Increase In Working Hours Research Articles

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure as well as their anxiety and depression levels. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from 109 healthcare workers enrolled in two MBA courses in Healthcare Human Resources Management at a university in the Southern USA, respectively, Fall 2020 and Fall 2021. A path analysis was conducted to test a model of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure as well as their anxiety and depression levels. Findings The study results showed treatment of COVID-19 patients led to increased work hours for healthcare workers; changes in work hours and work methods were related to healthcare workers’ perception of job pressure; healthcare workers perceptions of job pressure were positively related to their anxiety levels; organizational support was negatively related to healthcare workers’ anxiety levels; and healthcare workers’ anxiety levels were positively related to their depression levels. Originality/value Findings from the tested model provide support for the Job Demands-Resources model in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Modernizing Traffic Management in Telangana: Integrating Technology for Enhanced Road Safety and Efficiency

Abstract: This work therefore aims to explore the trends of traffic management efforts in operation since the formation of Telangana in year 2014. The traffic problems have emerged due to the fast-growing urbanisation, and with the road network of now 32,445 km, Telangana has adopted new measures into addressing the challenges. The paper also considers both conventional and recent trends in policing, including advanced technology like high-definition cameras, challan prepared by computers, and software programmes incorporating artificial intelligence. Secondly, the work shows that the indicators of road safety have improved substantiationly with 2016 as the starting year, and accidents, fatalities, and injuries decreased by 2020.. Such problems as increased working hours, ceaseless training in new technologies, and data protection issues are still there, however, the case of Telangana demonstrates that in a situation of the technological progress, it is still possible to create a coherent and effective system of security and public confidence for developing countries’ regions. In this paper, it is agreed that multiplying of modern technologies with traditional police work has enhanced traffic management and road safety in the state

Factors Affecting Job Satisfaction Among Medical Postgraduate Trainees In A Tertiary Hospital, Imphal, Manipur : A Mixed Method Study

Background: Doctors’ dissatisfaction with their jobs can have significant public health implications as it may adversely affect the clinical management of patients and it may affect their health as well. Objectives: To assess job satisfaction and explore the perceived barriers and facilitators of job satisfaction among postgraduate trainees in a tertiary hospital, Imphal. Materials and Methods: A mixed-method study was conducted among postgraduate trainees. For the quantitative component, all the postgraduate trainees (430) enrolled in a tertiary hospital were included. For the qualitative part, participants were approached for in-depth interviews using purposive sampling till the saturation point was reached. Data was summarised in mean, standard deviation, and percentage. Chi-Square test and ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni for comparison were applied. Thematic analysis was done for qualitative data. Results: Overall, 89.1% of the participants were not satisfied with their jobs. Out of 405 respondents, 96 persons disagreed, and 42 persons strongly disagreed on being satisfied with their working hours. Participants were most satisfied in domains of teamwork, leadership, empowerment and participation. Among postgraduate trainees of different departments, PMR was the most satisfied and Obstetrics and Gynaecology was the least satisfied. Conclusion: Most participants experienced burnout due to increased working hours and lack of work- life balance. They also expressed the need for rewards and recognition.

Impact of informal employment on individuals’ psychological well-being: microevidence from China

ObjectiveThe number of workers engaged in informal employment in China has reached 200 million individuals, constituting a substantial contribution to the pursuit of high-quality development and the attainment of stable employment objectives. Nevertheless, the psychological well-being of informal workers cannot be overlooked. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the impact of informal employment on individuals’ psychological well-being.MethodsDrawing on data from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) survey, this work employs ordinary least squares (OLS) models and instrumental variable analysis to empirically examine the impact of informal employment on the psychological well-being. Furthermore, different tests were utilised to analyse the mediating pathway through which informal employment affects the psychological well-being.ResultsInformal employment exhibits a significant negative impact on the psychological well-being, particularly among samples characterised by low educational levels, limited financial resources, and non-agricultural household registration. The exploration of the underlying mechanisms indicates that informal employment negatively affects the psychological well-being of workers through pathways that include reduced access to health entitlements, increased working hours, and decreased job satisfaction, particularly with the work environment.ConclusionA recommendation is proposed; namely, to further establish a social security system that caters to the needs of the informal employment population and supports and regulates the development of flexible employment forms, with the aim of protecting and enhancing the psychological well-being of the informal employment population.

