Healthy Work Research Articles

Internal communication from a happiness management perspective: state-of-the-art and theoretical construction of a guide for its development

ObjectiveThis study aims to conduct a literature review and meta-analysis on the use of Happiness Management strategies in internal communication. The objective was to extract theoretical constructs of dimensions and indicators for the development of a guide for its application, validated by a panel of experts.MethodsA systematic literature review and meta-analysis was performed under the protocol of the PRISMA Extension Guide of articles indexed in the Scopus database (2019–2024). The total number of extracted documents (n = 479) was screened based on the inclusion criteria, and the sample was delimited by 49 studies. Subsequently, after reading and analyzing the research, the dimensions and indicators of internal communication from a Happiness Management perspective were clustered. This guide was submitted to a panel of 13 experts who determined the reliability and validity of the construct and content using the Content Validity Index (CVI).ResultsThe dimensions and indicators emerging from the literature were validated with an average (X¯\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\overline{\\mathrm X}$$\\end{document}) of 3.36/4, achieving a level of inter-judge agreement (CVI) of 0.86, an excellent agreement of 86%, and an average score of 2.90/4 (high). The guide was composed of 9 dimensions of internal communication: Attitudes of the leader, employer or supervisor, Climate and communication policies, Feedback and recognition, Organizational environment and structures, Peer and informal communication, Organizational culture and business perspective, Employee-organization relationship, Communication media and platforms, and Employee attitudes, which brought together 103 variables. These dimensions were then reorganized into the three macro-dimensions of the Happiness Management philosophy: (1) active construction of a healthy work environment and well-being, (2) formation of employees’ positive personality, and (3) active emotional experience during the working day to build the internal communication development guide from the Happiness Management perspective.ConclusionsIntegrating Happiness Management into internal communication can significantly enhance employee well-being and organizational effectiveness. The validated framework provides a detailed guide for aligning internal communication strategies with the Happiness Management principles.

Algorithmic management, wellbeing and platform work: understanding the psychosocial risks and experiences of food couriers in Finland

ABSTRACT Digitalisation has made algorithmic management a defining feature of platform work. This study explores the psychosocial stresses and risks associated with different algorithmic management practices and analyses the applicability of Job Demand-Control-Support model in examining food delivery platform work. Our findings draw from 30 semi-structured interviews with platform food couriers in Finland. We applied Job Demand-Control-Support framework as the analysis matrix to inductive qualitative content analysis and compared the algorithmic management practices of the two dominant food delivery platforms in Finland. This study established that algorithmic management had direct and indirect intertwined negative psychosocial influence on couriers. These impacts were varied and were related to how algorithmic management was employed by the platforms. We also found that algorithmic management can increase work demands, decrease couriers’ control over their work, and limit workplace support. The study demonstrated that Job Demand-Control-Support model is suitable for analysing stress related to algorithmic management and platform work. This supports its application in future quantitative analyses. Our study deepens the understanding of psychosocial issues associated with the emerging trend of algorithmic management in workplaces, which is a fundamental dimension of the future of work. It highlights the need for regulatory measures relevant in ensuring healthy work environments.

MOTIVAÇÃO NO AMBIENTE DE TRABALHO: FATORES E IMPACTOS NO DESEMPENHO ORGANIZACIONAL

Motivation in the workplace is of utmost importance for companies, as understanding the factors influencing motivation within the work environment is essential to promoting well-being and productivity in organizations. This study aimed to analyze the impact of motivation on the work environment for employees at an agribusiness company located in Céu Azul, Paraná, focusing on the influence of motivation on performance, satisfaction, and productivity within the organizational context. This company was chosen due to affinity, greater feasibility for exploration by researchers, and primarily because it provided all necessary resources for data collection and analysis. Methodologically, the purpose of the research is applied; regarding the approach and objectives, it is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study. Technically, it is a bibliographic study. To achieve the objective, an interview was conducted with employees. The results obtained through the interviews indicate that the organizational environment in the sector where the research was conducted is exemplary, with one of the main challenges being the balance between personal and professional factors that impact motivation and daily performance. This study incorporates insights from various authors to analyze the importance of maintaining a motivated and healthy work environment. Therefore, the present study affirms that motivation is one of the main pillars impacting organizational performance and should be a priority for companies striving for market success. Hence, it is essential for companies to develop consistent motivation strategies, tailored to the needs of each team and aligned with organizational goals, fostering an environment that inspires everyone to give their best and achieve excellent results.

