Improving Work Organization Research Articles

Operation of Mental Health Centres (CZP) in Poland during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

The aim of the study is to characterise the changes in the operation of the Mental Health Centers (CZPs) in Poland during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Changing the concept of psychiatric care and moving towards a community model under the CZPs is, inter alia, no need to present and implement strictly defined schedules by service providers, which allows to respond to the current needs of patients and allows for the adaptation of the conditions and methods of providing psychiatric care services in Poland during pandemic. On the basis of the experiences from the pandemic period, recommendations were presented the aim of which is improving work organisation of the CZPs in Poland. A new map of mental health services' organisation following the peak of the pandemic in Poland is urgently needed. Well-functioning community care fosters good understanding of patients' needs, which means that even in a situation of, for instance, there is no element of surprise and there are known channels and methods of reacting to an emergency situation. The pilot CZPs quickly and easily adapted their response methods to the changing or new needs/new circumstances. As part of the activities in the field of psychiatric care reforms in Poland, it seems appropriate, at the present stage, to use all observations and information on the operation and organisation of work of entities that were included during pandemic in the CZP pilot programme in order to continuously improve the functioning of a new model of mental healthcare.

Negative representations of night-shift work and mental health of public hospital healthcare workers in the COVID-19 era (Aladdin survey)

BackgroundMany risk factors impact the health of hospital night workers, which can lead to physical and mental health disorders. During the recent period, night hospital workers have been particularly stressed. This study therefore aims to: (i) To document the prevalence of depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, and symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder in night shift workers (NSHW) working in Parisian public hospitals after France’s first COVID-19 wave ended; (ii) To estimate the effect of negative representations and perceptions of night shift work on these mental health outcomes.MethodsAn observational cross-sectional online survey of NSHW (June to September 2020) in 39 public hospitals in Paris, France. Standard scales were used to measure mental health outcomes. Weighted multinomial logistic regression models supported the identification of predictors of depression (score > 10 on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS, for depression), anxiety (score > 10 on the HADS for anxiety), severe insomnia (score > 21 on the Insomnia Severity Index, ISI) and symptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder (score > 36 on the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, IES-R).ResultsThe weighted prevalence rates [95% confidence interval] of depression, anxiety, severe insomnia, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder were, respectively, 18.9% [16.5–21.2], 7.6% [6.0–9.1], 8.6% [6.9–10.2] and 11.7% [9.7–13.6]. After multiple adjustment, organizational changes in NSHW professional lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic (such as moving to another hospital department and modified schedules) and NSHW-perceived negative representations of night work were significantly associated with all studied mental health outcomes.ConclusionOur findings confirm the importance of monitoring mental health and sleep quality among NSHW in Parisian public hospitals, even more during health crises. Multilevel interventions aiming at reducing negative representations and improving work organization are urgently needed to improve overall health of this frontline healthcare providers group.

The Effectiveness of Workplace Health Promotion Programme in Improving Sickness Absenteeism, Medical Cost Claims and Work Engagement Among Manufacturing Workers in Malaysia: A Randomised Control Trial

Job-related stress at the workplace has a tremendous effect on employees’ work performance. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) programme on employee sickness absenteeism, medical cost claims and work engagement among blue-collar manufacturing workers in Malaysia. The WHP intervention comprised organisational and individual stress management programmes delivered through the Occupational Stress Management Course and Employee Assistance Programme. Data on sickness absenteeism and medical cost claims were gathered from the records of the Human Resource Department. In addition, work engagement data were collected through the Malay Validated Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES). Eighty-eight employees participated in the study. Most employees worked 45 hours a week, with more than 80% working overtime and shifts. Pre-intervention sickness absenteeism among manufacturing workers varied from 0.98 to 2.57 days. At baseline, medical cost claims ranged from RM92 to RM196 for three months and RM127 to RM359 for six months. After six months of participation in the WHP programme, sickness absenteeism was significantly reduced (d = 0.414) and work engagement was significantly enhanced (d = 1.958) in the intervention group. Medical cost claims, on the other hand, increased significantly post-intervention (d = 0.039). These findings are intended to help organisations and government bodies in recognising the potential of WHP to enhance employee work engagement and reduce sickness absenteeism to improve work organisation and personal development.

Headache in the Workplace: Analysis of Factors Influencing Headaches in Terms of Productivity and Health.

