Differences In Work Engagement Research Articles

Factors associated with work engagement among specialist nurses in china: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe positive impacts of work engagement among specialist nurses on retention, organizational commitment, and quality of care are well-documented. However, there is a lack of research on the specific differences in work engagement among specialist nurses. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the level of work engagement among specialist nurses in China and identify its influencing factors.MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in China from April to July, 2023, with 724 nurses selected from 22 hospitals through convenience sampling involved. The survey was conducted by using self-administered general information questionnaires and work engagement scales. Questionnaire Star was employed as the online data collection tool. The collected data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics and stepwise regression analysis to draw meaningful conclusions from the study.ResultsAmong specialist nurses in Xiamen, China, who had a response rate of 97.10%, an average work engagement score is 140.35 (SD=18.17), with the highest score for the work attitude at 4.65 (SD=0.52) and the lowest score for the work recognition at 4.09 (SD=0.85). It was shown through regression analysis that factors such as career satisfaction, involvement in challenging case discussions, marital status, gender, presence of promotion advantage and title accounted for 14.5% of the total variance in the model and were significant explanatory variables that could predict work engagement.ConclusionIt is shown that specialist nurses in Xiamen, China have a high level of work engagement. It is imperative for nursing managers to prioritize the work engagement of specialist nurses, provide the specialist nurses with ample development opportunities and room for growth, and effectively promote the overall development of specialist nurses by improving work engagement in various aspects.

School Climate and Teachers’ Work Engagement in Misamis Oriental: Basis for Development Plan

This study explores the intricate relationship between school climate and teachers' work engagement in the Central Schools of the Department of Education (DepEd), Division of Misamis Oriental. The research establishes a foundational framework for targeted development plans, asserting that a positive school climate significantly influences teachers' work engagement across Cognitive, Emotional, and Physical domains. The investigation involved 287 public central elementary schools within the Division, employing patterned and modified questionnaires. Findings reveal the pivotal role of Teacher I positions and Grade 6 teachers in fostering higher engagement levels, influenced by teaching experience and educational background. Professionalism emerges as the highest-rated school climate dimension, indicating educators' commitment, while Physical Engagement stands out in teachers' work engagement. Significantly, relationships exist between school climate dimensions and work engagement aspects. The study identifies differences in work engagement based on positions, emphasizing the importance of the highest educational attainment as a predictor in cognitive work engagement. Conclusions underscore the significance of early exposure to professional standards, recommending targeted leadership training, teacher engagement in professional development, and exploration of interventions to enhance collegial leadership and collaboration. Ultimately, prioritizing these aspects is crucial for fostering a positive school climate and optimizing teachers' work engagement.

Work Engagement and Burnout in a Private Healthcare Unit in Greece.

Work engagement represents a positive work-related state of mind characterized by three dimensions: Vigor (high levels of energy and mental resilience during work), Dedication (strong involvement in one's work), and Absorption (complete-joyous immersion in one's tasks). This study aimed to investigate work engagement and burnout in health professionals in a private healthcare unit in Greece. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 151 professionals, including doctors, nurses, administrative staff, and other health professionals involved in this setting. The study duration was four months (January-April 2022). The questionnaire covered sociodemographic and work-related information, along with the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Regarding the subdimensions of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, participants demonstrated a moderate score in Absorption and medium to high scores in Vigor and Dedication. In terms of burnout, they showed a low score in Depersonalization, a medium score in Emotional Exhaustion, and a high score in Personal Accomplishment. Those with nonpermanent employment contracts scored higher in all dimensions of burnout compared to those with permanent employment contracts. Vigor, Dedication, and Absorption correlated negatively with Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization and positively with Personal Accomplishment. Vigor negatively predicted Emotional Exhaustion, Depersonalization, and Personal Accomplishment. In conclusion, healthcare professionals in the private healthcare sector in Greece demonstrate moderate work engagement and experience moderate burnout. There are differences in work engagement and burnout based on sociodemographic and work-related characteristics. Promoting work engagement (especially the dimension of Vigor) is essential to preventing and addressing burnout among healthcare professionals.