Mental distress and nutrition of family physicians, a European based cross-sectional study.

Family physicians are a pillar of the primary healthcare system, and their own mental well-being is integral to their performance. However, many studies have suggested a high prevalence of mental distress. The contributing factors include the emotional demands of the profession, work overload, budgetary constraints, loss of autonomy, and erosion of professional values. Outbreaks such as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbate distress due to a greater risk of exposure to the virus, increased working hours, and fear of infecting families. Thus, it is crucial to assess risks and provide preventive measures. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the dietary patterns of family physicians and their mood. This study used a cross-sectional descriptive method and a validated Food-Mood Questionnaire (FMQ), shared via social networks across 10 European countries, to collect data from family physicians. Permission to use the FMQ was obtained. The breakfast-pattern subscale had the highest mean score (14.670 ± 4.305). The other subscale mean scores were as follows: health pattern (13.317 ± 5.388), mental distress pattern (11.184 ± 3.824), and western diet pattern (9.827 ± 3.604). According to Pearson correlation test there was a positive correlation between breakfast and Western diet patterns and between breakfast and health patterns. There was a negative correlation between health and mental distress pattern. Evidence suggests that mental distress may arise from different dietary deficiencies. Physicians' nutritional patterns have an impact on health indicators and are distributed in relation to sociodemographic factors, especially the regions they live in. Diet assessment is becoming a vital modifiable risk factor for mental health, but further research in this field is needed.

Socio-economic impacts of the recent bio-invasion of Callinectus sapidus on small-scale artisanal fishing in southern Italy and Portugal

IntroductionThe recent and growing bio-invasion of the Callinectes sapidus (known as blue crab) is causing damages in the European aquatic ecosystems, and affecting the livelihoods of the fishermen. In this context, this study explores the socio-economic impacts of this bio-invasion on small-scale artisanal fishermen in the Apulia (southern Italy) and Algarve (southern Portugal) regions, analyzing their perceptions and highlighting the repercussions of this bio-invasion on their livelihoods.MethodsFor this purpose, we carried out a field survey with representative small-scale artisanal fishermen based on the “Socio-economic Impact Classification of Alien Taxa” (SEICAT) approach by means of an “Exploratory Factor Analysis” (EFA), and a “Hierarchical Analysis and K-means Cluster Analysis”.Results and discussionThe findings reveal that the two study areas, Apulia and Algarve, exhibit markedly different perceptions of the impact of the blue crab invasion on the well-being and activity of fishermen. In Apulia, the invasion has led to extensive damage to fishing nets, physical harm, a decline in other commercial species, reduced catch quantities, increased working hours, higher costs, and lower incomes. Conversely, in the Algarve, while net damage is less severe, the primary concerns are physical harm, increased working hours, higher costs, and reduced income. Consequently, this research provides an empirical basis for the adoption of management measures and interventions to mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of the blue crab on the fishing community and local economy, thereby contributing to the well-being of both individuals and the marine ecosystem.

Do return-to-work trajectories differ by mental disorder diagnosis? A register study among 37 523 Dutch workers.

