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Rajappan D, Mailerum Perumal A, Santhi IV, Narayanan R. Analyzing the stress management intervention impacting the mindfulness and well-being of employees. Work 2024; 77:561-571. [PMID: 38277319 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220410] [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: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing employee well-being as well as lowering stress may have several benefits for organizations. Stress management intervention techniques utilized via organizations help to develop worker mindfulness and well-being, and reduce stress. OBJECTIVE To review stress management interventions to determine the effectiveness of diverse interventions in improving the mindfulness and well-being of employees working in an organization. METHODS This work is split into two main sections: collection of data and analysis of data. First, data collection is carried out. The structured questionnaire was organized and distributed to managers and working employees of an organization. Based on the developed hypothesis, the questionnaire was arranged and all queries were compulsory. Subsequently, the collected data were performed by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis. RESULTS The Standard Mean Residual Root Square for the baseline model of mindfulness and well-being of employees working in an organization is 0.2156, which is better than threshold value. CONCLUSION From the analysis, the goodness of fit and significant relation among the stress intervention techniques as well as mindfulness and well-being of employees in an organization has been found.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhaneesh Rajappan
- Department of Management Studies, Amrita College of Engineering and Technology, Nagercoil, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Arun Mailerum Perumal
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Iswarya Vijayakumar Santhi
- Department of Management Studies, Amrita College of Engineering and Technology, Nagercoil, Tamilnadu, India
| | - Rajkumar Narayanan
- Department of Management Studies, Jawaharlal College of Engineering and Technology, Ottapalam, India
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Jasińska-Słowik MJ, Tarkowski B, Zalewska-Janowska A. Perception of the activity-based working concept by bank's employees as a working condition. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2023; 36:526-540. [PMID: 37815129 PMCID: PMC10691412 DOI: 10.13075/ijomeh.1896.02105] [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: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of the research was to explore the potential of the concept of work in the activity-based working (ABW) environment, including its impact on stress, back pain and psychomedical parameters of employees subjected to and not subject to relocation. MATERIAL AND METHODS The data of 396 employees of both sexes were analyzed. The study used standardized psychological questionnaires to measure the level of perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), the level of readiness for change (Readiness for Change Questionnaire), the severity of health behaviors (Health Behavior Inventory) and the level of general self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy Scale). The set included questionnaires measuring the level of knowledge of occupational health and safety rules and the frequency of back pain. RESULTS In the group of people whose workplace was moved to another building (in accordance with the concept), the relationship between the level of stress and selected variables: age, sense of generalized self-efficacy was checked. A significant negative correlation between the level of stress and age was confirmed (ρ = -0.16, p = 0.023), meaning a decrease in the level of stress with age. The level of stress correlated positively with the sense of efficacy (ρ = 0.21, p = 0.003), which means, the higher the sense of effectiveness, the higher the level of stress. In addition, it was confirmed that the level of stress in the group of people changing their location differed significantly from the general population. CONCLUSIONS Work in the ABW concept can contribute to the improvement of interpersonal communication and facilitate the social integration of employees and better evaluation of work in this model. Work in concept has not been shown to be a protective factor against back pain in people with obesity. It was confirmed that in people relocated from traditional office to office in the concept, relocation was associated with stress, but also with a greater sense of self-efficacy. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2023;36(4):526-40.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bartłomiej Tarkowski
- Medical University of Lodz, Psychodermatology Department, Chair of Pulmonology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Łódź, Poland
| | - Anna Zalewska-Janowska
- Medical University of Lodz, Psychodermatology Department, Chair of Pulmonology, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Łódź, Poland
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Chacón A, Avargues-Navarro ML, Pérez-Chacón M, Borda-Mas M. Occupational Psychosocial Risks and Quality of Professional Life in Service Sector Workers with Sensory Processing Sensitivity. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:496. [PMID: 37366749 DOI: 10.3390/bs13060496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the role of sensory processing sensitivity in the perception of stress under certain working conditions and its relationship with indicators of quality of professional life, in service sector workers. The participants (n = 3180) completed the Spanish versions of HSPS-S, CoPSoQ and ProQoL. The results show that exposure to certain working conditions represents a risk to the quality of professional life in workers of different fields, such as education, healthcare, hospitality and administration/management. The presence of high sensitivity is associated with poorer quality of professional life, specifically burnout and compassion fatigue. This study demonstrates the need to develop prevention programs aimed at managing stress by improving the working conditions, in order to adequately address sensory processing sensitivity and, consequently, promote the quality of professional life of service sector workers who present high sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Chacón