Influence of Sociodemographic, Organizational, and Social Factors on the Engagement of Long-Term Care Employees

Abstract Aim. The aim of the study was to identify the most important macro-, meso-, and micro-level factors influencing work engagement and motivation for employment in long-term care (LTC) in Slovenia. Material and methods. A correlational cross-sectional survey design with a self-reported standardized online questionnaire was used among Slovenian workers (N = 452LTC). Results. The results show that LTC workers generally enjoy going to work (68%), feel enthusiasm for their work (61%), and take great pride in their work (90%). Enjoyment increases with age, and is correlated with education and position. Joy is the lowest among those working in nursing homes. However, nursing and care teams show the greatest enthusiasm for and pride in the work done. Those who believe that their work is valued by society and their family enjoy going to work more. Although income is the most important factor in leaving the LTC sector, there are no differences in work engagement regarding the level of monthly income. Over 58% of the variance in work engagement was explained by the influence of sociodemographic characteristics, social recognition, and work environment.. Conclusions. To promote employee engagement, LTC leaders should provide a better work environment and social recognition.

Variations of work engagement and psychological distress based on three working modalities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus became a global health threat affecting people's mental and physical health, as well as working conditions and modalities. The reorganization of the work environment also affected work engagement and psychological distress levels. This manuscript assesses how work engagement and distress vary according to gender and age across three working modalities. We used a voluntary response sampling strategy to collect data on psychological distress and work engagement between August 2021 and January 2022. Results are from 542 people working in Ecuador during the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, participants experienced psychological distress; women and younger participants presented higher psychological distress. Regarding engagement, the sample showed average levels of total engagement, average levels of vigor, and high levels of dedication and absorption. Men presented higher levels of total work engagement and vigor. Psychological distress was significantly and negatively correlated with total work engagement scores and its three factors. There were no differences in work engagement according to the different modalities. However, teleworkers reported significantly higher levels of psychological distress than hybrid workers. Findings are discussed considering ideas for decision-makers to explore the benefits of flexible working practices.

The mediational role of individual and organizational factors in the work engagement and occupational stress relationship

This study investigated the mediating role of individual and organizational factors on the relationship between work engagement and occupational stress among males and females, junior, mid-level and senior staff members in the banking sector using a cross-sectional survey. Employing a quantitative study, data was gathered from 288 banking staff. Findings show a significant positive relationship between work engagement and age, educational level, one’s position in an organization and organization tenure, and a significant negative relationship between work engagement and gender and occupational stress. There were age, educational level and gender differences in work engagement. There were differences in the level of work engagement in relation to organizational tenure. One’s position, educational level and gender significantly predicted work engagement but age and organization tenure did not. However, educational level, age, one’s position and organizational tenure mediated the relationship between occupational stress and work engagement. These findings have implications for employee well-being and satisfaction and productivity in the organizational setting.

Motivational profiles of kindergarten teachers in minority areas of China and their association with outcomes.

Academic discourses regarding teacher motivation have been on-going for decades for those who teach in ethnic minority areas. Yet research findings failed to provide a consistent conclusion regarding if kindergarten teachers' motivation pattern would vary based on a case-to-case scenario. Therefore, further studies are needed to probe the motivation patterns among this population. The study firstly examined kindergarten teachers' motivational profiles based on Expectancy Value Theory (EVT), and then examined how teachers' motivation related to outcome variables (work engagement, workplace wellbeing, and retention intention). Participants included 1,199 kindergarten teachers from ethnic minority areas in China. Latent profile analysis identified three motivation profiles for teachers: low value-high cost (profile 1), moderate all (profile 2), and high value-low cost (profile 3). Teacher with different motivation profiles had significant differences in work engagement, workplace wellbeing, and retention intention. In addition, chain mediation analysis revealed that work engagement and workplace wellbeing mediated the relationship between motivation profiles and retention intention. The implications of the findings for study are discussed.

Mediation Role of Perceived Organizational Support on Nurses’ Work Engagement and Leadership Styles

Background: Nurses’ work engagement is essential both for the quality of the service provided and occupational health. However, there is a lack of adequate information about nurses’ engagement in healthcare organizations that are affected by various factors in the context of Health Psychology.Purpose: This study was aimed at investigating the association between leadership styles of supervisors and work engagement, and elucidating the role of organizational support in this relationship.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 85 nurses from the health organizations in Catalonia, Spain, recruited via a snowball procedure. Leadership styles and Three Outcome Scales (TOS) were evaluated through the Multifactorial Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) as independent variables. POS as an Organizational Support Test assessed a mediating variable (POS), and work engagement as a dependent variable was evaluated by the Utrecht Job Involvement Scale (UWES).Results: The results displayed differences in work engagement depending on job positions. Besides, the results revealed a positive association between leadership styles and TOS with work engagement, other than laissez-faire. Additionally, POS illustrated a positive association with work engagement (r=0.447, p<0.01). Leadership styles except for laissez-faire and TOS positively affect POS; also, TOS significantly predicted work engagement (β=0.581, t(78)=2.196, p<.05). Furthermore, results confirmed that POS mediates the relationship between leadership styles and TOS with work engagement (z=-3.490; z=3.117; z=3.521; z=3.791, p=0.000).Conclusion: Transformational and transactional leadership are two main styles significantly affecting nurses’ engagement with their work, while laissez-faire decreases nurses’ work engagement; therefore, supervisors and leaders of healthcare organizations should consider it. Consequently, nurses with a high POS show superior engagement levels at work. The research sheds new light on health psychology and the clinical area, particularly in nurses’ work engagement.

