Increase In Working Hours Research Articles

Strategies to Maximize Available Resources With Minimum Cost Escalation for Improving Radiation Therapy Accessibility in the Post–Coronavirus Disease 2019 Era: An Analysis for Asia

PurposeThere is widespread accord among economists that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic will have a severe negative effect on the global economy. Establishing new radiation therapy (RT) infrastructure may be significantly compromised in the post–COVID-19 era. Alternative strategies are needed to improve the existing RT accessibility without significant cost escalation. The outcomes of these approaches on RT availability have been examined for Asia. Methods and MaterialsThe details of RT infrastructures in 2020 for 51 countries in Asia were obtained from the Directory of Radiotherapy Centers of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Using the International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines, the percent of RT accessibility and the additional requirements of teletherapy (TRT) units were computed for these countries. To maximize the utilization of the existing RT facilities, 5 options were evaluated, namely, hypofractionation RT (HFRT) alone, with/without 25% or 50% additional working hours. The effect of these strategies on the percent of RT access and additional TRT unit requirements to achieve 100% RT access were estimated. ResultsIn 46 countries, 4617 TRT units are available. The mean percent of RT accessibility is 62.4% in 43 countries (TRT units = 4491) where the information on cancer incidence was also available, and these would need an additional 6474 TRT units for achieving 100% RT accessibility. By adopting HFRT alone, increasing the working hours by 25% alone, 25% with HFRT, 50% alone, and 50% with HFRT, the percent of RT access could improve to 74.9%, 78%, 90.5%, 93.7%, and 106.1%, respectively. Correspondingly, the need for additional TRT units would progressively decrease to 4646, 4284, 3073, 2820, and 1958 units. ConclusionsThe economic slowdown in the post–COVID-19 period could severely impend establishment of new RT facilities. Thus, maximal utilization of the available RT infrastructure with minimum additional costs could be possible by adopting HFRT with or without increased working hours to improve the RT coverage.

Legal Technology and the Future of Women in Law

Much has been written about how automation will change the legal profession as a whole, less so about how automation might affect women in legal practice. This paper briefly maps the likely changes that legal tech (legal technology) will bring to the provision of legal services, and explores how these changes might affect the barriers to advancement that women face in the profession. It determines that, while the use of legal tech may improve women’s work/life balance and overall job satisfaction by bringing about more flexible working hours, positive changes to the billing hours’ system, and fairer hiring and promotion mechanisms, an unfettered inclusion of legal tech might lead to increased working hours for less wages, increased competition for case files among associates, and the perpetuation of existing gender biases when using algorithms in the hiring and promotion process. Finally, the paper makes several recommendations on how law societies, bar associations and other relevant regulatory bodies could ensure that legal tech promotes rather than hinders Equality & Diversity in the legal profession. It proposes that: (1) detailed data on men and women lawyers should be collected to better inform equality and diversity policies; (2) law firms should be required to report on their progress in pursuing equality and diversity; (3) management techniques to promote work/life balance and more flexible pricing systems should be encouraged; (4) female entrepreneurship in legal tech should be promoted; and, (5) technological due process procedures should be required when using algorithms in law firm management to ensure fairness, accuracy and accountability.

A Shift from Cubicles to Couches

A cross-sectional, online survey was conducted in June 2020 to understand the perceptions of those who work from home (WFH). A questionnaire using Google Forms was sent across to employees of different age groups, job sectors and of various places. Queries included comfort, stress, change in work and family hours, online meetings, disrupting, most convenient and irritating factors of WFH, feeling of social isolation and missing of work-team activities. Of 72 respondents, 79% were men, 60% were above 40 years and two-thirds were in supervisory role. One in two are comfortable and relaxed with WFH. More than 60% reported increase in work hours. Family time has increased to all those who had working hours reduced. No-travel was the most convenient factor for one-third, while ‘increased work hours’ was the most irritating factor for 35%. Lack of proper infrastructure, privacy, family responsibilities and mindset were the main disruptions. Comfort-Stress factors did not vary significantly with age, gender, number of children and job level. Change in work hours, change in family time, infrastructure, privacy, balance between work-home responsibilities in addition to missing team activities, social isolation were the factors of significance for comfort and stress. Given proper infrastructure, more privacy and regulated working hours, WFH can be more comfortable and stress-free. A study with larger sample size would provide comparable data across factors. Conducting organizational level surveys across its employees in WFH could reveal more insights to help decide on cost cutting, output quality and revised compensation structures.