- Spanish Association of Highly Sensitive Professionals and Psychologists, PAS España, 28080 Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Manuela Pérez-Chacón
- Spanish Association of Highly Sensitive Professionals and Psychologists, PAS España, 28080 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mercedes Borda-Mas
- Department of Personality, Assessment, and Psychological Treatment, University of Seville, 41018 Seville, Spain
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Dahlqvist I, Ståhl C, Severin J, Akerstrom M. Shifting from an individual to an organizational perspective in work environment management - a process evaluation of a six-year intervention program within the Swedish public sector. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:1108. [PMID: 37291519 PMCID: PMC10248951 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-16059-y] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Working systematically with the work environment, particularly the organizational and psychosocial work environment entails several challenges for employers. There is a lack of knowledge on how to best undertake this work. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the process of a six-year organizational-level intervention program where workplaces could apply for additional funds to implement preventive intervention measures, with the intention of improving working conditions and reducing sickness absence within the Swedish public sector. METHODS The program management process was studied using a mixed-method approach combining qualitative document and content analyses based on process documentation produced between 2017 and 2022 (n = 135), interviews with internal occupational health services professionals in 2021 (n = 9) and quantitative descriptive analyses of submitted applications with decisions from 2017 to 2022 (n = 621). RESULTS Qualitative analyses of the process documentation revealed concerns from the project group regarding access to sufficient competence and resources among stakeholders and participating workplaces, and role conflicts and ambiguities between the program and everyday operations. To address these challenges, the application process was developed over time using the knowledge gained from previous years. A change in the mental models in work environment management, from an individual to an organizational perspective, was seen among the project group and the internal occupational health services responsible for implementing most of the granted intervention measures. In addition, the proportion of granted intervention measures on an organizational level increased throughout the years from 39% in 2017 to 89% in 2022. The changes in the application process were believed to be the main contributor to the change among the applying workplaces. CONCLUSIONS Results indicate that a long-term organizational-level workplace intervention program may be used, by the employer, as a tool for shifting from an individual- to an organizational perspective in the work environment management. However, additional measures on multiple levels need to be implemented to secure a sustainable shift in perspective within the organization.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Dahlqvist
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - C Ståhl
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Division of Education and Sociology, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - J Severin
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Akerstrom
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, the Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Carl Skottbergs gata 22B, Gothenburg, 413 19, Sweden.
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Björk L, Corin L, Akerstrom M, Jonsdottir IH, Innocenti AD, Wijk H, Ahlstrom L. Under pressure - The working situation of Swedish healthcare managers during the first wave of COVID-19. Front Psychol 2023; 13:1052382. [PMID: 36710753 PMCID: PMC9874142 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1052382] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The aim of this study is to provide insight into the psychosocial work situation of hospital managers during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Mixed-effect modelling was used on survey data on job demands, job resources, job motivation, and work-life balance among over 500 managers working in 55 departments of a large Swedish university hospital in 2019 and 2020. Responses from 6011 employees were then used to stratify the analysis for COVID-19 exposure. Inductive content analysis was applied to open-ended questions on the managers' views on organisational prerequisites during the onset of the pandemic. Results The proportion of managers reporting difficulties with role clarity, quantitative demands, decision-making authority, and emotional support, time for recovery at work, motivation deficits, or problems with work-life balance clearly increased during the first wave of the pandemic. The proportion of managers reporting negative responses was higher in departments with high COVID-19 exposure. The qualitative analysis shows that overall governance in terms of clear, fair, and well-communicated routines, resource allocation, and division of responsibilities constituted an important framework for managerial during the crisis. First-line managers also require a mandate to re-organize their roles and their teams to successfully adapt to the situation. Organisational and social support was also important resources. Discussion This is the first study investigating healthcare managers' work situation during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in a Swedish context. As expected, it indicates an increasingly strained work situation during the crisis, but it also provides findings on organisational prerequisites that allow healthcare managers to cope with stressful situations. In line with previous research on organisational resilience, the study provides suggestions for how higher-level managers can act in order to provide front-line managers with the organisational prerequisites they need to adapt, learn and develop successfully during times of unpredictability, insecurity, and rapid change in order to offer the best possible support to health care workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Björk