Burnout: a comprehensive review

AbstractBurnout has been the focus of extensive scientific research. The World Health Organization officially recognized burnout as an occupational phenomenon, defined as a syndrome resulting from chronic workplace stress that remains unmanaged and characterized by three dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and inefficacy. Existing literature highlights limitations in current measurement instruments for diagnostic purposes. These tools often yield scores that overlap with other conditions such as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Chronic exposure to high job demands and low job resources emerges as the primary trigger for burnout. While individual characteristics (such as neuroticism) may increase susceptibility, specific personality traits associated with higher risk remain unclear. Burnout has adverse effects on both individuals and organizations. Typical interventions focus on stress relief and coping strategies to manage high job demands, but their effectiveness diminishes over time. Evidence from organizational interventions suggests that improving employees’ working conditions can reduce burnout risk. Combined interventions offer promise by creating a healthy work environment while empowering employees to handle occasional stress. Social partners should advocate for support in researching burnout, aiming for a clear diagnosis, effective treatment, and preventive measures to mitigate psychosocial risks in the workplace.Practical Relevance: The findings of this article highlight the importance of addressing both job demands and job resources to mitigate burnout in organizational settings. Implementing interventions that improve working conditions and provide adequate support can significantly reduce burnout risk and enhance employee well-being. Organizations should prioritize creating a healthy work environment and empowering employees with the necessary resources to manage workload effectively.

Educational institutions as healthy working environments: well-being and stress management in education professionals

The present study explores how a healthy working environment affects the well-being of education professionals and the role of stress management skills in mediating this relationship. A total of 405 education professionals took part, 69.6 % of whom were female. Of these, 36 % were under the age of 39, while 64 % were aged 40 or over. The Ecosystems of Healthy Work (EATS) instrument was used to assess the work environment, comprising 62 items in nine dimensions based on the World Health Organisation model. The results show a relationship between well-being, stress management skills, and the perception of a healthy work environment. Differences emerged according to gender and job stability. The mediation model revealed a relationship between a healthy work environment and the well-being of professionals, mediated by stress management skills. The study recommends strategies to promote well-being and healthier working conditions for education professionals.

Health Effects Of Using Visual Display Terminal

Screen devices are widely used office tools around the world. We are also known as Visual Display Terminal (VDTs). The use of VDT causes health hazards due to the need for high levels of attention and concentration and constant sitting work. Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain, upper extremity disorders, eye problems, fatigue, and stress are common in VDT users. The computer is a frequently used display device, and computer vision syndrome (CVS) has emerged as a leading occupational health problem. Symptoms of CVS include dry eye, eye fatigue, blurred vision, double vision, redness in the eyes, burning and stinging sensation in the eyes, increase or decrease in tears, double vision, delay in changing focus and color perception irregularities, and deterioration in near vision. Risks arising from screened vehicles can be avoided in healthy and safe working conditions where the work center is set up correctly and breaks are taken at regular intervals. Simple measures such as exercising regularly, taking short frequent breaks, and using a screen filter are important simple interventions to prevent work-related diseases in VDT users. Since VDT use is a frequent part of our lives, we wanted to draw attention to VDT-related disorders and provide simple interventions to prevent them.