Change in Health in Relation to Change in Work and Family Variables: A Longitudinal Study

We used multilevel modeling from a longitudinal survey of 5,697 individuals and 23,756 observations across five waves of data collection, to examine the within-person change in the rate of health improvement over time. Consistent with Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, we found that the rate of health improvement slowed down when an individual increased work hours over time and presumably has fewer time resources to devote to health enhancement activities (e.g., less time at the gym). Our results also showed that the rate of health improvement increased when an individual experiences increased life satisfaction over time, which might suggest a psychological boost that would enhance mental and psychological resources. Finally, we found results consistent with the psychological empowerment framework, in that the rate of health improvement increased when an individual experienced greater work responsibility; we argue that increased work responsibilities can enhance an individual’s psychological resources by providing increased meaningfulness and competence, which further contributes to health improvement rate. Overall, our findings indicate that work conditions may help to improve employee health, such that managers who take action to improve employee work conditions may be able to reduce the substantial healthcare costs faced by organizations today.

What Impact Does Accreditation Have on Workplaces? A Qualitative Study to Explore the Perceptions of Healthcare Professionals About the Process of Accreditation.

AimThis study seeks to explore the emerging psychosocial risks of healthcare accreditation in workplaces and understand healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perceptions of work demands and the unexpected consequences such accreditation has created for them.MethodsTwenty-seven semi-structured interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted with a variety of HCPs, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals. The study was conducted in three public hospitals and a network of primary healthcare centers in the United Arab Emirates. Interviews and focus group discussions were transcribed and analyzed using a theoretical thematic analysis approach.ResultsThe results showed that a number of psychosocial risks were prevalent during the course of accreditation. HCPs faced increased work demands during such a process, including increased working hours, increased working pace, perceived time pressure, and conflicting information. Such demands were perceived to influence not only their health but also their families as well as patients’ care. In contrast, teamwork and coworker support were vital to mitigate the effect of such demands.ImplicationsThis study identified emerging risks during the process of accreditation. The findings show that the process of accreditation increases work-related risks before the inspection visit. These findings have significant implications for understanding how accreditation processes increase psychosocial risks; they also consolidate the idea that appropriate systems and support for HCPs should be a priority when planning for accreditation.

The impact of sleep deprivation and alcohol on driving: a comparative study

BackgroundThere is concern about the detrimental effects of shift-workers’ increasing working hours particularly when driving sleep deprived. The approach to measuring the magnitude of driving impairment caused by sleep deprivation was by comparing it to alcohol. The study compared driving performance after 24-h of wakefulness to performance with a BrAC of just over 22 μg/100mls of breath which is equal to 50 mg of alcohol per 100mls of blood (Scottish drink-drive limit). The effectiveness of coffee as a countermeasure for driver fatigue and the association between subjective impairment and actual performance was also investigated.MethodsA study of 30 participants (11 male and 19 female; mean age 21) was conducted. Subjects were tested under three conditions: fully rested, sleep deprived, and alcohol intoxicated – BrAC mean [SD] 25.95 μg [2.78]. Under each condition, subjects were tested before and after coffee ingestion. This involved driving simulation (Lane Change Task and Reaction Test) and subjective Likert scales (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and driver impairment scale). Outcome measures included lane tracking adaptive mean deviation, reaction time, and subjective sleepiness and impairment ratings.ResultsCompared to alcohol, sleep deprived mean reaction times were slower (2.86 s vs. 2.34 s) and lateral control of the vehicle was reduced (lane tracking adaptive mean deviation: 0.5 vs. 0.3). Coffee did not produce an improvement when sleep deprived, and instead, performance deteriorated. Females were less impaired following sleep deprivation than males. Following prolonged wakefulness, the correlation between subjective impairment and actual performance was significant.ConclusionsIt was concluded that sleep deprivation has a greater impact on driving performance than a BrAC of 22 μg/100mls of breath, as measured by driving simulation. Coffee is not an effective countermeasure for sleep deprived driving and drivers’ ability to judge this impairment is suggested to be limited.

COVID-19 Preparedness Within the Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthetic Ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa.

COVID-19 Preparedness Within the Surgical, Obstetric, and Anesthetic Ecosystem in Sub-Saharan Africa.

