Aspects Of Work Organization Research Articles

ВПЛИВ ПСИХОСОЦІАЛЬНИХ ЧИННИКІВ НА РОЗВИТОК СТРЕСУ ПРАЦІВНИКІВ

Purpose. Determining the impact of the presence of psychosocial factors on the development of stress among employees when performing production tasks to develop recommendations for reducing their impact. Methodology. To identify stress resistance, some methods were used to determine «Resistance to stress», and to find out their relationship to work, the «Burnout Syndrome» questionnaire was used. The applied methods were developed by specialists of the Institute of Psychology named after H.S. Kostiuka. Based on the recommendations of the ISO 45003:2021 standard, a special questionnaire has been developed to determine dangerous psychosocial factors that lead to the appearance of stress in a worker, the answers to which were evaluated on a Likert scale with points from 0 to 4. Results. The developed system for assessing psychosocial factors will enable users to systematically observe the state of psychological health of employees, the psychological climate in the organization, respond in a timely manner to expected problems, and develop preventive and corrective actions to normalize the situation. The results of the study showed that the majority of respondents (61 %) determined the presence of unrealistic deadlines set by their managers. Another largest group of occupational hazard factors is «aspects of work organization», where almost 39 % of participants complain about overtime work. It was determined that 82.2 % of employees struggle to maintain a work/life balance, and 17.8 % feel imbalanced due to the need to work in their free time and the negative impact of work on the ability to recover. Scientific novelty. The relationship between the development of the stress load and the group of factors called «aspects of work organization» in terms of setting unrealistic deadlines for the performance of a given number of production tasks has been established. Practical significance. As a result of the research, it has been found out that in order to improve the psychosocial climate and reduce the level of psychosocial risks, it is necessary to: balance work in the field of psychosocial support at the enterprise; increase the level of stress resistance of employees; improve their mental health; improve the efficiency of the enterprise. Keywords: psychosocial factor, questionnaire, stress, social factors, work organization.

РОЗРОБКА ПРОЦЕДУРИ КЕРУВАННЯ ПСИХОСОЦІАЛЬНИМИ РИЗИКАМИ НА ПРОМИСЛОВИХ ПІДПРИЄМСТВАХ

Purpose. Development of the process of managing psychosocial risks in the conditions of an industrial enterprise based on the ISO 45003:2021 standard in the occupational health and safety management system. Methodology. Using a systematic approach, which is a form of superimposition of the theory of cognition and dialectics, to study the processes taking place in the management systems of occupational safety and health of employees, a method for assessing psychosocial risk has been developed, which includes three main stages: preparation (selection, clarification of questionnaires letters that take into account the specifics of a specific organization), collection of information on the relationship between work and mental health and analysis of data on psychosocial risks and well-being. Research results. The "Bowtie" method for assessing psychosocial risks has been improved, which differs from the known one by taking into account the set of interconnected elements that represent the output (measures to reduce the severity of the consequences and improve the health of the employee), input (dangers) and related with the internal and external environment (dangerous psychosocial factors that increase the probability of the occurrence of a dangerous event - experiencing stress), feedback (employee's state of health). The proposed method of managing psychosocial risks, which involves eight main steps: researching the external and internal environment, drawing up a questionnaire to determine the influential dangerous psychosocial factors, conducting an assessment of psychosocial risks, clarifying assessments based on the level of individual health of employees, developing preventive measures to reduce the severity of the consequences and the recovery of workers' health, documenting the risk assessment and verifying the level of risk after the introduction of preventive measures. An assessment of the psychosocial risks of the compressor plant operator has been carried out, thirteen stressors that affect the activity of workers have been identified, and the preventive measures to reduce the stress level have also been proposed. Scientific novelty. The relationship between stressful factors and the reaction of employees, taking into account individual characteristics, is shown, which is taken into account when assessing the level of stress in the fourth step to refine the evaluation indicators. Practical significance. A questionnaire which presents five groups of dangerous factors, namely: aspects of work organization, social factors, working environment, equipment, dangerous tasks with suggestions of specific factors inherent in the workflow, has been developed.

ПРИМЕНЕНИЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ УДОВЛЕТВОРЕННОСТИ ГРАЖДАН ДЛЯ ОЦЕНКИ РЕЗУЛЬТАТИВНОСТИ ВНЕДРЕНИЯ СТАНДАРТА ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ ПОМОЩИ, ОКАЗЫВАЕМОЙ В АМБУЛАТОРНЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ

Significance. The patient-centered approach to organizing medical care is becoming more and more popular in medical organizations of any form of ownership. The experience of medical organizations that have applied these principles demonstrates increase in compliance and continuity of treatment resulting in higher effectiveness, which ultimately leads to a higher level of public satisfaction with medical care. Purpose. To evaluate effectiveness of implementing the Standard for organizing outpatient care delivery using indicators of public satisfaction. Material and Methods. In the Tomsk Region, in order to improve effectiveness of medical care organization, Standard for Organizing Outpatient Care Delivery in the Tomsk Region (hereinafter referred to as “the standard”) was developed and implemented. It was established by the Decree No. 817 of the Tomsk Region Healthcare Department on September 10, 2018. The Standard consists of 14 sections that regulate activities of polyclinic structural divisions and certain aspects of work organization in health care facilities. Satisfaction was evaluated among parents of patients in 24 health care facilities of the Tomsk Region (23 polyclinics with the assigned pediatric population and one clinical and diagnostic polyclinic Regional Children’s Hospital) in 2018-2019. Conclusion. The study results show that the level of satisfaction with medical care can be used as an indicator for assessing performance of medical organizations. It contributes to improving efficiency of interaction between healthcare professionals and patients, which is the key aspect in building a patient-centered healthcare model. Scope of application. The study results can be used by heads of medical organizations and regional health authorities to implement projects based on lean production, evaluate effectiveness of measures aimed at increasing public satisfaction with medical care.

Hegemonic masculinity or masculine domination

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that Bourdieu’s concept of masculine domination offers a comprehensive social theory of gender as compared to Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity through examining the proposition of positive hegemonic masculinity.Design/methodology/approachThis is a conceptual paper that argues that Bourdieu’s concept of masculine domination offers a comprehensive social theory of gender as compared to Connell’s concept of hegemonic masculinity.FindingsThe findings demonstrate that Bourdieu’s concept of masculine domination incorporates both discursive and material structures of the gender system that privileges men/masculine over women/feminine, making it a comprehensive social theory of gender.Research limitations/implicationsThe concepts of hegemonic masculinity and masculine domination have not been reviewed in the light of emerging perspectives on hegemony, power and domination. The future research could focus on a review of research methods such as institutional ethnography, in examining masculine domination.Practical implicationsUsing masculine domination perspective, organizations could identify specific managerial discourses, aspects of work organization and practices in order to eliminate gender-based discrimination, harassment and unequal access to resources.Social implicationsPublic policy interventions aimed at inclusive development could examine women’s condition of continued disadvantageousness, through masculine domination perspective.Originality/valueThe authors seek to provide a comparative view of the concepts of hegemonic masculinity and masculine domination, using the categories of comparison that was not attempted earlier.

Evaluation of a Physical Ergonomic Intervention for Milking Parlor Operatives – A Case Study

ABSTRACTMusculoskeletal pain and disorders frequently occur among milking parlor operatives on dairy farms, irrespective of the farm size and despite that the work is carried out in an upright position. The objective of this case study was to assess the effect of a new milking system, a physical ergonomic intervention, to reduce the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain and disorders among milking parlor operatives. The new milking system has a reduced cluster weight and single tube guidance and, consequently, abandons the positioning of the cluster underneath the udder, thus reducing the postural load. In a pre/post treatment study the parlor operatives of five farms were questioned, and parlor specifics were measured. The gap between visits was at least one year. There was no significant reduction in pain, but three-quarters of the workers experienced a workload reduction and would recommend the new system. The isolation of the effect of the ergonomic intervention was not possible, because all but one farm completely rebuilt their milking parlors, and several things were changed including work organizational aspects. The expected reduction in pain in the musculoskeletal system was noticed, but not statistically significant. Worker satisfaction and participation in decision making could be improved on the farms and might increase the effect of the intervention, especially because work satisfaction is correlated with the occurrence of pain in the musculoskeletal system.

Aspects of work organization and reduced sleep quality of airline pilots.

Objective To estimate the prevalence and association of work organization associated with poor sleep quality among airline pilots.Methods 1234 airline pilots filled out an online questionnaire. Independent variables included demographic data, work organization aspects, health, and sleep information. A question derived from the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire was used to obtain subjective sleep quality. Poisson regression with robust variance was performed.Results The prevalence of poor sleep quality was 48.2%. Poor sleep quality was associated with high frequency of technical delays, ≥ 5 consecutive night shifts, moderate and great need for recovery after work, difficulty commuting to work, being insufficiently physically active and sleeping 6-8 hours and < 6 hours on days off.Conclusion Pilots' daily work schedules, consisting of frequent delays, long working hours and perceived high work demands preventing adequate recovery were associated with poor sleep quality.

