access. Among employees with access to TWFH, those in conventional open-plan offices had significantly higher predicted probability of self-certified sickness absence than those in private offices (z=4.41, P<0.0001). There were no significant differences between office designs among employees who did not have access to TWFH. There were no significant main or moderating effects on the number of sickness absence episodes in adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS The current study identifies conventional open-plan offices as a potential risk factor for sickness absence. While access to TWFH may be a protective factor overall, it amplified - rather than attenuated - differences in sickness absence between employees in private offices and conventional open-plan offices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randi Hovden Borge
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Pb 5330 Majorstuen, 0304 Oslo, Norway.
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17
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Okawara M, Ishimaru T, Igarashi Y, Matsugaki R, Mafune K, Nagata T, Tsuji M, Ogami A, Fujino Y. Health and Work Performance Consequences of Working From Home Environment: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study in Japan. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:277-283. [PMID: 36729620 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The physical work environment while working from home (WFH) is a key component of WFH, which, if inadequate, can impair workers' health and work functioning. We investigated environmental factors in WFH and worsening of work functioning. METHODS A 1-year prospective cohort study was conducted involving 2530 Japanese workers who worked from home. Environment while WFH was assessed using binary subjective assessments based on existing guidelines. Existence of impaired work function was assessed using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale. We performed multilevel logistic regression analysis nested in the prefecture of residence. RESULTS Lack of room/space for concentration, lack of enough light and foot space, inadequate temperature and humidity, and use of a sitting table were associated with work functioning impairment. CONCLUSIONS An inappropriate environment while WFH can have a negative impact on workers' health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Okawara
- From the Department of Environmental Epidemiology, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan (M.O., T.I., Y.F.). Disaster Occupational Health Center, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan (Y.I.). Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan (R.M.). Department of Mental Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan (K.M.). Department of Occupational Health Practice and Management, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan (T.N.). Department of Environmental Health, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan (M.T.). Department of Work Systems and Health, Institute of Industrial Ecological Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan (A.O.)
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18
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Kikunaga K, Nakata A, Kuwamura M, Odagami K, Mafune K, Ando H, Muramatsu K, Tateishi S, Fujino Y. Psychological Distress, Japanese Teleworkers, and Supervisor Support During COVID-19. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:e68-e73. [PMID: 36730605 PMCID: PMC9897117 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During the COVID-19 pandemic, teleworking became the new workplace norm, creating a new challenge for workplace communication. This study investigated the association between source-specific workplace social support and psychological distress among Japanese teleworkers and nonteleworkers. METHODS A total of 15,045 workers were extracted from a cross-sectional web-based survey that assessed psychological distress, workplace social support from supervisors and coworkers. After grouping participants into four groups based on their positions (managers, staff members) and teleworking arrangements (teleworking, nonteleworking), multiple logistic regression analyses were performed separately. RESULTS Teleworkers with less supervisor support demonstrated the highest risk of psychological distress (adjusted odds ratio = 2.55, P = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Insufficient supervisor support for teleworking staff members may be a key occupational risk factor for psychological distress in the postpandemic future.
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19
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Aboagye E, Muschalla B, Lorenz T, Grimani A. Editorial: Hard facts or half-truths? The social and economic sustainability impact of flexible work practices in organizations. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1114627. [PMID: 36760910 PMCID: PMC9905833 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1114627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Aboagye
- Unit of Intervention and Implementation Research for Worker Health, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden,*Correspondence: Emmanuel Aboagye ✉
| | - Beate Muschalla
- Department of Psychotherapy and Diagnostics, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Brunswick, Germany
| | - Timo Lorenz
- Department of Psychology, Medical School Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aikaterini Grimani
- Behavioural Science Group, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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20
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Victoriano-Habit R, El-Geneidy A. Studying the Interrelationship between Telecommuting during COVID-19, residential local accessibility, and active travel: a panel study in Montréal, Canada. TRANSPORTATION 2023:1-18. [PMID: 36628259 PMCID: PMC9816534 DOI: 10.1007/s11116-022-10369-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a substantial increase in the number of people working from home (telecommuting), in turn leading to unprecedented changes in mobility patterns worldwide. Due to the changing context of the pandemic, there is still a significant gap in knowledge regarding the effects of working from home on workers' travel patterns. The main goal of this work is to unravel the interrelationship between telecommuting during the COVID-19 pandemic, the frequency of active travel for non-work utilitarian purposes, and local accessibility levels around workers' homes. This study uses a longitudinal approach by analyzing travel and telecommuting behavior data from a two-wave survey administered in Montreal in 2019, pre-pandemic, and 2021, during COVID-19 (n = 452). Through a set of weighted multi-level linear regressions, we study the effects of telecommuting on the frequency of active travel for non-work utilitarian purposes, mediated by local accessibility around the household. Results show that the effect of telecommuting on non-work active travel for utilitarian purposes is highly dependent on local accessibility levels around the person's household. For workers living in high local accessibility areas, an increase in telecommuting during the pandemic has induced an increase in active trips for non-work utilitarian purposes. On the other hand, for workers residing in low local accessibility neighborhoods, the effect is the opposite. This research provides insights into the effects of telecommuting on non-work active travel, an area that is currently of interest to policy-makers and practitioners working towards increasing the level of physical activity among individuals through travel.