The hidden cost of trade liberalization: Input tariff shocks and worker health in China

This study examines the health effect of input tariff reductions on Chinese manufacturing workers and its heterogeneity across skill levels. We first provide a simple model to demonstrate the mechanisms. We then put the predictions of the model into a test using the China Health and Nutrition Survey data. Exploiting prefecture variations in input tariff shocks, we find that input tariff reductions following China's WTO accession adversely affect worker health through increased working hours. Moreover, input tariff reductions widen both the income and the health gaps between skilled and unskilled workers. Further welfare analysis indicates that ignoring health outcomes would substantially underestimate the welfare disparity between skilled and unskilled workers.

Burnout in Swiss and Australian surgeons in training—a cross-sectional study

Burnout in physicians affects personal life, health, commitment to work, and finally patient care. Surgeons in training have been shown to be prone to burnout. The aim of the present study is to characterize the prevalence of burnout among Swiss and Australian surgery residents, as well as to identify individual and system-related predispositions for burnout. All Swiss and Australian surgery residents were contacted to complete an online questionnaire between April and December 2017. Personal and system-related issues were assessed, and the abbreviated version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory, the Brief Resilience Scale, and a shortened version of the Interpersonal Support Evaluation List were included. In Switzerland 237 of 700 (34%) and in Australia 175 of 428 (41%) general surgery residents completed the online questionnaire. Australian residents were older, more experienced, and rather had family. While documented training programs are fewer, regulated weekly work hours are more common in Switzerland. Factors mostly associated with risk of burnout were “barely” or no free time activities and increased working hours per week. Factors inversely correlated with burnout were having children, salary satisfaction, and regulated weekly working hours. Factors not associated with burnout were country, age, gender, work experience, relationship, religion, hospital type, and a documented training program. Reduced free time activities and augmented working hours increase the risk of burnout, whereas having children, salary satisfaction, and regulated weekly working hours decrease the risk of burnout.

Factors Influencing Cervical Spondylosis

Background: Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disorder of cervical spine prevalent in our population. The disease advances insidiously resulting in worsening with time. This study aims to highlight the factors influencing cervical spondylosis. Methods: The present case control study was conducted at orthopedic OPD (Out Patient Department) and Radiology department of the Patel hospital from September 2018 to February 2019 after acquiring ethical approval from Ethical Review Committee (ERC) of Bahria University Medical and Dental College and Patel Hospital. The study enrolled 88 cases suffering from cervical spondylosis based on history and clinical examination and 88 controls i.e., healthy attendants. The radiography of cervical spine was used to assess degenerative changes of cervical spine. They were asked basic history entailing age, gender, working hours, nature of job, use of computers, mobiles. The independent t-test was used for comparison between these variables, and Fischer exact test and Chi square test was employed to find association between them. Results: The study revealed a significant preponderance of females (56.8%) with shorter stature (159.14±8.88) in patients. There was a predilection for cases in outdoor workers (44.3%) and homemakers (43.2%) as well as increased working hours (73.9%). The mobile use had a significant impact (59.1%) on disease. Conclusion: Considering factors like Middle Ages, females, short stature, obesity, outdoor workers and house workers with increased working hours and use of mobiles for more than 4 hours can influence development of cervical spondylosis. One can intervene in the progression of disease by adopting healthy lifestyle to prevent it.

The Relationship Between Fear-avoidance Beliefs in Employees with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain and Work Productivity: A Longitudinal Study.

This study aimed to identify risk factors for chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) and sought to examine the effect of fear-avoidance beliefs (FABs) on work productivity in workers with CMSP. We performed a longitudinal study using self-administered questionnaires given to employees in three different industries between April 2016 and March 2017. The questionnaire concerned background characteristics, work-related factors and musculoskeletal pain, the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun), and the Japanese version of the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK-J). We performed logistic regression analysis to evaluate factors affecting CMSP and a multi-way analysis of variance to analyze the relationship between FABs and CMSP and the effect of FABs on the ability to function at work. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.00-1.03), mean working hours (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04-1.33), and changes in working hours (OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.02-1.37) were significantly associated with CMSP. Regarding FABs, we found that the stronger the FAB, the greater the WFun score, and that an increase in FABs resulted in a significant increase in WFun scores. This study demonstrated that long or increased working hours may be risk factors for CMSP, and that stronger FABs in those with CMSP are associated with decreased ability to function at work. In addition, measures to reduce FABs in workers with CMSP may be effective.