Pleasant Anticipation of an After-Work Free-Time Activity and Work Engagement: Findings from Two Studies

Previous research has shown that after-work free-time activities can enhance employees’ work engagement and positively affect their general well-being and health. This study investigates whether the anticipation of an after-work free-time activity boosts employees’ work engagement. Building on the conservation of resources (COR) theory, we assumed that employees’ pleasant anticipation of an after-work free-time activity positively relates to work engagement within and between persons. Furthermore, we examined the moderating role of recovery-related self-efficacy (RRSE). In Study 1, 85 employees completed three questionnaires (morning, noon, and afternoon) on one workday, and we expanded the design to a one-week diary in Study 2 (N = 56). Findings from (hierarchical) linear modeling supported the positive relationship between pleasant anticipation and work engagement between but not within persons. Moreover, RRSE was not found to be a moderator. Overall, our study demonstrated that employees vary in their pleasant anticipation, partly explaining differences in work engagement.

Demographic differences in work engagement in the private educational institutions in republic of North Macedonia

Demographic differences in work engagement in the private educational institutions in republic of North Macedonia

Teachers’ work engagement: the contribution of demographic, work-related, and social factors

This research aimed to investigate which factors contribute to the work engagement of preschool, elementary, and middle school teachers in Croatia. Factors contributing to work engagement include social, work-related factors, and demographic characteristics. A total of 548 teachers participated in the research. The results indicated differences in work engagement between the three groups of teachers, with preschool and primary teachers reporting higher absorption and dedication compared to middle school teachers. The length of working experience was positively related to vigour and absorption. As for the social factors, children and parents proved to be factors contributing significantly to work engagement, while administration and colleagues did not prove relevant for any component of work engagement. It is possible to conclude that quality work with children and parents contributes to higher engagement, as does job security and lack of time pressure at work.

A person-centered investigation of two dominant job crafting theoretical frameworks and their work-related implications

There are currently two main theoretical perspectives that explain how employees engage in job crafting, namely Wrzesniewski and Dutton's (2001) original theory and the Job Demands-Resources model framework by Tims et al. (2012). The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare these two perspectives on job crafting and operationalizations based thereon using a person-centered methodology. We also examined whether the use of different job crafting strategy combinations manifests in differences in work engagement and person-job fit. Study participants were Finnish managers (n = 419) who completed both the Job Crafting Questionnaire (Slemp & Vella-Brodrick, 2013) and the Job Crafting Scale (Tims, Bakker, & Derks, 2012). Latent Profile Analysis yielded four job crafting profiles: 1) Average crafters (47%), 2) Avoidance-oriented crafters (30%), 3) Approach-oriented crafters (19%) and 4) Self-oriented task crafters (4%). Approach-oriented crafters were significantly more engaged and fitted better to their job than those in the other profiles. Furthermore, those in the Average crafters profile were more engaged and had higher person-job fit than Avoidance-oriented crafters or Self-oriented task crafters. Overall, our findings provide new implications for the theoretical categorization of job crafting and knowledge on how the use of different combinations of job crafting strategies is related to work engagement and person-job fit.