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21
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Looi JC, Maguire PA, Bastiampillai T, Allison S. Penumbra of the pandemic workplace for psychiatrists and trainees in Australia. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:736-738. [PMID: 35748803 PMCID: PMC9234374 DOI: 10.1177/10398562221109742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A commentary on the workforce, infrastructure and health of psychiatrists and trainees providing psychiatric care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. CONCLUSIONS The wide-ranging workplace, health system and societal changes necessitated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus have altered the practice and working lives of psychiatrists, trainees and other healthcare workers, as well as the general population. There have been workplace innovations, recalibrations and losses. There is a new baseline upon which to build better psychiatric services, as the pandemic's penumbra recedes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey Cl Looi
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, 104822The Australian National University Medical School, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Paul A Maguire
- Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, 104822The Australian National University Medical School, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Tarun Bastiampillai
- Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, 2541Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Stephen Allison
- Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA), Canberra, ACT, Australia; College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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22
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Niven A, Baker G, Almeida EC, Fawkner SG, Jepson R, Manner J, Morton S, Nightingale G, Sivaramakrishnan D, Fitzsimons C. "Are We Working (Too) Comfortably?": Understanding the Nature of and Factors Associated with Sedentary Behaviour When Working in the Home Environment. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SCIENCE 2022; 7:71-88. [PMID: 36465155 PMCID: PMC9708134 DOI: 10.1007/s41542-022-00128-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Home working has increased due to COVID-19, but little is known about how this change has impacted the health risk behaviour of elevated sedentary time. The aim of this cross-sectional exploratory study was to assess occupational sitting behaviour when working at home, and use the Capability Opportunity Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model to identify influences on this behaviour. University staff (n = 267; 69% female; 92% white) who were predominantly working from home completed a questionnaire to assess sitting time, sitting breaks, demographic and occupational characteristics, and a 7-item COM-B questionnaire and open-ended questions to assess influences on time spent sitting whilst working from home. Data were analysed descriptively, a repeated measures ANOVA was used to determine differences in the COM-B items, and binary logistic regression was used to examine predictors of sitting time. Staff spent on average 89.5% (SD = 17.1) of their time sitting whilst working at home, and took an average of 1.36 (1.38) sitting breaks per hour. There were significant and meaningful differences in the influence of the COM factors on ability and willingness to reduce sitting behaviour (p < .0001; ηp 2 = .38), and the open-ended responses added further context. The included variables accounted for 20.7% of variance in sitting behaviour, with age, sitting breaks, motivation-automatic, and opportunity-physical contributing significantly. Working from home leads to elevated levels of sitting, and the COM-B provides a useful model to identify key influences on ability and willingness to reduce sitting. Strategies incorporating regular breaks, habit formation/reversal, and restructuring the physical environment may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ailsa Niven
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Graham Baker
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Eva Coral Almeida
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Samantha G Fawkner
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Ruth Jepson
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Jillian Manner
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Sarah Morton
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Glenna Nightingale
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Divya Sivaramakrishnan
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Scottish Collaboration for Public Health Research & Policy, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| | - Claire Fitzsimons
- grid.4305.20000 0004 1936 7988Physical Activity for Health Research Centre, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
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23
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Yeves J, Bargsted M, Torres-Ochoa C. Work schedule flexibility and teleworking were not good together during COVID-19 when testing their effects on work overload and mental health. Front Psychol 2022; 13:998977. [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.998977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven organizations to implement various flexible work arrangements. Due to a lack of longitudinal studies, there is currently no consensus in specialized literature regarding the consequences of flexible work arrangements on employee mental health, as well any long term potential impacts. Using the Job Demand-Resource Model, this study documents consequences of the implementation of two types of flexible work arrangement: work schedule flexibility and teleworking on employee mental health over time, and the mediating role played by work overload during the accelerated implementation of flexible work arrangements in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a longitudinal design and probabilistic sampling, 209 workers participated in this study, twice answering a flexible work arrangement and mental health questionnaire during the pandemic. Findings of this moderated-mediation suggest that work schedule flexibility generates positive effects on mental health over time due to decreased work overload, but only for employees not working from home. These results offer theoretical and practical implications applicable to organizations considering implementation of flexible work arrangements, particularly with regard to how these flexible practices could support a balance between demand and resources, their impact on work overload, and employee mental health over time.