Return to work (RTW) of workers with mental disorders is often a process of gradually increasing work hours over time, resulting in a RTW trajectory. This study aimed to investigate 2-year RTW trajectories by mental disorder diagnosis, examining the distribution of age, sex and contracted work hours across the diagnosis-specific RTW trajectories. Sickness absence episodes diagnosed within the ICD-10 chapter V (mental and behavioral disorders) and ICD-10 Z73.0 (burnout) were retrieved from a Dutch occupational health service register, together with age, sex and contracted work hours. Sickness absence episodes due to adjustment disorders (N=25 075), anxiety disorders (N=1335), burnout (N=3644), mood disorders (N=5076), and post-traumatic stress disorders (N=2393) were most prevalent and included in latent class growth analysis (LCGA) to estimate 23-month RTW trajectories. Four main RTW trajectories were identified for all mental disorder diagnoses: fast full RTW [range 82.4% (mood disorders) to 92.0% (adjustment disorders) of the study population], slow full RTW [3.5% (burnout) to 6.1% (mood disorders)], slow partial RTW [0.6% (adjustment disorders) to 1.6% (mood disorders)] and no RTW [2.2% (adjustment disorders) to 9.7% (mood disorders)]. Trajectories with a late onset of fast full RTW included higher percentages of women and lower percentages of full-time workers. RTW trajectories were similar for different mental disorder diagnoses although the distribution differed across diagnoses, with more partial and no RTW trajectories among workers with mood disorders. To better guide workers back to work, more knowledge is needed of factors associated with late, partial, or no RTW.

Psychosocial stress and working conditions of nursing home staff in Covid-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study

Psychosocial stress and working conditions of nursing home staff in Covid-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study Abstract: Background: With the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 there were numerous changes in the daily professional lives of healthcare professionals. Aim: Since the focus has been mainly on hospital staff so far, it is also important to watch the care situation in old people's and nursing homes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the daily professional life, the psychosocial situation and the interpersonal relationships of nursing staff in old people's and nursing homes in Brandenburg. Methods: Cross-sectional survey of nursing staff from old people's and nursing homes in Brandenburg in the period from August to December 2020. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis. Results: On the one hand, the increased workload with more difficult working conditions due to Covid-19 hygiene measures or increased working hours led to physical and psychosocial stress. In private life, increased social isolation was evident and changes in interpersonal relationships were stressful. On the other hand, the participants reported recognition and increased professional political interest. Conclusions: The Covid 19 pandemic highlighted pre-existing pressures on caregivers. In the future, it is important to improve the known workloads for nursing staff in old people's and nursing homes and to work out measures to counteract an increase of stress in situations like the pandemic.

Seattle’s Paid Sick Leave Law Increased Work Hours without Affecting Job Attachment

Seattle’s Paid Sick Leave Law Increased Work Hours without Affecting Job Attachment

Perceived impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residency training in American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia programs in North America: a quantitative survey

ObjectiveTo characterize the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aspects of the anesthesia residency experience from the perspective of American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA) mentors and trainees. This includes the residency interview process, didactic training and availability and variety of clinical cases for resident learning. Study designCross-sectional, online, anonymous voluntary survey. Sample populationA total of 58 respondents, representing 30 residency program mentors and 28 residents. MethodsSurveys were distributed by email to 94 residency program mentors and 70 residents, representing programs and residents registered with the ACVAA during the years of 2019–2021. Anonymous links to an online survey were provided via a link embedded in the email. Questions included perceived impacts (–5 to +5 scale) on didactic and clinical training, case distribution, workload, residency application and selection process, and mental health. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics [median (IQR) or mean ± SD]. ResultsThe overall survey response rate was 31.9% (30/94) and 40.0% (28/70) for resident program mentors and residents, respectively. There was a negative perceived impact on overall residency training reported: –1.0 (IQR –2.0 to 0) for program mentors and –1.5 ± 1.5 for residents. The reported perceived impact of travel limitations on case log completion was –2.0 (IQR –4.0 to –1.0) for program mentors and –2.4 ± 2.0 for residents. Program mentors and residents had incongruent feelings on the impact of the pandemic on work hours, with residents reporting a perceived increase in work hours [+2.1 ± 2.1 versus 0 (IQR –1.0 to 0)]. ConclusionsResidency program mentors and residents generally agreed that the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted multiple aspects of residency interview and training process. A broader, objective analysis of veterinary anesthesia training programs is required to fully elucidate the scale of the impact on veterinary anesthesia training.