Headache is a very common condition that can have a significant impact on work. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of headaches and their impact on a sample of 1076 workers from 18 small companies operating in different sectors. The workers who volunteered to participate were asked to fill in the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6) and answer questions designed to assess stressful and traumatic factors potentially associated with headaches. The volunteers subsequently underwent a medical examination and tests for diagnosing metabolic syndrome. Out of the 1044 workers who completed the questionnaire (participation rate = 97%), 509 (48.8%) reported suffering from headaches. In a multivariate logistic regression model, female gender, recent bereavement, intrusive leadership, and sleep problems were significantly associated with headaches. In univariate logistic regression models, headache intensity was associated with an increased risk of anxiety (OR 1.10; CI95% 1.09; 1.12) and depression (OR 1.09; CI95% 1.08; 1.11). Headache impact was also associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome (OR 1.02; CI95% 1.00, 1.04), obesity (OR 1.02, CI95% 1.01; 1.03), and reduced HDL cholesterol (OR 1.03; CI95% 1.01; 1.04). The impact of headache calls for intervention in the workplace not only to promote a prompt diagnosis of the different forms of headaches but also to improve work organization, leadership style, and the quality of sleep.

Work-related psychosocial demands related to work organization in small sized companies (SMEs) providing health-oriented services in Germany \u2013 a qualitative analysis

BackgroundMicro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent the majority of businesses in the EU. Little is known about psychosocial demands faced by company owners, managers, and employees in SMEs, especially in the health and service sector. The current study aimed to identify which psychosocial demands related to work organization are reported by managers and employees in the health and service sector, and if managers and employees differ in their perspective on these psychosocial demands.MethodsWe conducted nine single interviews and two focus group discussions with seven company owners and managers as well as eleven employees from six different German companies between January and February 2020. The psychosocial factors of the psychosocial risk assessment of the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy (GDA) served as a framework for data collection and analysis. The interview material was analysed using Mayring’s method of qualitative content analysis.ResultsWe identified four prevailing work-related psychosocial demands related to work organization among managers and employees: (1) possibilities and time for recovery after work, (2) communication and cooperation, (3) work intensity, and (4) interruptions, and prioritization. According to the managers, they were confronted with a lack of possibilities and time for recovery after work. They report issues related to inadequate communication and cooperation affecting the entire company team, and also face high work intensity and frequent interruptions and prioritization. Employees reported a clearer division between work and private life. However, they also face periods of high work intensity, frequent interruptions and the need for prioritization.ConclusionManagers and employees in SMEs in the health and service sector would benefit from evidence-based and evaluated tailored interventions and approaches for improved work organization. Further studies are needed to support managers and employees in SMEs in the health and service sector in facing and handling work-related psychosocial demands like lack of possibilities and time for recovery after work, high work intensity or frequent interruptions.

Tuberculosis incidence among health workers in Brazil from 2008 to 2018

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Tuberculosis (TB) is a major public health challenge, especially for the lower income countries, which account for over 95% of cases. OBJECTIVE: To present TB incidence and coefficients among health workers in Brazil, from 2008 to 2018. METHODS: Descriptive study using TB records among health workers of both sexes registered in the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (Sinan), the official Brazilian database. Absolute and relative frequencies, variation, and coefficients of incidence and mortality were presented for health workers. Relative risk (RR) and mortality ratio were calculated considering the general population. RESULTS:In Brazil, 10,728 cases of TB were reported among health workers from 2008-2018, rising from 793 cases in 2008 to 1,220 in 2018 (+54%). About 34% of cases occurred among men and 66% among women. The incidence coefficient remained stable in the period, going from 68.3 to 67.1 (x100,000 health workers) in 2008 and 2018, respectively (mean=66.5). In the period, 77 and 50.602 deaths occurred among health workers and general population, respectively. Compared to the general population, RR was 40% higher, and the mortality ratio was 80% lower among health workers (mean = 2.3 and 0.5 x100,000). CONCLUSIONS:An increased risk of TB was observed among health workers compared to the general population. However, the lower mortality rate suggests that health workers have better access to health treatment and higher recovery rates. It is highly recommended the promotion of continuous measures to prevent TB and to protect the health of workers exposed to biological risks, such as improving work organization and process and implementing actions to eliminate or minimize the related risks. KEYWORDS: Respiratory outcomes, Infectious diseases, Occupational exposures