The Duties of Sangging in the Implementation of the Hindu Religious Ceremony of Manusa Yadnya Metatah Mass in Bali: A Study of Occupational Health Science

Occupational Health and Safety (K3) is our effort to create a healthy and safe working environment, so that it can reduce the probability of work accidents / diseases due to negligence that result in demotivation and deficiencies in work productivity. According to the Basic Health Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 9 of 1960 Chapter I Article II, Occupational Health is a health condition that aims for workers to obtain the highest level of health, both physical, spiritual and social, with prevention and treatment efforts for diseases or health disorders caused by work and the work environment or general diseases. in all work activities in human social and religious life such as research on mass metatah ceremonies that are often carried out by Hindus in Bali, in this case the position of the sangging is the key in this metatah ceremony. Sangging is a person who is tasked with cutting teeth during the metatah ceremony. The duties of the sangging in carrying out metatah are to sharpen the two canine teeth and four incisors in the upper jaw with a file. Providing toothpaste made from turmeric, betel lime and sandalwood rubbing. Following up on the Yama Pati Tatwa palm leaf, a sangging needs to understand the structure of tooth tissue and occupational health science to maintain the sanctity of the ceremony. The metatah ceremony or 'mepandes', 'mesangih' or 'metah ceremony' (Balinese) is a Hindu religious ceremony that must be carried out by all Hindus in Bali. The metatah ceremony contains meaning for life, namely changing behavior to become a true human being who can control himself from the temptation of lust, and fulfilling the obligations of parents to children in order to find the true nature of humanity. This study aims to analyze the nature of the implementation of the mass metatah ceremony in Bali Province in the study of occupational health science. The research design uses a case study based on its type, namely an explanatory case study, which focuses on the mass metatah ceremony. Data is analyzed descriptively and carefully until complete. The results of the study indicate that: 1) occupational health knowledge for the sangging in the mass metatah ceremony has the nature to achieve the maximum goal of the yadnya metatah ceremony, namely suppressing bad thoughts, words, and behavior by controlling themselves from the temptation of lust; 2) the process of implementing the metatah ceremony carried out by a sangging is done by filing both canine teeth and four jaw incisors. However, the process is carried out carefully according to health science and the impact of mass metatah, namely social, psychological, health and economic impacts. The implications of the research results, namely the implementation of the 'manusia yadnya' metatah must be carried out carefully by paying attention to health risks when the metatah ceremony is carried out, internence and application of occupational health science need to be carried out so that religious ceremonies become pure physically and mentally according to the purpose of the metatah ceremony.

The Nature of Employment in a High Socioeconomic Hardship Community: Data From the Greater Lawndale Healthy Work Survey.

This cross-sectional survey aimed to examine employment characteristics and their associations with employment precarity in two high socioeconomic hardship Chicago neighborhoods. We used a community-based participatory approach to develop and administer a survey to residents who perceived their work situations to be precarious. A total of 489 residents were surveyed. Responses were skewed toward the most precarious work situations, with the majority of respondents employed outside of a traditional arrangement. Those in the highest precarity category were most likely to identify as Latinx and born outside of the United States. Unstable, low-quality employment conditions were nearly all significantly associated with highest precarity work situations. Precarious employment is an important predictor of other employment conditions, and characterizing these at a hyperlocal level allows for a nuanced understanding of work as a determinant of health.

BURNOUT IN HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS: IMPACTS ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND WELL-BEING

The research aimed to analyze the relationship between burnout and the quality of life of health professionals, identifying the main risk factors and proposing mitigation strategies. To this end, a qualitative approach was used, including interviews and questionnaires applied to professionals from different health areas. The results showed a high prevalence of burnout symptoms, with emotional exhaustion and depersonalization being the most common. The analysis indicated that factors such as work overload, lack of institutional support and absence of mental health policies contribute significantly to the development of the syndrome. The conclusion emphasized the urgency of interventions that promote healthy work environments, focusing on psychological support and self-care strategies, in addition to highlighting the importance of an organizational culture that prioritizes the well-being of professionals, which can result in improvements in the quality of care provided and in the general health of workers.