Working Time Society consensus statements: Evidence-based effects of shift work and non-standard working hours on workers, family and community.

Working time arrangements that require shift work or other non-standard working hours have significant potential to encroach on time that is highly valued for family, social and leisure activity. This can often result in workers experiencing poorer work-family or work-life balance. Based on an extensive literature search and expert knowledge, primary risk factors were identified including shift work; long, irregular and unpredictable working hours; and work on evenings and weekends (in combination and independent of shift work). On the other hand, flexibility, in the form of adequate worker control over work schedules, may be a protective factor. In addition, workers experiencing excessive work-life conflict are likely to reduce their working hours, reflecting a reciprocal relationship between working hours and work-life balance. Workers’ families are also affected by shift work and non-standard working hours. Parents’ shift work is associated with poorer emotional and developmental outcomes for their children, and to a greater likelihood of risky behavior in adolescence. Additionally, the risk of separation or divorce is increased, especially for parents working night shifts. Due to relationships such as those above, the consequences of shiftwork and non-standard working hours on family and social life are largely dependent on a complex interaction between specific work schedules, other aspects of work organization, and family and individual worker characteristics. This article provides an overview of current evidence regarding the relationships between working time arrangements and various social and family variables, and concludes with shift scheduling and intervention recommendations to improve work-life balance and social well-being.

Challenges in postural orientations for workers away from work with low back pain

Abstract Introduction: Postural orientations are necessary in cases of low back pain, and challenges arise in chronic cases. Objective: To investigate the challenges in the postural orientation of workers in a situation of absence from work and with chronic low back pain. Methods: The study was divided into two steps. In the first stage, physiotherapists that were taking part in the “Low Back Pain Project” at the Reference Center for Worker’s Health in Santos-SP were invited, and a script was used to conduct individual interviews that were recorded for thematic content analysis. In the second stage, there was a selection of workers that were patients attended by the Physical Therapy sector, with chronic low back pain and in a situation of absence from work, and a Discussion Group was conducted with the patients and physical therapists, which was also recorded for content analysis. Results: In stage 1, three physiotherapists aged 26 to 33 years old participated. The statements revealed: intense work demands, little understanding of the patients’ difficulties, “stigmas” related to the situation of absence from work, among others. In stage 2, fourteen workers participated, aged between 47 and 50, of both sexes and different professions along with the three physiotherapists. The group evidenced: difficulties in daily living activities outside the therapeutic environment, disrespect to physical restrictions at work, fear of returning to work, among others. Conclusion: Challenges related to work organization aspects and psychosocial issues were found, and it is necessary to advance in the teaching-learning processes.

Mal-estar no ambiente de trabalho: o caso do IFRN

This study aims to diagnose the malaise at work in the perception of IFRN workers. The research is both descriptive and qualitative. The answers pointed out by workers demonstrate the following results: 1. Socioprofessional ratio (45.09%) was the most significant factor, and among the most punctuated dimensions some factors stand out, such as: negative interpersonal relationship (33.41%), lack of commitment (16.7%), negative management performance (16.7%). 2. The second highest scoring factor was work organization (26.74%) and among its dimensions factors like: overload/pressure/lack of flexibility/freedom (35.74%), dissatisfaction with working time (22,13%) and negative organizational pattern (21,7%) stand out:; 3. As for the working condition factor (14.73%) we can highlight t: displacement/distance from home to work (43.85%). 4. Recognition and professional growth factors (3.88%) had: the lack of recognition and skilled workers (39.39%) as the most cited element; 5. In factor “link between work and social life (3.23%)”, dissatisfaction (33.33%) and stress and physical fatigue at work (3%) were mentioned as the most important ones . The aspects that cause malaise within workplace should be considered in the quality of working life projects, and should be points of reflection if we want to have a change of institutional paradigm. Actions that strengthen interpersonal relationships, improve managerial behavior; analyze aspects of work organization; facilitate the displacement; and reduce stress at work are urgent

Work intensity in men and work-related emotional demands in women are associated with increased suicidality among persons attending primary care