Experiences and Challenges of Foreign Agricultural Workers in Finland

HighlightsBetter control of musculoskeletal workload remains a key factor in improving working conditions on Finnish farms.Orientation and training of workers should be carefully prepared with attention to content, method, and timing.Continued training is needed, especially for foremen and the increasing number of long-term foreign workers.Abstract. Foreign workers have become an important part of the workforce on horticulture and livestock farms in Finland. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of foreign workers regarding their working and living conditions. We conducted semi-structured theme interviews during two time periods: in 2008-2009 (n = 40 workers on eight farms) and again in 2018-2019 (n = 9 workers on four farms). We found variations in expectations and goals among workers when they take a job abroad. Compelling factors in the origin country included unemployment, low wages, and low standards of living, and enticing factors in the destination country included social relationships and expectations of better income. Personal networks had a strong role in the recruiting processes. Work on farms is physically demanding, and being a foreign worker affects social life in many ways, such as being separated from family and facing pressures from the home community to arrange jobs for others. New communication technologies have improved possibilities to stay in contact. Employers could contribute to better working and living conditions for foreign workers by improving work organization, ergonomics at work, orientation of new workers, and continued training of supervisors. Worker orientation and training should be carefully planned, taking into consideration the limited language skills, work competence requirements, and possibilities for career advancement of the workers. Keywords: Descriptive study, Foreign farm workers, Horticulture, Occupational safety.

Improved work organization to increase the productivity in manual brick manufacturing unit of West Bengal, India

In India, the manual brick making process is physical demanding jobs where millions of workers earn their livelihood. The study attempts to improve the organization of the work in brick manufacturing units and makes operations for the betterment and enhances its productivity. Observation studies and posture analysis were performed among them by the OWAS method. A detailed plan and time study were done, and accordingly, modifications of the processes were also carried out. The body mass index (BMI) of both groups of brickfield workers was 18.58 (±2.53) (brick molders) and 19.24 (±2.72) (brick carriers) respectively, suggesting that the workers had a normal range of BMI. Working postures of brickfield workers are of high risk as indicated by the OWAS system. In this study, an attempt was made to organize the manual brick making operation for enhancing productivity. The existing process of Brick making involved some unnecessary steps, which hamper the rate of work and consequently productivity, is also affected. This study eliminates the real steps and enhances 32% productivity in time and also recommends the ergonomic intervention to reduce biomechanical stress among brickfield workers.

Inanspruchnahme von Ma\xdfnahmen der betrieblichen Gesundheitsf\xf6rderung in Deutschland \u2013 Ergebnisse der Studie \u201eGesundheit in Deutschland aktuell\u201c (GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS)

ZusammenfassungHintergrund/ZielsetzungMaßnahmen der betrieblichen Gesundheitsförderung (BGF) sollen die Arbeitsorganisation und die Arbeitsbedingungen verbessern sowie die persönlichen Kompetenzen der Beschäftigten fördern. Sie können einen großen Teil der Bevölkerung erreichen. Ziel der Studie ist, die Inanspruchnahme von verhältnis- und verhaltensbezogenen BGF-Maßnahmen anhand zentraler individueller und betrieblicher Faktoren zu beschreiben.Material und MethodenIn der repräsentativen bevölkerungsbasierten Querschnittsstudie „Gesundheit in Deutschland aktuell“ (GEDA 2014/2015-EHIS) des Robert Koch-Instituts wurden 14.389 Erwerbstätige im Alter von 18 bis 64 Jahren zur Kenntnis und Inanspruchnahme von Angeboten zu Rückengesundheit, Stressbewältigung/Entspannung und einer Kantine mit gesunden Ernährungsangeboten in den letzten 12 Monaten in ihrem Unternehmen befragt. Dabei wurde nach soziodemografischen Faktoren, Gesundheitsbewusstsein und dem subjektiven Gesundheitszustand stratifiziert.ErgebnisseDas Angebot einer Kantine wird von 64,6 % der Frauen (F) und 66,2 % der Männer (M) genutzt. Angebote zur Rückengesundheit (F: 26,2 %; M: 18,7 %) und Stressbewältigung/Entspannung (F: 35,2 %; M: 25,6 %) werden deutlich weniger in Anspruch genommen. Beschäftigte mit ausgeprägtem Gesundheitsbewusstsein nutzen alle 3 Angebote häufiger als Beschäftigte mit weniger ausgeprägtem Gesundheitsbewusstsein. Männer mit schlechtem Gesundheitszustand nutzen die verhaltenspräventiven Angebote häufiger als Männer mit gutem Gesundheitszustand.SchlussfolgerungUm weitere Erwerbstätige mit BGF-Maßnahmen zu erreichen, sollten diese zielgruppenspezifisch konzipiert werden. Geschlechter- und Altersaspekte, der Umfang der Erwerbstätigkeit, das Gesundheitsbewusstsein sowie der Gesundheitszustand sollten berücksichtigt werden.