Focus on residents’ mental health: the Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy (PHRASI)

Abstract The ‘Public Health Residents’ Anonymous Survey in Italy” (PHRASI) represented the first study to specifically investigate mental health and its determinants among Italian public health residents (PHRs). Using a voluntary, anonymous, electronic, 88-item questionnaire, the PHRASI study generated evidence on well-being, eating disorders, sleep disorders, alcohol abuse, depressive symptoms, and anxious symptoms among PHRs. This highlights the correlation with sociodemographic, lifestyle, and work-related characteristics during COVID-19 pandemic. The data was collected in a nationally representative sample of PHRs enrolled in any of the four course years of Italian Public Health schools. The recruitment took place through the communication channels of the Medical Residents’ Council of the Italian Society of Hygiene and Preventive Medicine in the summer 2022. The key findings reveal prevalence rates of mental health conditions comparable to those seen in other healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: 61% of residents report depressive symptoms and 36% report anxious symptoms. The study also highlights a negative correlation of these symptoms with characteristics of the training and working environment, such as the level of supervision and peer-to-peer support. A stronger social network and higher levels of physical activity emerged to be positively associated with well-being and depression. These and other findings will be available in the final report of the survey that will be presented during the congress. PHRASI led the way to the Residents’ Mental health Investigation, a Dynamic longitudinal study in Italy (ReMInDIt), that aims to explore potential cause-effect relationships between risk/protective factors and mental health outcomes. This evidence could guide the scientific community, school directors, universities, and policymakers in the continuous process of improving the educational quality and working conditions of PHRs. Key messages • Residency training and work environment impact the mental health of the PHR workforce. • It is important to deploy concrete efforts into building healthy work environments and guarantee adequate training for PHRs.

Healthy lifestyle promotion project among healthcare workers

Abstract Background The psychosocial risks generated from difficult work conditions are damaging not only for the workers’ health and safety, but also have a huge impact on the organization and management efficiency. Description Some of the primary challenges that health workers face are demanding schedules and stressful shift patterns which lead to higher levels of worker burnout. Ensuring the well-being of healthcare staff is crucial not only for the individual workers, but it also brings important lessons to the community creating an environment built on a culture of health. Results In the past year, the Hospital of Cittadella (Province of Padua) has launched a set of programmes structured to help the staff make better lifestyle choices that affect not only their personal life but also create a more sustainable work environment. One of the projects involved various meetings with a Physical Medicine-Rehabilitation physician, a physical therapist, an Occupational Medicine physician and a medical yoga teacher. The encounters, attended by nearly 10% of the hospital staff, were aimed to help healthcare workers create a more balanced lifestyle and to implement physical activity and posture exercises in their daily routine. Four nutrition classes were also organized with the help of a nutritional biologist. The aim of this course was to show the basics of healthy diets supported by scientific data and guide the participants towards realistic and healthy meal plans. Lessons In conclusion, increasing the general wellbeing within the healthcare context is not an easy task, especially when organizational circumstances like staff reduction are being faced. These projects represent a small step towards facing these difficulties. It is important to note that the motivation, collaboration, inclusivity, flexibility and reliance are all elements that contribute to better mental and physical health of the healthcare staff which is crucial on an individual, organizational and societal level. Key messages • Increasing personal well being amongst healthcare workers can help create a more sustainable work environment. • A healthy work environment is crucial for a better functioning organization.

Factors Impacting Work-Life Balance and Quality of Work Life among Teachers

Introduction: A number of circumstances can disrupt the work life balance, and achieving success depends not only on one’s ability to perform at a high level but also on one's ability to manage professional and personal obligations. This study aims to explore the factors that impact stress levels and work life balance of teachers working in government-aided and self-financing schools. Method: A total of 200 samples were selected, and a structured questionnaire was adopted to gather the primary data. The collected data was tested by statistical analysis using various tools, including Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Chi-square, and ANOVA for interpretation. Results: The findings indicate that teachers in government-aided schools experience lower stress levels and evince higher contentment across various dimensions in quality of work life. However, the teachers in self-financing schools grapple with varying stress levels, ranging from lower to higher stress, reflecting dissatisfaction across all aspects of life. Conclusion: A collective implantation of strategies from teachers and institutions is required to maintain a healthy and harmonious work life balance in order to augment the quality of work life.

Servant leadership and healthy work relationships in university context: a moderated mediation analysis of psychological safety and socially responsible leadership

Servant leadership and healthy work relationships in university context: a moderated mediation analysis of psychological safety and socially responsible leadership

Assessment of imposter syndrome among postgraduate residents using Clance imposter phenomenon scale: a multicentric, cross-sectional study.

