Abstract
The psychosocial work environment is of great importance for regaining health and productivity after a workplace disaster. Still, there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of a disaster on the psychosocial work environment. The purpose of this study was to examine whether employees' perceptions of role clarity, role conflicts, and predictability in their work situation changed from before to after a workplace terrorist attack. We combined data from two prospective work environment surveys of employees in three governmental ministries that were the target of the 2011 Oslo terrorist attack. A first two-wave survey was conducted 4–5 years and 2–3 years before the attack, and a second three-wave survey took place 10 months, 2 years, and 3 years after the attack. Of 504 individuals who were employed at the time of the bombing, 220 were employed in both pre- and post-disaster periods, participated in both the first and the second survey, and consented to the linking of data from the two surveys. We found no significant changes in levels of role clarity, role conflict, and predictability from before to after the terrorist attack. Adjusting for sex, age and education had no effect on the results. The findings suggest that perceptions of the psychosocial working environment are likely to be maintained at previous levels in the aftermath of a workplace disaster. Considering the importance of the psychosocial work environment for regaining health and productivity, the findings are important for the preparation for, and management of, future crises.
Highlights
Over the last two decades, workplaces around the world have been increasingly exposed to natural and man-made disasters that destroy businesses, disrupt productivity and result in economic, social and health consequences [1]
Following the 2011 Oslo terrorist attack directed toward the governmental ministries in Norway, employees’ appraisals of lower role conflicts, higher role clarity, higher predictability, and higher leader support were associated with lower psychological distress [2]
Despite the importance of the work environment for health and productivity, there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of a workplace disaster on the psychosocial work environment
Summary
Over the last two decades, workplaces around the world have been increasingly exposed to natural and man-made disasters that destroy businesses, disrupt productivity and result in economic, social and health consequences [1]. To maintain health and productivity in the aftermath of such events, the psychosocial work environment is important. Work Environment After Terror and co-workers reduced the odds of sick leave, whereas experiences of role conflicts increased the odds [3]. Even for those who met the symptom criteria for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), predictability and control over decisions at work reduced the probability of sick leave [4]. Despite the importance of the work environment for health and productivity, there is a lack of knowledge about the impact of a workplace disaster on the psychosocial work environment
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