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,*Correspondence: Lisa Björk, ✉
| | - Linda Corin
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Akerstrom
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H. Jonsdottir
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessio Degl Innocenti
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothia Forum for Clinical Trials, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Quality Strategies, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Ahlstrom
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden,Department of Orthopedics, Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Sheng Z, Fan B. The double-edged sword effect of performance pressure on public employees: The mediation role of mission valence. Front Psychol 2022; 13:992071. [PMID: 36337477 PMCID: PMC9629144 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.992071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Performance pressure is a unique stressor in the public sector. Prior studies revealed that it could be a challenge that stimulates functional behavior (i.e., vigor and dedication) or a threat that leads to dysfunctional consequences (i.e., exhaustion and depersonalization). But these articles failed to provide an integrated theoretical model to explain both phenomena simultaneously. We introduced the double-edged sword effect (also called the “too-much-of-good-thing” effect) of performance pressure to fill this theoretical gap. Furthermore, the mediation role of mission valence was examined to explore the buffet mechanism toward this nonlinear relationship. We collected 1,464 valid questionnaire data from snowball sampling to test the research model. Our results revealed that: (1) performance pressure had an inverted U-shaped relationship with dedication and mission valence; (2) performance pressure hurt vigor rather than the curvilinear relationship; (3) mission valence can mediate the inverted U-shaped relationship between performance pressure and dedication. These empirical findings give theoretical contributions and practical insights to public personnel management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhonghua Sheng
- School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center for Chinese Organizational Development and Performance Evaluation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zhonghua Sheng,
| | - Bonai Fan
- School of Public Affairs, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Research Center for Chinese Organizational Development and Performance Evaluation, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Institute for Public Policy, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- Academy of Neuroeconomics and Neuromanagement, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
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Niks IMW, Veldhuis GA, van Zwieten MHJ, Sluijs T, Wiezer NM, Wortelboer HM. Individual Workplace Well-Being Captured into a Literature- and Stakeholders-Based Causal Loop Diagram. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19158925. [PMID: 35897299 PMCID: PMC9331132 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19158925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
This study demonstrates an innovative approach to capture the complexity of individual workplace well-being, improving our understanding of multicausal relationships and feedback loops involved. The literature shows that a high number of interacting factors are related to individual workplace well-being. However, many studies focus on subsets of factors, and causal loops are seldomly studied. The aim of the current study was, therefore, to capture individual workplace well-being in a comprehensive conceptual causal loop diagram (CLD). We followed an iterative, qualitative, and transdisciplinary systems-thinking approach including literature search, group model building sessions, retrospective in-depth interviews with employees, and group sessions with human resource professionals, managers, job coaches, and management consultants. The results were discussed with HR and well-being officers of twelve organizations for their critical reflection on the recognizability and potential of the developed CLD. The final result, a conceptual individual workplace well-being CLD, provides a comprehensive overview of multiple, measurable key factors relating to individual workplace well-being and of the way these factors may causally interact over time, either improving or deteriorating workplace well-being. In future studies, the CLD can be translated to a quantitative system dynamics model for simulating workplace well-being scenarios. Ultimately, these simulations could be used to design effective workplace well-being interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene M. W. Niks
- Department Work, Health & Technology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2301 DA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.H.J.v.Z.); (N.M.W.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Guido A. Veldhuis
- Department Defense, Safety & Security, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2509 JG The Hague, The Netherlands;
| | - Marianne H. J. van Zwieten
- Department Work, Health & Technology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2301 DA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.H.J.v.Z.); (N.M.W.)
| | - Teun Sluijs
- Department Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands; (T.S.); (H.M.W.)
| | - Noortje M. Wiezer
- Department Work, Health & Technology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 2301 DA Leiden, The Netherlands; (M.H.J.v.Z.); (N.M.W.)
| | - Heleen M. Wortelboer
- Department Microbiology and Systems Biology, The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), 3700 AJ Zeist, The Netherlands; (T.S.); (H.M.W.)