Economic evaluation of short treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, Ethiopia and South Africa: the STREAM trial

ObjectiveTo investigate cost changes for health systems and participants, resulting from switching to short treatment regimens for multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis.MethodsWe compared the costs to health systems and participants of long (20 to 22 months) and short (9 to 11 months) MDR tuberculosis regimens in Ethiopia and South Africa. Cost data were collected from participants in the STREAM phase-III randomized controlled trial and we estimated health-system costs using bottom-up and top-down approaches. A cost–effectiveness analysis was performed by calculating the incremental cost per unfavourable outcome avoided.FindingsHealth-care costs per participant in South Africa were 8340.7 United States dollars (US$) with the long and US$ 6618.0 with the short regimen; in Ethiopia, they were US$ 6096.6 and US$ 4552.3, respectively. The largest component of the saving was medication costs in South Africa (67%; US$ 1157.0 of total US$ 1722.8) and social support costs in Ethiopia (35%, US$ 545.2 of total US$ 1544.3). In Ethiopia, trial participants on the short regimen reported lower expenditure for supplementary food (mean reduction per participant: US$ 225.5) and increased working hours (i.e. 667 additional hours over 132 weeks). The probability that the short regimen was cost–effective was greater than 95% when the value placed on avoiding an unfavourable outcome was less than US$ 19 000 in Ethiopia and less than US$ 14 500 in South Africa.ConclusionThe short MDR tuberculosis treatment regimen was associated with a substantial reduction in health-system costs and a lower financial burden for participants.

Factors Correlating to Burnout among Otolaryngology Residents.

Physicians have high rates of burnout with an Otolaryngology burnout rate of 42%. The most studied burnout correlation is increased work hours. More recently, mindfulness training programs have been shown to decrease burnout and increase self-compassion. Regarding burnout studies specific to Otolaryngology residents, there have been few in the past decade. This study explores correlations between burnout and procedure involvement, non-clinical responsibilities and mindfulness practices along with gathering updated work hours data. A single survey question was shown to be a reliable substitute for Maslach Burnout Inventory in assessing burnout. A survey was sent to all US Otolaryngology residents to investigate the correlation of burnout to post-graduate year, work hours, procedure involvement, non-clinical responsibilities, and mindfulness practices. Residents were asked to answer questions regarding their previous year of training. Overall burnout was 50%. PGY-1 and PGY-5 were completed with a low burnout rate compared to other years. Increased work hours were confirmed to increase burnout. Increased involvement in procedures, decreased exercise, and increased time completing paperwork correlated with increased burnout. No other factors including mindfulness correlated with increased or decreased burnout. However, only 20% who practiced mindfulness training had this training offered by their department or university. Annals of Otology, Rhinology & Laryngology A 50% burnout rate is a concerning rate. Increased work hours and PGY-2 through PGY-4 correlated with increased burnout. Accessibility to mindfulness training was low. As mindfulness training is a proven activity to decrease burnout, more departments could benefit from providing these experiences to their residents.

Does greater income inequality cause increased work hours? New evidence from high income economies

AbstractWe explore the extent to which individual's allocation of time between labour and leisure is affected by the consumption standards of the rich. Utilizing a panel data methodology and panel Granger causality tests we investigate the relationship between income inequality and work hours for a cluster of 24 high‐income OECD countries over the period 1990–2015. Four alternative measures of income inequality are considered. We find that greater income inequality is associated with longer work hours indicating stronger concern for conspicuous consumption rather than conspicuous leisure. Even though the resulting estimates lend support to the theoretical framework on consumption emulation, the generated evidence also appears to be in line with a Duesenberry's and Frank's expenditure cascading approach. The ambiguity however arising from the Granger Causality tests appears to lead – to a certain extent – to different conclusions about the direction of causality or whether a causal relationship does even exist. It is therefore imperative that caution should be exercised when interpreting the direction of the causal dimension.

The role of financial strain in college students’ work hours, sleep, and mental health

Objective To examine poor sleep quality as a potential mediator between college students’ employment hours and depressive symptoms, and to examine if this mediation model might differ across students reporting different levels of financial strain. Participants: The sample was collected through a multi-site study during the Spring of 2019 and included 792 undergraduates (M = 20.1, SD = 1.9) in Upstate New York. Methods: Moderated mediation analyses based on cross-sectional self-report, online questionnaires. Results: Increased work hours predicted greater sleep disturbance, which, in turn, predicted more depressive symptoms. Compared to students in more comfortable financial situations, this mediation model only emerged for students reporting more financial strain and lower family socio-economic status. Conclusions: Student employment hours are a significant predictor of students’ mental well-being when considering their potential impact on their sleep. Furthermore, students reporting higher levels of financial stress are most at risk of being impacted by this process.