Imposter syndrome develops when high-achieving individuals, despite external measurements of achievement, have a chronic sense of self-doubt paired with a fear of being exposed as a hoax. This endangers one's mental health and well-being. The objective of the study was to determine the prevalence and severity of imposter syndrome among postgraduate residents and to identify the risk factors associated with imposter syndrome. This is a cross-sectional study conducted among the postgraduate trainees working in four different training hospitals in Pakistan. Imposter syndrome was assessed using the Clance Imposter Phenomenon Scale. A total of 146 postgraduate residents participated in this study. The majority had significant imposter syndrome, with females more suffered than males. Trainees of the pediatrics department were affected the most while of the dentistry were least to be affected. Multiple factors including marital status, number of children, working hours, extracurricular activities, and private practice have been shown to affect the prevalence of imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a prevalent phenomenon among the residents of Pakistan. Efforts to identify and establish a proper relationship between general demographics and imposter syndrome are required for the healthy work experience of the trainees.

The power of researcher communities: actions towards better mental well-being in academic workplaces

This article delves into the mental health crisis in academia, highlighting the challenges associated with the growing cases of psychological problems among academic employees and Early-Career Researchers (ECRs). We demonstrate how the Researcher Mental Health Observatory (ReMO) community addressed these issues through networking, awareness raising, and advocating for actions to nurture a supportive work environment and remove stigma from mental health problems. Moreover, we highlight the role of institutions in promoting mental health, showcase instruments to collect data on academic working conditions, and discuss initiatives like the well-being ambassador programme aimed at supporting ECRs in their career development and mental well-being. Additionally, we touch upon the importance of self-care behaviours and peer support in academia. We conclude by highlighting the ongoing discussions on mental health, well-being, and healthy academic working environments, underscoring the long-lasting impact of the ReMO community’s efforts in the European academic world.

Promoting a culture of respect in cardiothoracic surgery: navigating challenges in understanding unethical behaviour

Unprofessional behaviour in the workplace, such as bullying, harassment, and discrimination, remains common in the cardiothoracic surgery unit. Despite its prevalence, there is little consensus on what constitutes unprofessional behaviour in the workplace of a cardiothoracic surgeon. In this review, we aim to narrow down the definition of unprofessional behaviour among cardiothoracic surgeons, identify its prevalence and the factors contributing to it, as well as explore potential preventive and support measures. We searched the MEDLINE and Web of Science databases (2000-2022), focusing on publications within psychology, medicine, general surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery for inclusion in a focused review. The current review identified 89 papers that highlight the complexity of defining unprofessional behaviour and its prevalence in cardiothoracic surgery units. Psychosocial professional challenges, hierarchical relationships within the medical team, and a high-stress environment may prompt unprofessional behaviour, which can manifest in both overt and covert actions. Such behaviour negatively mpacts medical services for patients, the psycho-emotional state of employees, and the overall functioning of the medical institution. The most effective support measures are characterized by being proactive, anticipating potential problems before they occur. Unprofessional behaviour should be considered an organizational concern, not merely an issue between individual team members. This perspective is essential for fostering a healthy work environment. The leaders of cardiothoracic surgery, given their high status and authority, play a pivotal role in this regard; their focus on inclusiveness of employees with lower status or responsibility is crucial for promoting a culture of psychosocial safety. This culture should be characterized by trust, honesty, and mutual respect, ensuring that every team member feels valued and respected. By prioritizing these values, leaders can minimize the risk of unprofessional behaviour, ultimately leading to an improvement in the quality of medical services for patients, an improvement in the psycho-emotional state of employees and the functioning of the organization as a whole.

