Abstract
The workplace environment can have a significant impact on an employee's psychological wellbeing. This has been demonstrated using the Job Demand Control Model, which posits that high job demands and low decision latitude lead to increased job strain.Participants were recruited from three Critical Care Units within one NHS Trust in London. Each participant underwent a qualitative interview exploring attitudes to the workplace environment and its subsequent impact. Data were analysed using a thematic analysis approach.Thirty participants representing the multidisciplinary team and all levels of seniority were recruited according to a purposeful sampling technique. Our analysis demonstrated a measurable incidence of negative psychological consequences resulting from several key areas within the critical care environment, including isolation in single rooms and visibility of senior support. Applying the Job Demand Control model, we were able to identify areas of high job demand and low decision latitude.The critical care environment is highly dynamic and job demands are likely to be unmodifiable. The framework developed in this study highlights areas that can be adapted to improve decision latitude, consequently minimising negative consequences.Leaders wishing to improve the psychological wellbeing of their staff can use our framework to identify areas where individual control can be enhanced. This should lead to increased decision latitude, thereby reducing the psychological strain created by the workplace environment. In addition, a reduction in job strain and improved employee wellbeing may create more commitment to the organisation, improving productivity and enhancing career longevity.
Highlights
The workplace environment is a term used to describe the elements that comprise the setting in which an employee works
The topic guide for these interviews contained a section designed to evaluate the impact of the working environment, and how the demands placed upon critical care staff manifested in terms of effects on psychological well-being
We propose that the themes and framework developed through this thematic analysis can be used to help leaders and managers identify the areas within their own workplace environment that can be developed to improve the control each individual staff member feels, and as such help to mitigate the psychological impact associated with such high job demands
Summary
The workplace environment is a term used to describe the elements that comprise the setting in which an employee works. When evaluating the psychological impact of the working environment, the impact on an individual’s affect, cognition and behaviours must be considered. There are two factors to consider when exploring the impact of the workplace environment This impact is influenced by the interpretation a worker makes regarding their surroundings. It may be a consequence of the combination of a number of conditions, rather than one isolated factor (Briner, 2000). Several areas have been identified as contributing to staff satisfaction and well-being in healthcare These include individual factors such as burnout, personality and family / work conflicts (Jennings, 2008) as well as work-related factors such as workload (van den Oetelaar et al, 2016), shift type and length and stress (Virtanen et al, 2009)
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.
