Poor Working Conditions Research Articles

Comparative analysis and model development of working conditions and sociopsychological factors influencing job satisfaction among office workers

This study aimed to examine the impact of working conditions and sociopsychological factors on job satisfaction among office workers. Using data from the 2017–2018 Working Conditions Survey, exploring how workplace conditions and sociopsychological elements could impact job satisfaction. This study examined data from 9801 workers to explore the effects of working conditions and psychosocial environments on job enthusiasm, which subsequently impacts job satisfaction. Analyzing 1416 office workers, it found that fewer working hours, better work-life balance, improved work conditions, and lower depression levels enhance job enthusiasm, significantly affecting job satisfaction. The work environment had the most substantial impact, encompassing relationships with colleagues, task completion time, and confidence. Work-life imbalance and depression were also significant, with work-life balance being crucial for modern society, especially the younger generation. Poor working conditions and unstable psychosocial environments negatively affect job enthusiasm and satisfaction, with findings supporting previous research on job stress and turnover intentions in various industries. This study highlights the need for organizational policies that support these aspects to improve overall employee well-being and productivity.

Clinical coordination in cancer diagnosis: healthcare stakeholders’ viewpoints in Latin America

Abstract Background Delays in diagnosis contribute to increasing cancer mortality rates in Latin American countries due to, among others, highly fragmented healthcare systems. The objective of this study, part of a larger research project (EquityCancer-LA), was to analyze cross-level coordination during cancer diagnosis and factors influencing it from healthcare stakeholders’ perspectives in Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. Methods This descriptive-interpretative qualitative study was based on 114 semi-structured individual interviews in 2022-23 using a criterion sample of health professionals from primary care (PC) (n = 40) and secondary care (SC) (n = 44) as well as managers and policy makers (n = 30) from two public healthcare networks in each country. Sample reached saturation. A thematic analysis was conducted first by country and then comparatively, guided by the theoretical framework of clinical coordination. Results In all countries, informants highlighted limited cross-level exchange of information and limited coordination of clinical management, delays in referral, and long waiting times after referral, leading to diagnostic delays. Factors hindering coordination differed across countries: structural (insufficient personnel, access to diagnostic tests in PC); organizational (limited/inadequate coordination mechanisms, e.g. shared clinical records; poor working conditions); and health professional characteristics (limited knowledge and skills among PC doctors). Direct feedback was emphasized to facilitate coordination of cancer diagnosis: virtual joint clinical conferences in Chile, co-location of PC and SC in Colombia, and informal networks (based on personal contacts) in Ecuador. Conclusions The findings underscore the critical coordination problems contributing to delays in cancer diagnosis. Addressing these challenges requires strategic interventions aimed at strengthening primary care and fostering cross-level coordination. Key messages • Cancer diagnosis in Latin America suffers from coordination deficits due to structural, organizational, and professional factors. • Strengthening primary care and cross-level coordination is needed.

Where should health system investments be made to protect the mental health of healthcare workers?

Abstract Background This study explores trends and work-related determinants of mental health and wellbeing among health and care workers in Europe since the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim is to determine where investments can best be made to protect and support mental health and wellbeing among health and care workers to improve retention and recruitment. Methods Data are analysed from the National Health Service staff survey in England and the Health Service Executive ‘Your Opinion Counts’ survey in Ireland to explore trends in mental health and wellbeing and burnout. Evidence is then taken from a series of European Observatory policy briefs, based on expert-led literature reviews, to explore determinants of poor mental health and wellbeing and to identify potential areas for investment. Results Rates of burnout and poor mental health and wellbeing have increased in England and Ireland since the start of the pandemic among all professional groups. Workplace-based factors are important determinants of poor mental health and wellbeing, and can be grouped into: macro-level structural factors such as staff shortages, poor working conditions and low pay; meso-level organisational factors including poor leadership, and insufficient education, training and support; micro-level individual factors such as insufficient self-care or not seeking support. However, determinants at the micro-level, especially seeking support from others, are largely shaped by structural or organisational factors. Conclusions Increased financing to address structural and organisational determinants of mental health and wellbeing contributes to improved patient care, better staff experience, lower rates of absenteeism, and enhanced recruitment and retention. It is therefore one of the best health system investments that can be made.