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Akerstrom M, Carlsson Y, Sengpiel V, Veje M, Elfvin A, Jonsdottir IH, Degl'Innocenti A, Ahlstrom L, Wijk H, Linden K. Working conditions for hospital-based maternity and neonatal health care workers during extraordinary situations - A pre-/post COVID-19 pandemic analysis and lessons learned. SEXUAL & REPRODUCTIVE HEALTHCARE 2022; 33:100755. [PMID: 35853385 PMCID: PMC9273518 DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2022.100755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim of this study was to investigate how the changed work routines during the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the working environment for hospital-based maternity and neonatal health care workers, and to identify preventive measures to be used in future situations when health care organizations are under pressure. Methods All maternity and neonatal health care workers in a Swedish university hospital were surveyed during October 2019 and September 2020. The data was analyzed by document analysis of implemented changes in working routines, a quantitative analysis of the overall effects on the working conditions, and a qualitative analysis of open-ended responses. Results A total of 660 maternity and neonatal health care workers completed the pre-COVID-19 survey (74% response rate) and 382 the COVID-19 survey (35% response rate). Lack of personal protective equipment, worry about becoming infected, uncertainty whether implemented changes were enough, and challenges in communicating updated routines had negative effects on maternity and neonatal health care workers’ working conditions. Team spirit and feeling valued by peers had a positive effect. Conclusions Results suggest that negative effects on maternity and neonatal health care workers’ health can partly be prevented in future critical situations by creating a work climate that acknowledges the employees’ worry about being infected, securing adequate pre-conditions for managers, creating a strong psychosocial safety climate and systematically improving the working conditions for the maternity and neonatal health care workers, as well as maintaining the positive perceived effects of increased team spirit and feeling valued by peers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magnus Akerstrom
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Ylva Carlsson
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Verena Sengpiel
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Centre of Perinatal Medicine and Health, Institute of Clinical Sciences, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Malin Veje
- Region Västra Götaland, Department of Infectious Diseases, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Elfvin
- Department of Paediatrics, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Department of Paediatrics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir
- Region Västra Götaland, Institute of Stress Medicine, Gothenburg, Sweden; School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessio Degl'Innocenti
- Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health (CELAM), Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothia Forum for Clinical Trials, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Ahlstrom
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden; Region Västra Götaland, Department of Quality Strategies, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Karolina Linden
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
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9
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Ståhl C, Gustavsson IN, Jonsdottir IH, Akerstrom M. Multilevel, risk group-oriented strategies to decrease sickness absence in the public sector: evaluation of interventions in two regions in Sweden. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2022; 95:1415-1427. [PMID: 35451629 PMCID: PMC9273540 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-022-01864-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Sickness absence has been identified as needing to be addressed through multilevel interventions, but knowledge regarding optimal design and implementation of such interventions is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the implementation and effects of a large-scale multilevel intervention in the public sector in Sweden. Methods The overall effect of the intervention was assessed using mixed-effect models. Sickness absence data (before, and 6 or 12 months after the intervention) for 90 intervention groups and 378 reference groups was retrieved from administrative personnel systems from the two participating regional councils. The implementation processes were evaluated using qualitative content analysis of qualitative interviews conducted at two timepoints. Results The results show that the vast majority of implemented measures were on an individual level and the integration of the intervention differed between the two regions. The reception and perception of the intervention activities seem to have been influenced by the implementation process, and how well the interventions were communicated and integrated, both regarding the integration of the different interventions and their integration into the discrete context and existing routines. No short-term overall effects on sickness absence were found. Conclusions The results point to the many challenges in implementing complex interventions, especially where organizational measures are involved—including adequate participation by, and communication between, the involved actors, as well as sufficient resources. The results indicate potential learning effects regarding the awareness of organizational factors in sick leave, after implementing and integrating multilevel strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Ståhl
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden. .,HELIX Competence Center, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Isa Norvell Gustavsson
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, 581 83, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir
- The Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, 413 19, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Akerstrom
- The Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, 413 19, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, 405 30, Gothenburg, Sweden
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10
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Cost-Benefit Evaluation of an Organizational-Level Intervention Program for Decreasing Sickness Absence among Public Sector Employees in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19052998. [PMID: 35270691 PMCID: PMC8910127 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Work-related illnesses create a vast economic burden for employers and society. Organizational-level workplace interventions are recommended to prevent these illnesses, but the knowledge about the economic benefits of such interventions is scarce. The study aimed to evaluate the economic benefit of an organizational-level workplace program for decreasing sickness absence. The program contained a monetary support approach (MSA) and an approach combining monetary and facilitator support (FSA). Cost–benefit analyses were used, where the results were compared to those of business as usual. Economic benefits of reduced sickness absence were based on the value of reduced production loss and direct sick pay costs, respectively. Sensitivity analyses were used to assess the robustness of the results. The program had a positive net benefit when measuring productivity loss, where the FSA had a net benefit and the MSA had a net loss. A negative net benefit was derived when measuring direct sick pay costs. The intervention effect on sickness absence affected the net benefit the most. This program was economically beneficial in terms of reducing the productivity loss, but not of reducing direct sick pay costs connected to short-term sickness absence. Using evidence-based methods is essential for increasing the long-term net benefit of organizational-level workplace interventions.