The Relationship Between Work Engagement of Different Generations and Mobile Learning

As regards work engagement, different generations are affected by different factors. The aim of this paper is to determine whether there is a relationship between work engagement and mobile learning and whether there are significant variances between work engagement and mobile learning among different generational cohorts. Methods: Quantitative research was performed using “Individual Innovativeness Scale” developed by Hurt, Joseph and Cook (1977) and “The Mobile Learning Scale (MBC)”, formed by Fatima, Ghandforoush, Khan and Masico (2017), applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). The research included 231 representatives of different generations working in the organisations which used mobile learning in workplace and employed representatives of all four generations in Lithuania, EU. For statistical analysis two-way ANOVA was used, followed by post hoc pairwise comparisons (Bonferroni correction). Findings: There are significant differences in work engagement by different generations and mobile learning. Vigor, dedication and absorption were significantly affected by generation and by mobile learning. Conclusions: Generation X and Generation Y are more engaged in the workplace than Generation Z. Generation Z is more prone to using mobile learning in the workplace than Generation X and Generation Y; in comparison to other generations, the Baby Boomers are least prone to using mobile learning in the workplace. Recommendation: A focus on Generation Z mobile learning in the workplace would increase their work engagement.

Organizational Climate and Gender Differences in Work Engagement Among Non-Teaching Staff in a Nigerian University

Abstract The paper examines the link between organizational climate and work engagement among the non-teaching staff of a Nigerian University. Participants consisted of 229 (F=46.7%; Mean age =45.7) non-teaching staff selected using stratified random sampling technique from non-teaching staff of the institution. Participants completed the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and Organizational Climate Measure that were subjected to Pearson Product Moment Correlation and t-test analysis. Results revealed that organizational climate is related to work engagement among registry staff. It also showed that female employees were more engaged with their work than their male counterparts. The paper recommends the design of appropriate strategies and interventions to ensure that employees feel more engaged in their work-roles.

Testing Demands and Resources as Determinants of Vitality among Different Employment Contract Groups. A Study in 30 European Countries.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relative importance of four job demands and five job resources for employee vitality, i.e., work engagement and exhaustion, in three different employment groups: permanent, temporary and temporary agency workers. We employed data from the sixth European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) collected in 2015 comprising 28,042 employees from 30 European countries. We used linear regression analyses and dominance analysis (DA). The results showed minor mean differences in work engagement and exhaustion and that temporary agency workers had the highest job insecurity and lowest job control. The associations between job resources and job demands, and work engagement and exhaustion of the groups, did not differ considerably. DA showed that in all three employment groups, job feedback made the strongest contribution to work engagement and workload to exhaustion. In addition, among the temporary agency workers, supervisor support contributed to work engagement and job control (negatively) to exhaustion more than in the other groups. This study suggests that the key determinants of vitality at work may be similar, regardless of contract, and that to have sustainably performing vital workers, organizations should focus on enabling job feedback and preventing high workload in all employment groups.

Age-related differences in levels and dynamics of workplace affect.

Affective experiences at work are a key contributing factor to long-term job-related well-being and effectiveness, yet may systematically change as workers get older. Given the central role of affect in work settings, it is important to obtain a thorough understanding of older workers' strengths and vulnerabilities in affective functioning. This paper's goal was to comprehensively study age differences in mean levels and dynamics of affect (affect stability, occurrence of positive and negative daily work events, and affective reactivity) and to link these with perceptions of global occupational well-being and effectiveness. In three diary studies, employees of different occupational and cultural backgrounds (Hong Kong Chinese managerial employees, German hospital employees, German office workers) reported daily affective work events and affect across multiple workdays. Higher age was associated with more positive and less negative affect (Study 1), more frequent positive daily work events (Study 2 and 3), and lower variability of negative affect (Study 1 and 2). Age was unrelated to frequency of negative work events and positive event reactivity (all studies). There were mixed age differences in negative event reactivity (lower reactivity in Study 1 and on subtypes of affect in Study 2, but higher worry in Study 3). Several of the indicators of affective experience emerged as mediators of positive age differences in work engagement and self-rated task performance. Overall, with one exception, results point at maintenance or improvement of workers' affective functioning with age. Through improved affective functioning, older workers likely contribute to organizational effectiveness. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).

Factors Influencing Differences in Turnover Intention according to Work Periods for Newly Graduated Nurses

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to describe differences in turnover intention according to work period for new nurses and to explore factors influencing differences in turnover intention. Methods: A longitudinal survey design was used. A structured questionnaire regarding CC (Clinical competence), MNC (Missed Nursing Care), WE (Work Engagement) and turnover intention was administered twice(at 2 months and 5 months of employment) to 98 new nurses working at a tertiary hospital. Results: The regression model with each of the differences for MNC, WE, and subjective satisfaction with department against differences of turnover intention was statistically significant (F=11.98, p<.001). This model explained 26% of differences in turnover intention (Adj. R2=.26). Especially, differences in WE (β=-.43, p<.001), and differences in MNC (β=.18 p=.044) were identified as factors influencing differences in turnover intention. Conclusion: The turnover intention of new nurses decreased between the first 2 months and 5 months and this difference was influenced by WE and MNC. Therefore, it is necessary to provide social and institutional supports such as effective adaptation programs with sufficient periods of time for newly graduated nurses.