How policies created without early childhood educator input create toxic working environments that objectify educators

Through the lens of objectification and toxic workplace theory, this article critically examines Ontario, Canada's policies and regulations on early childhood education and care (ECEC). In the context of Canada's transition to universal child care and the persistent workforce crisis in the ECEC sector, this article highlights how registered early childhood educators (RECE) workplace challenges, including poor working conditions, low wages, and a lack of professional recognition, are theorized within objectification and toxic workplace theory. Specifically, the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA) and the Ontario Early Year Framework, which establish the standards and regulations for licensed childcare providers, are analyzed to determine how they objectify RECEs and create toxic workplaces. Grounded in advocacy to improve working conditions in ECEC, this article provides a unique framework for understanding and interrupting how RECEs are not considered in creating government regulations, how individual centers and organizations can interpret the current rules to continue to devalue the contributions of RECEs to the sector, and how and why this continuation of devaluation is affecting the well-being and working conditions of RECEs.

‘Anyone Can Put On Clothes, Right?’: Costume Design and Styling as Women’s Work in Dutch Media Production

Over the last thirty years, the frustrations of women working in costume design and styling in the Dutch film and television industry with their poor working conditions and lack of recognition have grown strong enough to now culminate in a form of collective resistance. At the cusp of what might be a turning point, this article locates the key developments that have led to this moment at the intersection of the peculiarities of this national media industry, the way costume design and fashion are culturally rendered shallow and feminine, and the repercussions of gender for this trade. It suggests that the grassroots collectivisation of costuming staff in the Dutch media industry challenges the postfeminist tendency to individualise workers’ problems.

NURSING SCIENCE TREND, CURRENT AND CHALLENGES IN ETHIOPIA: A NARRATIVE REVIEW EVIDENCE FROM RECENT LITERATURE AND POLICIES

Abstract Nursing is a profession dedicated to promoting and maintaining the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities. In Ethiopia, the nursing profession has undergone significant changes in recent years, with the number of nurses increasing and the profession becoming more professionalized. However, there are still significant challenges facing the nursing profession in Ethiopia, such as the shortage of nurses, poor working conditions, and lack of education and training. The review begins by providing an overview of the nursing profession, including its history, scope of practice, and education and training requirements. The review then discusses the trends in nursing in Ethiopia, such as the increasing number of nurses with bachelor's degrees and the growing specialization of nurses. Finally, the review discusses the challenges facing the nursing profession in Ethiopia and provides recommendations for addressing these challenges. The review concludes by highlighting the importance of the nursing profession in Ethiopia and the need to address the challenges facing the profession in order to ensure that Ethiopia has a sufficient number of well-trained nurses to meet the needs of its population.

Working conditions in surgery and their impact : Results of anational survey

In surgical disciplines poor working conditions and ahigh level of dissatisfaction among surgeons in the various disciplines have been reported. The psychological consequences of these conditions on the surgeons themselves and the effects on their families have so far been inadequately considered. The objective of this national survey of the Professional Association of German Surgery (Berufsverband der Deutschen Chirurgie e. V.) was to determine the current status of working conditions in surgical departments of German hospitals and to demonstrate their psychological and familial effects. In the period January-February 2024 aquestionnaire with 26questions focusing on psychological stress, work-related partnership and family problems as well as addictive behavior was sent to all members of the Berufsverband der Deutschen Chirurgie e. V. and to all German surgical societies. Atotal of 2221 questionnaires could be analyzed. Among the survey participants, bureaucracy (84.4%) and inadequate compensation for overtime (68.1%) were seen as the main stress factors. Alcohol (20.3%), nicotine (8.9%) and medication (8.3%) were cited as ways of managing the workload. Of the surgeons 60% reported anegative impact on their relationship with their partner and 40% on their relationship with their children. The surgeons reported poor working conditions. These have amassive impact on the mental health of surgeons and on their family relationships. Consequently, many surgeons consider leaving the surgical profession. To improve this situation and to make the surgical profession attractive again, adrastic rethinking is needed.