BackgroundA large proportion of persons died by suicide are employed at the time of death and work-related factors partly contribute to suicide risk. Our aim was to examine the association between multiple aspects of work organization and suicidal ideation in a study conducted in primary care. MethodsData came from a study of 2027 working patients attending a GP representative of patients in the Nord Pas-de-Calais region in France (April-August 2014). Suicidality was assessed using the MINI (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview). Six emergent worked-related factors were explored (work intensity, emotional demands, autonomy, social relationships at work, conflict of values, insecurity of work). Several covariates were considered: patient's and GP's characteristics, and area-level data (material and social deprivation, psychiatrist and GPs’ density, suicide attempts and suicide rates). Results8.0% of participants reported suicidal ideation in the preceding month (7.5% of men and 8.6% of women, p = .03). In multivariate analyses adjusted for covariates, suicidality was significantly associated with work intensity (OR = 1.65; 95%CI [1.18–2.31]) in men and with work-related emotional demands (OR = 1.35; 95%CI [1.01–1.80]) in women. Area-level data were not associated. LimitationsOur cross-sectional study cannot assess the direction of the relationships under study. ConclusionOur results emphasise a central role for GPs in suicide prevention among workers and highlight the importance of work-related factors with regard to suicidality in primary care.

LABORTERAPIA NA PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE NO TRABALHO SOB A PERSPECTIVA DA SOCIONOMIA

Introdução: O termo Laborterapia, citado pelo médico Jacob Levy Moreno, precursor da Socionomia, é a ciência que estuda as leis sociais e que está estruturada em três ramos (Sociometria, Psicodrama/Sociodrama, Sociatria) tendo sido criada por ele nas primeiras décadas do século XX. Objetivo: Este texto visa: Resgatar o significado do conceito de Laborterapia; Apresentar a experiência de Moreno como médico do trabalho, em especial um exemplo de sua atuação em uma lavanderia e; Ressaltar a importância da utilização de métodos socionômicos para propiciar o espaço de expressão e mobilização subjetiva dos trabalhadores. Metodologia: Em suas ações, Moreno utilizou entrevistas individuais (para verificar as razões das escolhas ou rejeições) antes e após a reorganização do grupo e o sociograma, um procedimento embasado na sociometria que permite visualizar os conflitos, compreendê-los e intervir na vincularidade grupal, de modo a resolver conflitos de relacionamento e melhorar aspectos da organização do trabalho. Resultados: Para Moreno, o resultado foi promissor, pois houve uma reorganização do grupo, sendo que os atritos interpessoais diminuíram acentuadamente e a produção aumentou para um tempo de trabalho reduzido. Suas experiências revelaram que a sociometria como forma de propiciar a coesão grupal é uma abordagem promissora na promoção da saúde no trabalho. Considerações Finais: Nossas experiências no campo da saúde no trabalho, mediante a utilização de métodos socionômicos preconizados por Moreno, revelaram que a abordagem socionômica é relevante, pois além de propiciar o espaço de expressão e mobilização subjetiva dos trabalhadores, confirmou a função terapêutica desta metodologia.

Work organization and elderly care: plan evaluation findings from the Flemish Care Living Labs (Belgium)

Introduction: An extensive, three-year, _living labs_ based program has been initatied in Flanders (Belgium) to stimulate innovation in the domain of elderly care. The program kicked off in September 2013, and comprises 23 projects, grouped in 6 regional platforms. A scientific consortium is entrusted with the scientific support of the program. One of the disciplinary aspects is the organization of work, which is studied in three steps: 1) evaluation of the platform and project plans; 2) survey on quality of labor (karasek) and relational coordination (Gittell) among care professionals, at the start and at the end of each project; 3) qualitative study on the cooperation between professionals and informal caregivers. This abstract treats the first step. Theory/methods: The research combines concepts from sociotechnical systems (de Sitter) and relational coordination theory. The projects are very diverse, with topics including technology, housing, informal care networks, mobility, care management, care and cure integration and career platforms for care professionals. A quick scan of the platform and project plans revealed that direct references to aspects of work organization could usually not be found. The plan evaluation is therefore based on whether following three goals were present, which each imply challenges with regard to the organization of work: 1) integrating care; 2) realizing community based care; 3) improving care quality. Information was gathered by qualitative document analysis and semistructured interviews with platform coordinators. Results: Out of the 6 platform plans, 3 explicitly mentioned integrating care as a goal, referring to cooperation between organisations. While the other 3 platform plans did not stated integrated care as an explicit goal, they all stressed the importance of cross-organisational cooperation. Four plans explicitly aimed at the realization of community based care systems, while one plan did this in a rather implicit way. The last platform plan did not contain any reference to community based care. All six platform plans explicitly aimed at improving care quality. At the project level, 22 out of 23 project plans explicitly (17) or implicitly (5) aimed at integrating care. Ten project plans explicitly (9) or implicitly (1) referred to the realization of community based care, while all 23 project plans explicitly aimed at improving care quality. International Journal of Integrated Care – Volume 15, 27 May – URN:NBN:NL:UI:10-1-116968 – http://www.ijic.org/ 15th International Conference on Integrated Care, Edinburgh, UK, March 25-27, 2015 2 Discussion: The results suggest that aspects of work organization could be crucially important for the projects within the six platforms. An example is that various project plans strive to apply technological tools to increase cross-organisational coordination, encompassing a possible risk for increased bureaucratization. Another example is that the introduction of care managers could draw attention away from the underlying problem, being the underlying fragmentation of the work organization. A third example is that various projects are focused on care integration at the micro-level of care professionals and informal caregivers, which could affect tasks and roles of both groups. Conclusion: The various platform and project plans offer good leads for studying aspects of work organization in the next research steps.

