Wer ist von hoher Arbeitsintensität betroffen? Gefährdungspotenziale erkennen und reduzieren

Abstract

Who is affected by high work intensity? Identifying and reducing potential hazards Objectives: The health of employees is under threat from excessively high work intensity. Despite numerous studies emphasising the growing significance of work intensity, still not enough is known about the workplaces where increased work intensity is occurring or what form of work is affected. In order to evaluate levels of work intensity amongst employees in a more differentiated way, this article describes various dimensions of high work intensity according to occupational segments and requirement levels. We also discuss what the findings mean for operational practice. Methods: The data basis for the analyses was the BiBB/BAUA Employment Survey 2018 (the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training, in cooperation with the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health), a representative cross-sectional survey of some 20,000 employed persons in Germany. Results: The results of the analysis show that the demands of high work intensity affect all the occupational groups observed here. It also becomes clear that the observed dimensions of high work intensity – multitasking, pressure to perform or meet deadlines, frequent interruptions, working very quickly and at the limits of individual capabilities – occur in all occupational segments and at all levels of requirement. These dimensions occur to varying degrees and in varying combinations, however, and are often displayed as a “bundle of work-related stress”. This means on the one hand that specific work intensity profiles can be identified for the occupational groups observed. On the other hand it is also possible to detect overarching patterns: multitasking is particularly common in the service sector, for example, where customer contact plays a greater role. Conclusions: The fact that high work intensity is noticeable in different ways in the groups of employees considered on the one hand, and that commonalities are also apparent across occupations on the other, indicates that both the level of work intensity and its structure are related to overarching job characteristics, work organisation processes and other workplace-related organisational frameworks. For workplace design these multiple causes mean that the focus should not only be on individual working activities or stressors but that a more holistic approach is also needed, e.g. working time organisation, work organisation processes or business models and their effects on employees. The results emphasise the need to establish throughout the company an awareness of health risks caused by high work intensity. The established instruments of occupational health and safety should serve as a basis for shaping developments. Keywords: work intensity – work organisation – occupational health and safety – recommendation for action