Impact of commuting time on self-reported work productivity: A quasi-longitudinal examination

Commuting is a fundamental aspect of daily life that profoundly influences work productivity. Despite extensive research in this area, findings are often inconclusive, primarily due to methodological limitations such as cross-sectional designs. Addressing these gaps, our study adopts a quasi-longitudinal approach to examine the causal effects of commuting time on self-reported work productivity during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Survey data from 550 white-collar employees in Greater Melbourne were collected, capturing commuting behavior and work productivity before and during the lockdown. Utilizing regression models and cross-lagged panel analyses, our study reveals a modest decline in self-reported job performance and working hours during the lockdown, with notable variations among respondents. Interestingly, individuals with longer pre-pandemic commutes reported improved job performance and increased working hours while working from home. However, a significant decrease in self-reported work productivity was observed among female employees with young children, underscoring the critical need for childcare support during remote work arrangements. By shedding light on the intricate interplay between commuting, remote work, and self-reported productivity, our study provides valuable insights for informing workplace policies and support mechanisms.

The hidden cost of corporate tax cuts: Evidence from worker health in China

Despite extensive research on the impact of corporate tax cuts on firm-level outcomes, their effects on worker health have yet to be examined. This study aims to address this research gap by utilizing individual-level panel data from the China Family Panel Studies between 2010 and 2018, and by exploiting exogenous shock in the corporate effective tax burden stemming from accelerated depreciation. Our results yield three key findings: first, that corporate tax cuts significantly reduce worker health; second, that this effect may be driven by increased working hours and poor health behaviors; third, that corporate tax cuts exacerbate health inequalities based on gender, education level, executive positions, and employed company. These findings shed light on the wider implications of tax incentives for corporate investment and contribute to stimulating interest in the welfare of workers in a global wave of tax cuts.

The time code of online consumption: Exploring the impact of work hours on online consumption in the retail industry

The growth of e-commerce has led to a rise in online consumption, while the online environment usually muddles consumers’ sense of time, which easily brings about rising on time during consumption. Building on the Beckerian model of consumption, we find that increasing work hours may constrain employees’ online consumption. Using 15,529 employee samples from China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), this paper examines the effect of work hours on consumers’ online consumption in the retail industry. The IV-Heckman method and the stimulus-organism-response (S–O-R) framework have been applied. Empirical findings show that increasing work hours significantly reduces employees’ online consumption. This study reveals the causal effect of work hours on online consumption both theoretically and empirically.

Food consumption and remote working conditions among Brazilian Primary Schools teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introduction: Teaching work, which is characterized by being exhausting, with a significant workload, with synchronous and/or asynchronous remote classes. Objective: To describe associations between the working conditions of school teachers at home and their food consumption during the suspension of face-to-face classes. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study using a self-administered online questionnaire with 15,372 working teachers from Minas Gerais, Brazil. The dependent variables analyzed were the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods. Independent variables included sociodemographic factors, remote work conditions, understanding of online technologies, computer access, and quality of Internet connection. The Poisson model with robust variance was used to determine the association between working conditions and food consumption. Results: In the analysis of the adjusted multivariate model, there was a significant association between eating habits and the following variables: gender, age, working hours (per week), feelings regarding teachers’ work during the pandemic, working hours during the pandemic and quality work internet connection. Our data shows that teachers’ remote working conditions are associated with worse food consumption. They also showed that working hours equal to or greater than 40 hours per week, feelings of dissatisfaction with working conditions during the pandemic, increased working hours during the pandemic and poor quality of internet connection were variables correlated with the consumption of unhealthy foods. Conclusions: Remote working conditions during the pandemic influenced primary school teachers’ food choices. More studies are needed to delve deeper into issues related to teachers’ working conditions and the implications for food choices.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young oncologists: The Greek perspective