The Impact of Retention Strategies on the Performance of Teachers in Private Secondary Schools: A Case of Dodoma City, Tanzania

The presence of persistent needs for motivated teaching staff to uphold the standards of education at secondary schools poses a significant challenge concerning the retention of competent teachers in private secondary schools. Teacher turnover poses significant tests for educational establishments, affecting both the stability of the schools and the quality of education provided. Like other educational institutions, the prevailing competition to recruit and retain highly qualified teachers, private secondary schools face the problem of maintaining competent teachers within a context characterized by higher rates of staff turnover. This article is to provide a comprehensive theoretical evaluation of strategies to sustain teachers' retention in private secondary schools by assessing the potential advantages associated with the implementation of effective retention measures. Moreover, the study probed into the existing literature to explore many retention features including, professional growth opportunities, organizational culture, leadership, and compensation to provide insights into the formulation of effective retention strategies to be applied by schools. By gaining a comprehensive understanding of the strategies, challenges, and potential outcomes, school management and educational policymakers can advance the efficacy, prosperity, and stability of learning environments for teaching staff and students. A cross-sectional survey design and the research approach combined both qualitative and quantitative paradigms. Simple random sampling (SRS) and purposive technic were used to draw a sample of eighty (80) respondents. SRS was adopted to interrogate teachers and purposive for key informants. Data analysis was employed by use of multiple responses, multiple linear regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Salary, adequate learning facilities, a welcoming environment, and leadership style were identified as retention methods by the study's findings. The survey, however, identified the following barriers to implementing teachers' retention strategies including heavy workloads, lack of chances to advance, low pay and benefits, poor working conditions, and higher workplace stresses. Despite the outlined retention strategies, implementation matters including the lack of professional development opportunities, attractive incentive packages, and work-related benefits, unfavourable working conditions, and stress brought on by heavy workloads should be adequately addressed by school management and other decision-makers if they need to retain their valuable talented teachers.

An Analysis on Caste Practices and the Vulnerabilities Faced by Burial Ground Workers in Sivagangai District, Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu is a state combined with multi-religious, multi-ethnic and inequality. Formally, Caste is being an indispensable part of cremation process. Whether it is traditional or new techniques it all based on the caste practices followed by each community. The aim of the study is to analysis the caste practices and the vulnerabilities faced by cremation ground workers. It deals with the burying process and preparation of crematorium. The purpose of this analysis is to examine the status and caste differences faced by the crematorium workers in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. The objectives of the Study have discussed to study the discrimination faced by burial ground workers. To analysis the impact of discrimination and the status of crematory workers. To Enact an inclusive policy to build up the marginalized cremation workforce in Sivagangai District of Tamil Nadu. Result of the study implementing the policy measures to create a more inclusive, social and economic equality for the burial ground workers, addressing longstanding gender and caste disparities. These policies aim to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for burial ground workers by addressing gender and caste disparities. Formalizing employment, enacting anti-discrimination laws, and ensuring job security will offer stability and recognition for those in this essential industry, fostering social justice and equality. Findings of the study on Caste intersects with class, gender, and religion, creating complex layers of discrimination that particularly affect burial ground workers, who often face social stigma and marginalization. Predominantly from lower caste, these workers endure systemic discrimination, low wages, job insecurity, and significant occupational hazards, such as exposure to pathogens and harsh working conditions, all while playing a crucial role in public health and the execution of cultural and religious rituals. Living in segregated communities, their families experience social ostracism and limited access to essential services, yet they demonstrate resilience through community solidarity, with local organizations advocating for their rights and improved conditions. Conclusion of the study have the caste system's deep-rooted influence continues to affect Indian society, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts toward social justice. Burial ground workers play a critical, yet often overlooked, role, facing social stigma and poor working conditions. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that includes legal, social, and economic interventions. Recognizing their contributions and vulnerabilities has been essential for fostering greater inclusivity and equality in the society. This study emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and supporting these workers to promote social progress.

Nurses' health promotion practices in rural primary health care in Nigeria. A qualitative study.

