Study of Québec healthworkers shows a positive psychosocial safety climate (PSC) reduces reliance on “workarounds”

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose was to work out whether by creating a positive working environment reduced turnarounds by reducing the risk of physical fatigue, cognitive weariness and emotional exhaustion.Design/methodology/approachThe researchers conducted their study in Québec, with the partnership of the main union of nurses, the Inter-professional Federation of Health of Québec. They received 562 responses. Hypothesis 1 was: “High PSC will decrease workarounds via decreasing physical fatigue as a mediator.” H2 was: “High PSC will decrease workarounds via decreasing cognitive weariness as a mediator.” H3 was: “High PSC will decrease workarounds via decreasing emotional exhaustion as a mediator.”FindingsThe results supported all the three hypotheses, meaning that physical fatigue, cognitive weariness and emotional exhaustion all mediate relationships between PSC and workarounds.Originality/valueThe authors argue that their research demonstrates how healthcare organizations would benefit from changing the culture that sees nurses losing an average of 33 minutes on a 7.5-hour shift. The extra pressures lead directly to a workaround culture, the authors say. They argue that organizations should work to ensure that good systems for open communication and mutual trust exist. Managers should encourage workers to talk about difficulties, including issues around blockages and workarounds.