Work-life conflict costs: a Canadian perspective

With current trends showing increased work hours, dual-earner households, and less time spent with family, it is evident that there is a work-life conflict. It is important for human resource managers in Canada to adapt to this changing trend by implementing new policies and programs. Our goal was to discover if there was a correlation between the work-life conflict and absenteeism. Our research study demonstrated that there is no significant correlation between hours worked and time spent with family, but there is a positive significant relationship between time spent working and absenteeism. Our study also indicates a positive correlation between time spent with family and absenteeism. Canadian companies can ease the implications of work-life conflict by adopting some work-life best practices. These practices include reduced work hours and flexible schedules that are already prevalent in European countries.

COVID-19 pandemic: Psychological impact on anaesthesiologists.

Background and Aim:The anaesthesiologists are at the highest risk of contracting infection of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in emergency room, operation theatres and intensive care units. This overwhelming situation can make them prone for psychological stress leading to anxiety and insomnia.MATERIALS AND METHODSWe did an online self-administered questionnaire-based observational cross-sectional study amongst anaesthesiologists across India. The objectives were to find out the main causes for anxiety and insomnia in COVID-19 pandemic. Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) were used for assessing anxiety and insomnia.Results:Of 512 participants, 74.2% suffered from anxiety and 60.5% suffered from insomnia. The age <35 years, female sex, being married, resident doctors, fear of infection to self or family, fear of salary deductions, increase in working hours, loneliness due to isolation, food and accommodation issues and posting in COVID-19 duty were risk factors for anxiety. ISI scores ≥8 was observed in <35 years, unmarried, those with stress because of COVID-19, fear of loneliness, issues of food and accommodation, increased working hours and with GAD-7 score ≥5. Adjusted odd's ratio of insomnia in participants having GAD-7 score ≥5 was 10.499 (95% confidence interval 6.097–18.080; P < 0.001).Conclusion:The majority of anaesthesiologists on COVID-19 duty suffer from anxiety and insomnia. Addressing risk factors identified during this study with targeted interventions and psychosocial support will help them to cope better with the stress.

Work-life conflict costs: a Canadian perspective

With current trends showing increased work hours, dual-earner households, and less time spent with family, it is evident that there is a work-life conflict. It is important for human resource managers in Canada to adapt to this changing trend by implementing new policies and programs. Our goal was to discover if there was a correlation between the work-life conflict and absenteeism. Our research study demonstrated that there is no significant correlation between hours worked and time spent with family, but there is a positive significant relationship between time spent working and absenteeism. Our study also indicates a positive correlation between time spent with family and absenteeism. Canadian companies can ease the implications of work-life conflict by adopting some work-life best practices. These practices include reduced work hours and flexible schedules that are already prevalent in European countries.

Production Capacity Optimization with Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCCP)

One of the factors supporting the company’s success in achieving its goals is the ability to meet demand and provide satisfaction to customers. A musical instrument industry makes products with a make to order system, so that it requires the accuracy and smoothness of the production process to meet the demand in accordance with the specified time. Based on data on average total daily production of Spray and Sanding Balikan Factory 2, it known that there is still often an imbalance between the actual productions of the planned production at regular work time. This study aims to analyse and evaluate the capacity of production resources and facilities. The Rough Cut Capacity Planning (RCPP) method is a method that can show a comparison between the actual capacity available and the capacity needed. Based on the research results, workload rearrangement must be carried out to distribute labor and increase work hours 90 minutes and 120 minutes so that demand can be fulfilled.

Navigating the police promotion system: a comparison by gender of moving up the ranks

ABSTRACT Promotion systems form a fundamental pillar in the development of organisational leadership capability. Surprisingly, little empirical research focus has been directed towards the specific decision-making processes of officers that influence their participation and engagement in the police promotion system. Importantly, gender differences must be examined as female police now represent the biggest demographic change in the pool of potential police leaders. Based on a study of police officers employed in one Australian state police jurisdiction, the research concludes that similar factors are generally associated with engagement with the police promotion system regardless of gender. Notably, gender differences only exist for factors related to support of higher-ranking officers in the promotion application process, support of colleagues once promoted, confidence in readiness for promotion, increased work hours and child/elder care difficulties and change in remuneration. The research highlights that gender equity policies designed to encourage female participation/engagement may result in unintended, negative consequences. Almost 80% of male officers in this study strongly indicating that females are promoted based on gender rather than skills and experience. The research has significant implications for police agencies who seek to support female officers moving into leadership positions.