Work organization in hospital nursing: literature review approach

The objective of this study was to analyze aspects of work organization in hospital nursing and its articulations with care, by means of an integrative review. A total of 25 studies were identified, from the period between 2000 and 2009. Based on the understanding of the work organization and its application in nursing, the following analytical categories were structured: conceptual and theoretical aspects, personnel management, care management, technologies, hospital accreditation, planning and material resources management. The literature evidenced the complexity of this work organization theme and the importance of studies on its application in nursing. The analysis of the publications points to the need to rethink work organization in such a way as to build less wearing and quality work alternatives, assuring the safety of both the user and the worker.

Saúde mental e trabalho: um levantamento da literatura nacional nas bases de dados em Psicologia da Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS)

&lt;p&gt;Este trabalho é uma revisão da literatura nacional a respeito da relação entre saúde mental e trabalho. Foram buscados artigos referentes a este tema, publicados nas bases de dados reunidas na Biblioteca Virtual da Saúde (BVS) Index Psi, PePSIC e PSICODOC, no período entre 2008 e 2012. Para tanto, foram utilizados os descritores “saúde mental” e “trabalho”, que foram buscados na BVS. Foram selecionados 33 artigos, distribuídos da seguinte forma nas bases de dados: 12 artigos no Index Psi, 8 no PePSIC e 13 na PSICODOC. Os dados das publicações foram organizados de acordo com os temas mais frequentes, que seriam: O papel da Psicologia e dos saberes correlacionados dentro do campo da Saúde Mental Relacionada ao Trabalho; Organização do trabalho; Formas de enfrentamento do sofrimento; Fatores de risco e de proteção; O sofrimento e o adoecimento. Da análise dos textos pode-se destacar que, no que se refere ao papel da Psicologia como ferramenta de intervenção, parece haver uma divisão entre as atuações de psicólogos clínicos e de psicólogos organizacionais, faltando uma integração entre as diferentes abordagens. Quanto a fatores que contribuem para o sofrimento/adoecimento relacionado ao trabalho, verifica-se que aspectos da organização do trabalho, falta de reconhecimento, cobrança de metas, formas de gestão ou postos de trabalho que resultem em isolamento do trabalhador podem ter efeitos nocivos para os trabalhadores.&lt;/p&gt;

0051 Work Intensity, Injury, Stress and Pain among Commercial Janitors

ObjectivesCommercial janitors are a relatively unseen and understudied segment of the workforce. Janitors report increasing work pressures over the past few years. We conducted a cross-sectional survey among janitors to...

Organization of work in the agricultural, forestry, and fishing sector in the US southeast: Implications for immigrant workers' occupational safety and health

There is widespread agreement that work organization is an important element of occupational safety and health, but the health effects of many aspects of work organization are likely to vary considerably across different sectors of work and geographies. We examined existing employment policies and work organization-related research relevant specifically to immigrant workers in the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing (AgFF) Sector of the US workforce focusing, when possible, on the southeastern US. A number of specific aspects of work organization within AgFF subsectors have been described, but most of this literature exists outside the purview of occupational health. There are few studies that directly examine how attributes of work organization relevant to the AgFF Sector affect workers', much less immigrant workers', occupational health exposures and outcomes. In contrast to the broader literature, research linking occupational health outcomes to work organization in the AgFF Sector is limited and weak. A systematic program of research and intervention is needed to develop strategies that eliminate or substantially mitigate the deleterious health effects of occupational exposures whose origins likely lie in the organization of AgFF work.