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24
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Muto G, Nakata A, Park DU, Yokoyama K. Occupational safety and health of flexible work style. INDUSTRIAL HEALTH 2022; 60:293-294. [PMID: 35675993 PMCID: PMC9453569 DOI: 10.2486/indhealth.60_400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Go Muto
- Kitasato University, Japan
- Chiba University, Japan
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Kadri Filho FE, de Lucca SR. Ergonomic and psychosocial risks related to musculoskeletal problems among Brazilian labor judges in telework during the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2022; 29:837-846. [PMID: 35658816 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2085382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ergonomic and psychosocial risks in telework and their relationship with musculoskeletal problems in Brazilian labor judges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 119 participants. The data were collected through a sociodemographic and occupational questionnaire, from the Brazilian versions of the Maastricht Upper Extremity Questionnaire (MUEQ-Br revised), the Rapid Office Strain Assessment (ROSA-Br) and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), added to a numerical pain scale. Results. According to ROSA-Br, 47.06% of the participants showed an outcome where it is considered that there is a need for immediate intervention in the workplace. The results of ROSA-Br and MUEQ-Br revised presented a significant correlation with the intensity of complaints in the neck and shoulders in the last 12 months and in the last seven days. The total score of MUEQ-Br revised presented more important correlations with problems in these body regions and with the intensity of complaints in the upper back, wrists/hands and lower back in both periods. Conclusions. Companies should propose ways to assess the ergonomic and psychosocial risks among their employees in telework as a way to prevent the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fauzi El Kadri Filho
- PhD student at the School of Medical Sciences of the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil
| | - Sérgio Roberto de Lucca
- PhD, professor at the School of Medical Sciences of the University of Campinas (Unicamp), Brazil.
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Lunde LK, Fløvik L, Christensen JO, Johannessen HA, Finne LB, Jørgensen IL, Mohr B, Vleeshouwers J. Correction: The relationship between telework from home and employee health: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:935. [PMID: 35538568 PMCID: PMC9092695 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13334-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lars-Kristian Lunde
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Lise Fløvik
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jan Olav Christensen
- Department of Work Psychology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Håkon A Johannessen
- Department of Work Psychology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Live Bakke Finne
- Department of Work Psychology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid Løken Jørgensen
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benedicte Mohr
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jolien Vleeshouwers
- Department of Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology, National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
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Work From Home or Bring Home the Work? Burnout and Procrastination in Brazilian Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:e333-e339. [PMID: 35213483 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate burnout and procrastination in a sample of Brazilian workers during the COVID-19 pandemic according to their current work mode. METHODS This cross-sectional study used data from an online survey conducted in 2020: 435 workers were included. The Copenhagen Burnout Inventory and the Irrational Procrastination Scale were used to access burnout and procrastination respectively. RESULTS There was no difference between workers working from home (WFH) and at face-to-face work regarding burnout symptoms. However, the WFH group had higher levels of procrastination. Clinically significant levels of burnout were associated with being female, increased childcare load and living with children under 12years old. CONCLUSIONS WFH may have more advantages than disadvantages in ideal conditions. However, work-life imbalances seem to be a key aspect regarding distress among workers WFH, especially in women with small children.
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Lange M, Kayser I. The Role of Self-Efficacy, Work-Related Autonomy and Work-Family Conflict on Employee's Stress Level during Home-Based Remote Work in Germany. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094955. [PMID: 35564349 PMCID: PMC9105450 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Home-based remote work becomes increasingly popular. The facets of remote work, especially working from home, are multifaceted and can become stressors that affect a person’s health. At the same time, self-efficacy is an important personal resource to deal with health-related stressors. The objective of this study is therefore to explore the relationship between self-efficacy (SE), work-related stress (WRS), health outcomes (health and anxiety), contributing factors (autonomy and experience) and work-family conflict (WFC) in a remote work setting. Using a PLS-model (partial least square) with a sample of n = 5163 responses, we found that SE significantly reduces WRS (β = −0.164; p < 0.001). Moreover, WFC increases WRS and anxiety, while SE reduces WFC and mediates health outcomes (anxiety: β = −0.065; p < 0.001; health: β = −0.048; p < 0.001). At the same time, autonomy (β = 0.260; p < 0.001) and experience (β = 0.215; p < 0.001) increase SE. Our results have high practical implications for employers and employees, underlining the importance of self-efficacy as a personal resource to buffer WRS and WFC while promoting overall health at the same time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Lange
- Department of Fitness & Health, IST University of Applied Sciences, Erkrather Straße 220a-c, 40233 Düsseldorf, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(211)-86668-656
| | - Ina Kayser
- Department of Communication & Business, IST University of Applied Sciences, Erkrather Straße 220a-c, 40233 Düsseldorf, Germany;
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