Abstract Background The global impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on health professionals has been profound. In response to these circumstances, the coordination committee of the Hellenic Group of Young Oncologists (HeGYO) embarked on an investigation into the well-being of its members. Methods For the purposes of this study, we developed a 44-question questionnaire. The responses were electronically collected and exported into data frames, which were then subjected to statistical analyses. Results The study cohort comprised 77 oncologists, of whom 81.7% (n=67) were under the age of 40. Survey responses highlighted the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young oncologists in Greece, with 67.5% (n=52) feeling that their work lives have not returned to pre-pandemic levels, 74% (n=57) experiencing changes in duties, and 74.0% (n=57) reporting increased working hours. Additionally, 82% (n=63) of participants reassessed their work–life balance. Notably, 92.2% (n=71) expressed fears of COVID-19 contamination, unrelated to the perceived quality of protective measures (p=0.291). Time allocated to clinical and pre-clinical research was also decreased, as reported by 36.4% (n=28) and 41.6% (n=32) respectively. Surprisingly, the pandemic did not prompt the initiation of unhealthy habits, but 51.2% (n=40) reported a reduction in physical activity. Conclusions In summary, this study reveals that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the professional landscape for young oncologists in Greece, impacting work dynamics, research productivity, and overall well-being. These findings underscore the necessity for targeted interventions during emergencies in the healthcare in order to maintain a resilient workforce in oncology.

Effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the employment and income of older workers in Vietnam

AbstractUsing nationally representative data from the Labor Force Survey for 2021, this study investigates the factors associated with changes in the employment and income of Vietnamese workers aged ≥50 years due to COVID‐19. Employing multinomial logistic regression analysis, the first model investigates changes in employment (i.e., job loss, temporary absence, increased work hours, change in work mode, and no employment change). The second model illustrates changes in income (i.e., lower/higher income and no change). Independent variables include demographic characteristics and employment features (e.g., industry and information technology (IT) use). The findings emphasize that a stable job, such as one that contributes to social insurance or employment with state or private establishments, can reduce the risk of job loss and income reduction. Moreover, older workers with high levels of education and work skills, such as IT use, are associated with an increased probability of remote work, which reduces the risk of job loss during the pandemic. The results imply that formalizing employment and increasing the human capital of older workers are effective approaches for achieving employment and income security, especially in the case of unforeseen circumstances.

Perceived vulnerability, fear of covid-19, and psychological distress of military hospital healthcare workers

IntroductionThe healthcare workers of military hospitals are actively involved in the fight against covid-19, as part of the national healthcare systems. Therefore, these health professionals may experience symptoms of psychological distress.ObjectivesThe study of sociodemographic characteristics and pandemic-related psychosocial factors that affect the psychological distress of healthcare professionals in a military hospital.Methods 134 health professionals participated (- 34.3% doctors, 53% nurses and 12.7% other staff ). A cross-sectional study was conducted using the DASS-21, PVDS, and FCV-19S questionnaires. Demographic variables were also collected. The data was analyzed using student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney test, analysis of variance and Kruskal-Wallis test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and Spearman’s correlation coefficient, as well as multivariate linear regression.Results 21.64%, 17.91%, and 16.42% of the sample showed symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress respectively. A significant correlation emerged between all three dimensions with perceived infectibility and fear of covid-19. Contact with a possible covid-19 patient, female gender, marriage, underlying diseases, increased working hours were found as stressors. The mean values of perceived infectibility and germs aversion were 3.4 and 4.9, respectively. A significant correlation was found between the two subscales with fear of covid-19 (p=0.001 and <0.001 respectively). Participants who had undergone psychotherapy in the past had a higher score of perceived infectibility (p=0.024). Women and staff in the pathological sector showed greater aversion to germs (p=0.040 and 0.001 respectively). Educational level and working hours were negatively correlated with germs aversion (p=0.037 and 0.044 respectively). The mean of fear of covid-19 was 14.5, with 14.2% of the population being above the scale average. Fear of covid-19 showed a positive correlation with female gender, age, family, contact with a possible positive case. It was negatively correlated with the medical staff, the educational level, and the employees in a covid-19 clinic. According to the results of the multivariate linear regression analyses: (i) The increase in educational level was associated with a decrease in the fear for covid-19 score (p=0.026); (ii) The increase in perceived infectibility score was associated with an increase in the fear for covid-19 score (p<0.001); (iii) The increase in germs aversion score was associated with an increase in fear for covid-19 score (p=0.014).ConclusionsThe findings confirm the presence of psychological distress on the healthcare workers of the hospital and its dependence on perceived infectibility and fear of covid-19.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Commodification of Workers in Tempo Magazine