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Severin J, Björk L, Corin L, Jonsdottir IH, Akerstrom M. Process Evaluation of an Operational-Level Job Stress Intervention Aimed at Decreasing Sickness Absence among Public Sector Employees in Sweden. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:1778. [PMID: 33673076 PMCID: PMC7918230 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18041778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Work-related sickness absence carries large societal costs, and interventions aimed at decreasing sickness absence need to be performed in an effective way. This study evaluated the implementation process of an operational-level job stress intervention, implemented between 2017 and 2018 in the public sector, by assessing the extent to which the allocated resources reached the intended target group, if the planned measures could be expected to address the relevant work environmental challenges, and if the planned measures were implemented. Data were collected from applications for funding in the intervention (n = 154), structured interviews (n = 20), and register data on sickness absence (n = 2912) and working conditions (n = 1477). Thematic analysis was used to classify the level of the work environmental challenges, the level and perspective of the suggested measures, and the "measure-to-challenge correspondence". Overall, participating workplaces (n = 71) had both higher sickness absence (p = 0.01) and worse reported working conditions compared to their corresponding reference groups. A measure-to-challenge correspondence was seen in 42% of the measures, and individual-level measures were mostly suggested for organisational-level work environment challenges. Almost all planned measures (94%) were ultimately implemented. When performing operational-level interventions, managers and their human resource partners need support in designing measures that address the work environmental challenges at their workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Severin
- Region Västra Götaland, The Institute of Stress Medicine, 413 19 Gothenburg, Sweden; (J.S.); (L.B.); (L.C.); (I.H.J.)
| | - Lisa Björk
- Region Västra Götaland, The Institute of Stress Medicine, 413 19 Gothenburg, Sweden; (J.S.); (L.B.); (L.C.); (I.H.J.)
- Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Corin
- Region Västra Götaland, The Institute of Stress Medicine, 413 19 Gothenburg, Sweden; (J.S.); (L.B.); (L.C.); (I.H.J.)
- Department of Sociology and Work Science, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H. Jonsdottir
- Region Västra Götaland, The Institute of Stress Medicine, 413 19 Gothenburg, Sweden; (J.S.); (L.B.); (L.C.); (I.H.J.)
- Social Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Akerstrom
- Region Västra Götaland, The Institute of Stress Medicine, 413 19 Gothenburg, Sweden; (J.S.); (L.B.); (L.C.); (I.H.J.)
- Occupational Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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Alexiou E, Steingrimsson S, Akerstrom M, Jonsdottir IH, Ahlstrom L, Finizia C, Wijk H, Degl'Innocenti A. A Survey of Psychiatric Healthcare Workers' Perception of Working Environment and Possibility to Recover Before and After the First Wave of COVID-19 in Sweden. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:770955. [PMID: 34912253 PMCID: PMC8666504 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.770955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived working environment, including the possibility to recover, among psychiatric healthcare workers (PHCWs) in comparison with pre-pandemic measures. Method: A link to an anonymous, web-based COVID-19 related survey was sent via email to all PHCWs at a university hospital in Sweden (n = 1,618) in September 2020. The response rate was 38% (566 of 1,507 eligible participants). Working environment survey responses collected in 2019 were used as pre-pandemic comparators. Statistical analyses were performed to assess overall impact over time on work demands, support, motivation, and recovery, stratified by professional role, and considering variables such as access to personal protective equipment. Results: The percentage of individuals responding negatively to statements about working environment increased significantly for most items after the first wave. Similarly, the increase of five of the investigated factors indicated a more negative perception of recovery during the pandemic. Registered nurses reported a greater negative impact of the pandemic on perceived working conditions and ability to recover than other professional groups. PHCWs working with patients with COVID-19 (35%) who reported being worried about becoming infected (12%) or infecting others (17%), or lacking adequate personal protective equipment (22%) were more negatively impacted regarding work environment-related items than those who did not. Conclusions: PHCWs' working environment and possibility for recovery were impacted by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses being most affected. Although psychiatric services do not directly care for patients with severe COVID-19 infection, the results from this study suggests that mental health services should also prepare for future pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Alexiou
- Department of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Center for Ethics, Law, and Mental Health, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Steinn Steingrimsson
- Department of Psychiatry, Forensic Psychiatric Clinic, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Magnus Akerstrom
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ingibjörg H Jonsdottir
- Institute of Stress Medicine, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Linda Ahlstrom
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Orthopaedics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caterina Finizia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Research, Development, Education and Innovation, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Helle Wijk
- Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Quality Strategies, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alessio Degl'Innocenti
- Center for Ethics, Law, and Mental Health, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Gothia Forum for Clinical Trials, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Region Västra Götaland, Gothenburg, Sweden
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