Nurses play a vital role in providing high-quality primary healthcare and health promotion services. The state of research highlights their often complex operational realities and shows the need for an evidence-based understanding of nurses' perspectives on health promotion practices, especially in low-resource settings. This study focuses on how community health nurses in rural primary healthcare centers in Nigeria perceive their health promotion role and the opportunities and challenges of, and potential entry points for strengthening, their practice. A sample of 10 nurses from eight rural primary healthcare centers in eight local government areas of Anambra state, Nigeria, was purposively selected. Data were collected via semistructured telephone and written interviews and analyzed by qualitative content analysis using a deductive-inductive approach. Nurses emphasized their commitment to supporting patients and communities to develop skills and take control of their own lives. Nurses described their role as facilitators of behavioral and environmental change, individual and community empowerment facilitators as well as social activists. Factors that enhance the health promotion practice of nurses include adequate skills, sufficient human and material resources and community support and participation. Inhibiting factors included insufficient funding, poor working conditions, staff shortages, high workload, lack of training opportunities and low participation of community members. Overcoming challenges and facilitating health promotion activities in rural communities require bolstering nurses by providing further training opportunities for enhancing their health promotion competencies and creating supportive environments. Future research should focus on how to strengthen nurses' health promotion efforts through interprofessional and intersectoral collaboration.

Importance of Prefabrication to Easing Construction Workers' Experience of Mental Health Stressors.

Construction is widely acknowledged for its socioeconomic contributions, although it is also always considered as a dangerous and incident-prone industry. As a new method of working, prefabrication presents better work environments and other benefits that can potentially improve the safety and mental health of construction workers. This study compares the extent of stressors in traditional and prefabricated construction. Eighty-four construction site and factory-based workers in Australia were surveyed. Prefabricated construction respondents reported less experience of industry-related, management/organisational, and personal stressors. Specifically, the stressors found to be weakened by prefabrication were mental fatigue, work injuries, poor working conditions, unfavourable shift rosters, work overload, and poor work-life balance. Furthermore, the degree of the experience of potential mental health improvement factors such as labour effort efficiency, reduced on-site trade overlap, increased mechanised construction, and less dependence on weather conditions, among others, was significantly higher in prefabrication than in traditional construction. The influence of prefabrication on measures of poor and positive mental health is recommended for further studies, particularly by finding its links with the different groups of construction workers.

Ergonomic challenges of mortuary attendants in Ghana: an exploratory study

Objective. Mortuary attendants in Ghana face various occupational health and safety hazards, including ergonomic and psychosocial factors, which can impact both their well-being and the quality of service provided. However, there is limited knowledge about the specific ergonomic hazards they encounter. This study aims to investigate and understand these ergonomic hazards at selected hospital mortuaries in Ghana. Methods. The study used a qualitative approach to investigate the experiences of 19 mortuary attendants, selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded digitally, and focused on participants’ demographics, work experiences, challenges and coping strategies. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results. The study found that mortuary attendants face ergonomic hazards, leading to physical discomfort, sleep problems and the need for sick leave and self-medication. Poor working conditions were a major risk factor. Conclusion. The study recommends the immediate inclusion of fundamental occupational health and safety practices into the informal apprenticeship training for mortuary attendants. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of providing necessary equipment to mortuary attendants to reduce or eliminate ergonomic hazards in their work environments.

A compass for sustainability? Semiconductors, rare earths and CSR: the case of onsemi

AbstractSemiconductors are a rampant ICT sector utilized in everyday life for electronic devices. This industry provides plentiful income to multinational corporations (MNCs) but has been put in the spotlight for its tremendous social, ecological, and political impact. The figures become dramatic in sub-Saharan Africa and developing countries, which have abundant resources but poor working conditions and abrupt environmental degradation. In this interplay, rare earths have become leading assets for companies and governments and are highly debated for their controversial nature; thereby, corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental practices turn pivotal. This work aims to connect the bountiful industrial sector of semiconductors with rare earths governance and CSR. To this end, this inquiry critically scrutinizes these three assets, analyzing the case study of onsemi as a business case and launching selected strategic and policy perspectives. This paper reviews these three concepts and conducts a content analysis on onsemi CSR Report and Annual Sustainability Report. The literature review emphasizes the increasing importance of these three topics within the mineral economics and sustainability research. The company analyzed produced cogent reports but supplementary information is needed to better understand its results within the semiconductors and extractive industry. This may help determining key achievements and areas for improvements in the private sector for REE sustainability, CSR and environment, social and governance (ESG) results and disclosure. The availability and governance of rare earths will determine decisive sustainability directions of utmost priority for geopolitical equilibria. The undertaken corporate and institutional strategies will lean toward dramatically diverse scenarios.