BENEFITS OF APPLYING CSR CONCEPTS IN THE FIELD OF HUMAN CAPITAL MANAGEMENT. PROVIDENT POLSKA CASE STUDY

Over the past few years, the importance of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), which has a strong impact on the relationship between the organization and its stakeholders, has been increasing. The purpose of the article is to verify the benefits that the implementation of CSR tools can generate for an enterprise in the field of human resources management. Based on the example of Provident Polska, using in-depth interview methods and analysis of the content of the Provident Polska Corporate Social Responsibility report for 2016-2017, it has been shown that actions taken in relation to employees under the CSR concept affect the extension of the employment period, and the increase in the quality of work, improving work organization and employee satisfaction.

Needlestick injuries of healthcare workers

Injuries of healthcare workers with sharp instruments are considered among the most frequent occupational accidents in hospitals. In at least half of the cases, the instruments are contaminated with blood and therefore bear an infection risk with bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitisB, hepatitisC and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlestick injuries require besides immediate medical intervention, such as rinsing and disinfection of the wound or skin contamination, aprompt clarification of the immune status and if necessary apostexposure prophylaxis. Furthermore, follow-up examinations are required for up to 6months after the accident. Information about the infectious state of the index person considerably facilitates the procedure. All healthcare workers should know the management of needlestick injuries. Preventive measures refer to the reduction of the number of needlestick injuries by improving work organization and usage of needle devices with safety features as well as to the reduction of infection risk by hepatitisB vaccination and wearing safety gloves.

Improving work organisation in the production hall - a case study

Improving work organisation in the production hall - a case study

Needlestick injuries of healthcare workers

Injuries of healthcare workers with sharp instruments are considered among the most frequent occupational accidents in hospitals. In at least half of the cases, the instruments are contaminated with blood and therefore bear an infection risk with bloodborne pathogens, such as hepatitisB, hepatitisC and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Needlestick injuries require besides immediate medical intervention, such as rinsing and disinfection of the wound or skin contamination, aprompt clarification of the immune status and if necessary apostexposure prophylaxis. Furthermore, follow-up examinations are required for up to 6months after the accident. Information about the infectious state of the index person considerably facilitates the procedure. All healthcare workers should know the management of needlestick injuries. Preventive measures refer to the reduction of the number of needlestick injuries by improving work organization and usage of needle devices with safety features as well as to the reduction of infection risk by hepatitisB vaccination and wearing safety gloves.

An Empirical Approach to Workload Assessment for Process Optimization.

The Human Factors contribution in the scope of the industrial process optimization presented in this case study had to deal with considerations regarding the physical and mental workload requirements of different workstations and the capabilities of the operators assigned to them. The scope was to provide the industrial management with a better way to allocate human resources to tasks having different workload requirements.This work presents an empirical model designed to quantify the impact of workload on workers with the aim of reducing operational errors and safety human errors.The effects of this workload assessment can contribute to consider necessary areas of improvement in terms of technical measures, procedure optimizations and improved work organization, to reduce defects and waste generation. The paper presents a brief description of the empirical approach used to assess the workload of complex tasks in assembly lines; furthermore, it also discusses some of the preliminary results of its application.

A PRACTICAL APPLIANCE OF THE 5S METHOD IN THE WORK ORGANIZATION OF THE MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to present the theoretical aspects of the 5S method, its constituent elements, as well as the possibilities of its practical use in a production enterprise. In addition presenting problems and limitations in the implementation of the 5S method in the company. Methodology: The used research approach was the analysis of Lean Management literature and case study based on information from lean managers and implementation documents of the manufacturing company. Originality/value: The paper can provide value for people involved in Lean Management, emphasizing the theoretical aspects of the 5S method and its practical appliance. This paper can provide value for leaders who want to improve work organization and are not involved in Lean Management or for managers of smaller companies operating in the cable industry.

Prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among women tea factory workers of Nilgiri: An ergonomic study

This research study is about the prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders among women tea factory workers of Nilgiri. The purposive random sampling method was used to select the respondents. The work related to musculoskeletal disorders or discomfort and the pain experienced by the workers were determined by using Standardized Nordic Questionnaire Work related activities taken as independent variable; pain and discomforts taken as dependent variable. Work related pain/ discomfort was reported in 12-month, last month and prevalence in 7 days during May 2015 to April 2016. Workers reported that musculoskeletal pain for the 12 months according to body parts especially on the neck (80%), shoulders (60%), lower back (87.5 %), hips (80%), knees (72.5%) and wrists (25%) due to their daily activities in the factories which were lifting, lifting above the shoulder level, lifting with one shoulder, pushing, pulling loads more than 25 kgs. By implementing ergonomic interventions like improved work organization with job rotations and ample rest during work of the tea factory workers will reduce their musculoskeletal disorders symptoms and pain.

ENDOGENIC FACTORS OF COMPETITIVENESS OF FARMS USING LAND FROM THE AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY STOCK OF THE TREASURY IN WARMINSKO-MAZURSKIE PROVINCE

The aim of the research was to identify endogenous factors of competitiveness of farms using land from the Agricultural Property Stock of the Treasury in Warminsko-Mazurskie province. The subject of the research was the opinions of farmers on the measures taken to improve the competitiveness of farms. The research was carried out by means of a diagnostic survey using a questionnaire. In the opinion of the respondents, the most effective factors of competitiveness inspired and implemented in their farms include, above all: reducing production costs mainly by seeking cheaper sources of supply and improving work organization.

Participatory redesign of work organisation in hospital nursing: A study of the implementation process.

The main goal of the study was to apply and analyse a moderated participatory small-group procedure with registered nurses, which aims at the development and implementation of measures to improve work organisation in hospital wards and nursing units. Participation in job redesign is an essential prerequisite of the successful implementation of improvement measures in nursing. The study was carried out in a public hospital of maximum care in Germany. We selected 25 wards with the most critical reported exhaustion and general health and applied a series of moderated small-group sessions in which the registered nurses jointly identified deficits in their work organisation, developed improvement measures, and then implemented and assessed them. Registered nurses of 22 wards actively took part in the small-group procedure. All nursing units jointly identified organisational deficits, developed possible improvement measures, and implemented them. The nursing teams then evaluated the implemented measures which were already assessable at the end of our research period; nearly all (99.0%) showed improvements, while 69.4% actually attained the desired goals. Participatory small-group activities may be successfully applied in hospital nursing in order to improve work organisation. Participatory assessment and redesign of nurses' work organisation should be integrated into regular team meetings. The nursing management should actively support the implementation process.

National Culture and Application of Telework in Europe

This paper deals with cultural differences in states around Europe. People represent key resources of the companies where flexi forms are necessary way how to reach goals. Hofstede's Cultural Dimension Theory can find many answers. Application of new culture and flexi forms may improve work organization, working time and family life of employees. This paper utilizes survey data obtained from Hofstede Institute research fields and Eurostat database. Set hypotheses are supported by six auxiliary questions what help reach conclusions, how integration slowly cancelled national differences between nations.

Interruptions and multitasking in surgery: a multicentre observational study of the daily work patterns of doctors and nurses

The aim of this study was to obtain baseline data on doctors’ and nurses’ work activities and rates of interruptions and multitasking to improve work organisation and processes. Data were collected in six surgical units with the WOMBAT (Work Observation Method by Activity Timing) tool. Results show that doctors and nurses received approximately 13 interruptions per hour, or one interruption every 4.5 min. Compared to doctors, nurses were more prone to interruptions in most activities, while doctors performed multitasking (33.47% of their time, 95% CI 31.84–35.17%) more than nurses (15.23%, 95% CI 14.24–16.25%). Overall, the time dedicated to patient care is relatively limited for both professions (37.21%, 95% CI 34.95–39.60% for doctors, 27.22%, 95% CI 25.18–29.60% for nurses) compared to the time spent for registration of data and professional communication, that accounts for two-thirds of doctors’ time and nearly half of nurses’ time. Further investigation is needed on strategies to manage job demands and professional communications.Practitioner Summary: This study offers further findings on the characteristics and frequency of multitasking and interruptions in surgery, with a comparison of how they affect doctors and nurses. Further investigation is needed to improve the management of job demands and communications according to the results.