Tempo Magazine commodifies workers through increased working hours, low wages, multiple tasks, and marketing promotions that become exchange value for the public. This research aims to reveal the commodification of workers in Tempo Magazine and fill the unique gaps in previous research. The paradigm used is critical because the researcher wants to show that Tempo Magazine journalists are considered commodities measured based on economic factors. Journalists are willing to exchange their labor and even spend time on holidays to meet sources for low wages. The data collection technique is carried out through observation; namely, the researcher observes the research object by classifying and combining articles in Tempo Magazine. Researchers also interviewed the Editor-in-Chief of Tempo Magazine, Tempo Magazine journalists, and eight former Tempo Magazine journalists as critical informants to see different sides of Tempo. The research results show that Tempo Magazine journalists do not apply a specific working time pattern when covering an issue. It is not uncommon for them to use their holiday time to meet sources. They are trapped in false consciousness and do not understand their exploitation by assuming that when they succeed in getting a source, it is a matter of prestige and will always be remembered. They also work more than regular hours but do not receive overtime pay or other compensation. In addition, photo works produced by journalists do not receive copyright protection. Tempo sold it without permission, and this is a copyright issue and protection of intellectual property rights in the media industry. The use or sale of images without permission can harm the creator financially and violate rights that should be protected. Journalists, as a profession that focuses on providing information, often support the human rights of others. However, they also face challenges and risks related to their human rights in their duties. Thus, this study confirms that worker commodification is for workers who are re-produced or renewed through exploitation processes such as increasing working time or intensifying the work process.

Health professionals’ perspectives on challenges in providing obstetrics and gynecology care in Kazakhstan: A qualitative study

ABSTRACT Introduction The study investigates obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) care challenges in Kazakhstan, including a shortage of professionals, especially in remote areas, and increased work hours during COVID-19. This qualitative study aims to explore OB-GYN care challenges for primary care physicians and obstetricians to provide the insight necessary to develop a better healthcare system. Methods We conducted interviews with 10 primary care physicians and four obstetricians practicing maternity care at hospitals. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and data collection was conducted using in-depth interviews. Data were analyzed using MAXQDA software and conventional content analysis. Results The research delineated four primary themes. These themes encompassed concerns regarding staffing insufficiencies, specifically within the OB-GYN specialization, discontentment with remuneration, and the anxiety surrounding malpractice litigation, all of which influenced their commitment to patient care. Conclusions The findings underscore a widespread perception among healthcare professionals of staff shortages, especially in OB-GYN, leading to heavy workloads. Additionally, many professionals feel that their compensation is not commensurate with their substantial workloads, resulting in inequity. The impact of performance-based compensation and other contributing factors exacerbates these challenges within the healthcare system. Addressing these issues is crucial to enhancing the quality of OB-GYN care and the overall healthcare system in Kazakhstan.

On the Frontline During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Gender Inequality and Experiences of Healthcare Workers in Pakistan

This mixed methods study investigates the experiences of healthcare workers (HCWs) along gender lines during the COVID-19 pandemic in Lahore, the second most populous city in Pakistan. In-person semi-structured interviews ( n = 62) and researcher-administered surveys ( n = 631) were conducted with doctors and nurses in five private and public hospitals. The findings reveal that male and female HCWs shared experiences related to increased working hours, psychological burdens, and adverse financial impacts. However, female HCWs struggled more than male HCWs, as their responsibilities at home and in the workplace increased. Additionally, more female HCWs than their male peers reported experiencing occupational stress due to transportation issues, working during pregnancy, and discriminatory attitudes of the patients toward them. Building on the results from our study, we propose several technological and policy initiatives that can be adopted by governments and organizations, especially in countries like Pakistan, where women account for most of the healthcare workforce but continue to bear a heavier burden when balancing work and family.