Building (and breaking) a vicious cycle formed by extreme working conditions, work intensification, and perceived well-being: a study of dirty workers in Brazilian favelas

Abstract

This study aims to understand how extreme working conditions, work intensification, and employee well-being are related in the context of dirty work. We conducted a grounded theory study through interviews with 57 workers in so called ‘dirty jobs’ who are tasked with cutting off electricity in Brazilian favelas. Our model showed that, when working in extreme conditions, dirty workers seek to build more positive meanings in relation to their professional occupation as a way of collectively reacting to the negative judgments they receive. This process leads them to identify more with their work role, to work more intensely, and to experience a sense of well-being at work. With that, they also accept and even want to continue to work in extreme conditions. However, when workers experience situations in which their sense of self is threatened, they reject being subjected to extreme working conditions and limit the intensity of their work.