Adoecimento psíquico de trabalhadores de unidades de terapia intensiva

As unidades de terapia intensiva (UTIs) podem ser consideradas um dos setores mais agressivos e sobrecarregados em hospitais. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo compreender aspectos da organização do trabalho que podem estar associados ao adoecimento psíquico em trabalhadores da saúde de UTIs e às estratégias defensivas utilizadas, com a utilização do método misto. A partir de um estudo quantitativo com profissionais da área de enfermagem que atuam nesse setor, recrutados de dois hospitais privados da região metropolitana de Porto Alegre/RS, foram entrevistados oito sujeitos com adoecimento mental (depressão e/ou burnout). Nos resultados, destacaram-se: pouco reconhecimento e apoio no trabalho, sobrecarga de trabalho, trabalhar no turno noturno (prejuízo no sono), dificuldades de relacionamento com chefia, crise ética entre seus valores e questões profissionais, rigidez institucional e dificuldade de lidar com a morte. Nas estratégias utilizadas, apareceram a negação e a banalização do sofrimento, a racionalização e a fuga. Salienta-se a necessidade de uma escuta qualificada e de apoio institucional para esse profissional, que se encontra em sofrimento psíquico extremo.

Peer production for collaboration between academics and practitioners

The purpose of this article is to suggest commons-based peer production as a form of work that can help bridge the gap between research and practice in LIS. The research design is based on two in-depth and longitudinal qualitative case studies of collaborative projects involving LIS academics and practitioners in Italy. Analysis of interviews and texts was conducted to study the interplay between sociotechnical aspects of work organization and the activities of the actors. The results suggest similarities between the collaborative projects analysed and peer-production activities. This study relies on two cases which cannot be considered either typical or representative of collaboration between LIS academics and practitioners in Italy. The paper offers the opportunity to stimulate a discussion on collaboration between researchers and practitioners in LIS, and on the potential applicability of peer production to support new forms of collaboration in small-scale, distributed, and unfunded or underfunded projects.

Brazilian version of an assessment tool for the evaluation of work organizational aspects (AOT) by the NIOSH WMSD Research Consortium: Translation and application in industrial sectors

Work organization affects the production of a company as well as the health of employees. It is a challenge to create sustainable production systems with the least harm to the health. An observational assessment tool was developed by the NIOSH--WMSD Research Consortium and adapted by the SHARP study. The objectives were to translate this assessment tool into Brazilian Portuguese (as the Avaliação de Aspectos Organizacionais do Trabalho--AOT) and to evaluate its applicability in an industrial setting. The AOT final translated version was obtained after a consensus by the research team. Difficulties arose in applying the translated version due to technical terms with no direct equivalents in Portuguese, nonexcluding or similar alternatives, and questions that gave room for various interpretations, besides the great complexity of the tasks performed in the sectors. Despite that, the results suggest that AOT was sensitive for discriminating differences between sectors. Nevertheless, for better application of this tool in complex industrial environments, it is necessary: training and consensus among evaluators, familiarity with organizational aspects of the occupational settings evaluated. Also for assuring the internal validity of the analysis, might be necessary, the creation of subdivisions in the sectors evaluated if the tasks vary significantly intra-sector. The present report can help to understand the difficulties inherent to the evaluation of organizational aspects on a collective level and also the possible implications related to the translation of this assessment into other languages.

When workplace interventions lead to negative effects: Learning from failures

To investigate if workplace interventions resulted in changes in the psychosocial work environment. Process evaluation was conducted to study the implementation process and to use this knowledge to understand the results. Seven intervention units (n = 128) and seven non-randomized reference units (n = 103) of a large hospital in Denmark participated in an intervention project with the goal of improving the psychosocial working conditions. The intervention consisted of discussion days for all staff, employee working groups, leader coaching, and activities to improve communication and cooperation. Measures of the psychosocial work environment were conducted before the start of the intervention and again after 16 months using 13 scales from the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire, version I (COPSOQ I). In the intervention units there was a statistically significant worsening in six out of 13 work environment scales. The decrease was most pronounced for three scales that measure aspects of interpersonal relations and leadership. In addition, all three scales that measure aspects of work organization and job content decreased. In comparison, the reference group showed statistically significant changes in only two scales. Process evaluation revealed that a large part of the implementation failed and that different implicit theories were at play. Without the insights gained from process data the negative effects of this intervention could not be understood. Sometimes--as it seems happened in this study--more harm can be done by disappointing expectations than by not conducting an intervention.