Empowering Women in Saudi Workforce: HR, Job Satisfaction, and Policies for Work–Life Balance

The present study investigates the sustainable influence of human resources (HR) support on job satisfaction and work–life balance among female employees in Saudi Arabia, underlining its significance in advancing social sustainability within the workforce. It seeks to analyze the role of job satisfaction as a mediator and organizational policies as moderators in these relationships. This study analyzed data from a simple random sample of 145 employed women in different sectors in Saudi Arabia, utilizing exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, as well as inferential statistical methods for hypotheses testing. We conducted an evaluation of mediating and moderating effects in the investigated relationships using the PROCESS macro for SPSS. The findings show a strong positive relationship between HR support, work–life balance, and job satisfaction in Saudi Arabia’s female workforce. The mediation function of job satisfaction in the relationship between HR support and work–life balance emphasizes the critical role of positive working experiences in achieving work–life balance. Furthermore, this research highlights organizational policies as a crucial mediator, indicating that implementing supportive and progressive policies might amplify the beneficial impacts of HR practices on work–life balance and job satisfaction. The present study enhances the existing body of knowledge by offering empirical findings on the importance of culturally customized sustainable HR practices and the crucial function of organizational policies in advancing gender equality and achieving a healthy work–life balance.

Original Research: Exploring Black Nurses' Perceptions of Workplace Safety and Personal Health.

This study aimed to assess the perceptions of nurses who self-identify as Black or African American regarding their workplace health and safety and to explore how these perceptions are associated with their perceived personal health. Nurses practicing in unhealthy work environments can experience poorer physical and mental health. Recent civil unrest and ongoing dialogue about structural and systemic racism have prompted calls for greater efforts to understand the workplace perceptions and experiences of ethnic minority nurses, and how these influence nurses' personal well-being. But there is a dearth of relevant evidence concerning these nurses, including Black nurses. This cross-sectional, descriptive study involved analysis of secondary data collected from May 1, 2017, through December 31, 2019, by the American Nurses Association's HealthyNurse Survey (N = 19,131). We employed descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses to examine the data for the 1,143 respondents who both self-identified as Black or African American and responded to all items concerning the major variable of personal health. Overall, respondents reported a slight tendency to agree or strongly agree that their practice environments were safe. When looking at various factors explaining personal health, the perception of workplace health and safety was found to be a significant contributing factor. The study findings suggest that, among Black nurses, perceptions about workplace health and safety are associated with perceived personal health. These findings underscore the importance of fostering healthy work environments.

Enhancing Social Sustainability in Malaysian Supply Chains: Integrating Occupational Safety and Health for Resilient and Ethical Business Practices

This conceptual paper examines the insufficient integration of Occupational Safety and Health into Malaysian supply chains' social sustainability frameworks, despite its recognized impact on worker well-being and economic performance. While Malaysia has advanced in sustainability overall, incorporating OSH into broader social responsibility strategies remains underdeveloped. This paper argues that protecting worker well-being is essential for sustainable supply chains, directly contributing to social sustainability and economic performance. The study examines the ethical, legal, and business justifications for prioritizing OSH in supply chain management. It draws upon international human rights declarations, treaties, and conventions, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, and the ILO's Occupational Safety and Health Convention, to underscore the fundamental right to a safe and healthy work environment. This model developed through analysis of existing literature and policy frameworks, aims to guide a more comprehensive approach to OSH management within Malaysian supply chains. By analyzing these frameworks, the paper highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that aligns OSH with international standards and sustainable development goals. Ultimately, it advocates for a more resilient and equitable supply chain framework in Malaysia, where worker well-being is central to sustainable business practices.

Organizational Ethics and Employee Productivity of Microfinance Banks

The study empirically examined the organizational ethics and employee productivity in Microfinance banks in Cross River State, Nigeria. Descriptive and correlational research designs were employed in the study. Data for this study were gathered from primary source and through structured questionnaire from the respondents of the microfinance banks in Cross River State. The study employed Pearson Product Moment Correlation analysis to measure the relationship between the variables tested in the study. Based on the analysis of the results, the finding was summarized; thus, there was a significant relationship between organizational ethics and employee productivity. The study recommended that management should create a healthy work environment where employees can be motivated towards productivity. Also, efforts should be made to ensure and observe etiquette and ethical conduct within work centers for the expected goals of the complex organization to be attained.