THE ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC FACTORS IN RELATION TO WORK ENGAGEMENT IN POLISH SAMPLE OF EMPLOYEES – INITIAL STUDY

Purpose: The aim of the present study is to analyze the differences in work engagement in terms of occupational groups (teachers, nurses, physicians, policemen, telesales operators, blue collar workers, employing in accounting/finance, sales representatives, welfare services/rehabilitation, office workers in public sector, and bank and IT employees), job position (managerial and non-managerial), age, and gender in Polish sample of employees. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted among 3186 employees representing different occupational groups. The measure was the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) by Schaufeli and Bakker (2003). To examine differences in work engagement in terms of occupational group and age, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests (Tukey’s HSD) were conducted. Differences in work engagement concerning job position and gender were performed using independent samples t tests. Findings: The findings indicated that employees differ in work engagement depending on studied factors. In terms of occupational group, the most engaged are sales representatives, welfare services/rehabilitation, and teachers, and least engaged - telesales operators and blue collar workers. Older employees (+50) appeared to be more engaged than youngers, as well managers in comparison to non-managers. While women reported higher level of absorption and dedication than men, but no gender differences were observed in regard to vigor. Implications: Results show that occupational factors, as profession and job position, as well demographic ones should not be ignored in relation to work engagement. Managers, in order to increase engagement among their subordinates should pay special attention to some groups of employees in terms of age, gender, and the occupation. Originality/value : The current study extends previous research by examining occupational and demographic differences in the level of work engagement. To the best of author’s knowledge this is the first examination of this type conducted in such large sample among Polish employees.

Healthcare professionals' work engagement in Finnish university hospitals.

Concerns about the sufficiency and dedication of the healthcare workforce have arisen as the baby boomer generation is retiring and the generation Y might have different working environment demands. To describe the association between work engagement of healthcare professionals' and its background factors at five Finnish university hospitals. Survey data were collected from nurses, physicians and administrative staff (n=561) at all five university hospitals in Finland. Data were collected using an electronic questionnaire that comprised the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (9 items) and 13 questions regarding the respondents' backgrounds. Descriptive and correlational analyses were used to examine the data. Most respondents were female (85%) and nursing staff (72%). Baby boomers (49%) were the largest generational cohort. The work engagement composite mean for the total sample was 5.0, indicating high work engagement. Significant differences in work engagement existed only among sex and age groups. The highest work engagement scores were among administrative staff. Work engagement among healthcare professionals in Finnish university hospitals is high. High work engagement might be explained by suitable job resources and challenges, as well as opportunities provided by a frontline care environment. Attention should especially be paid to meeting the needs of young people entering the workforce to strengthen their dedication and absorption.

Task-level work engagement of self-employed and organizationally employed high-skilled workers

PurposeSelf-employed workers typically report higher well-being levels than employees. The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanisms that lead to differences in work engagement between self-employed and organizationally employed high-skilled workers.Design/methodology/approachSelf-employed and organizationally employed high-skilled workers (N=167) were compared using a multigroup multilevel analysis. Participants assessed their job control (general level) and reported their work engagement during work tasks (task level) by means of the Day Reconstruction Method. Aspects of job control (autonomy, creativity, and learning opportunities) and task characteristics (social tasks and core work tasks) were contrasted for the two groups as predictors of work engagement.FindingsSelf-employed workers reported higher levels of job control and work engagement than organizationally employed workers. In both groups, job control predicted work engagement. Employees with more opportunities to be creative and autonomous were more engaged at work. Self-employed workers were more engaged when they had more learning opportunities. On the task level, the self-employed were more engaged during core work tasks and social tasks.Practical implicationsThe findings suggest that self-employment is an effective way for high-skilled workers to increase the amount of job control available to them, and to improve their work engagement. From an intervention perspective, self-employed workers may benefit most from more learning opportunities, more social tasks, and more core work tasks. Organizationally employed workers may appreciate more autonomy and opportunities for creativity.Originality/valueThis study contributes to a better understanding of the role that job control and task characteristics play in predicting the work engagement of high-skilled self-employed and organizationally employed workers.