A Mobile based Decision Support System for Postural Evaluation of Agricultural Activities with Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA)

Agriculture is an unorganized sector and it is a very high drudgery prone profession due to the absence of awareness and entry of advanced agricultural technologies. Many farming activities and operations are carried out by farm workers in the agriculture sector, where they are subject to very poor working conditions which can lead to physical and mental stress. Workers in agriculture experience musculoskeletal disorders in various body parts throughout various agricultural operations. These problems are caused by heavy work loads, repetitive movements, uncomfortable postures, prolonged periods of time spent in neutral or unsupported positions and the use of conventional equipment and implements that are not ergonomically built. The ergonomic risk factors present in the workplace can be examined using various evaluation instruments to ascertain the workers abilities and drawbacks. The work-related risks are measured using the scientifically validated posture assessment instruments. Rapid entire body assessment (REBA) is a technique that assess a person’s complete body including wrists, fore arms, elbows, shoulders, neck, trunk, back, legs and knees. It uses a systematic process to find the postural musculoskeletal disorders and risks associated with the job tasks. A mobile application is developed to assess the agricultural activities on the basis of physiological analysis and postural analysis using REBA ergonomics technique. The application evaluates the drudgery involved in the agricultural work by using physical assessment followed by postural ergonomics methods and provide recommendation of correct posture to avoid developing musculoskeletal disorders.

La vulnerabilidad de los derechos laborales de los trabajadores mineros en el Parque Industrial El Pache, provincia de El Oro

This article examines the violations of the rights of informal workers in the gold mining park in the El Pache area of ​​the Portovelo canton, province of El Oro. Portovelo, being considered the first mining center in Ecuador, its economy is based on commercialization of gold to a greater degree compared to the rest of economic activities. This study identifies factors that contribute to poor working conditions, as well as establishing measures to reduce risks and promote better working conditions. Through a mixed methodology such as interviews, document reviews and statistical analysis, urgent topics that require the attention of government authorities come to light. A broad understanding of violations of workers' rights requires consideration of aspects such as labor regulations, employment contracts, working hours, appropriate remuneration and benefits, health and safety at work, termination of contracts and union dynamics. Analyzes describe that these violations are often related to poor implementation and compliance by employers, poor contractual agreements, non-payment of overtime, lack of social benefits and weak or non-existent collective bargaining contribute to the violations of labor rights, which establishes the urgent need to improve supervision by the entities in charge of effective regulatory compliance.

Exploring apprentice selection by skilled trade artisans in the Ghanaian construction industry

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the factors influencing trade artisans’ choice of skills selection as apprentice’s trainee in the Ghanaian construction sector and to identify and address the challenges associated with traditional apprenticeship. Trade artisans with technical know-how in construction and general workplace skills from the traditional apprenticeship training (TAT) in the area of construction were selected from selected sites and training centers. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopted the purposive sampling technique with the aim of gathering knowledge from individuals with expertise in the research area, particularly trade craftsmen who have been trained through the TAT system and are directly involved in construction-related works. Partial least square structure equation modelling (PLS-SEM) analytical approach and principal component analysis were used to reduce the dimensionality of the data set and preserve as much information as possible. Findings Three major components, namely, personal and social interest, job assessment and stability and family and faith were identified as the variables that influence an artisan's choice of a skill trade. These influenced the choice of apprenticeship training by young trainees in choosing apprenticeship as a mode of training. Personal interest, living situation of artisans and parents’ educational attainment are the most influencing factors that determine artisans’ choice of selected trades. Moreover, the study also shed light on the challenges inherent in traditional apprenticeship systems, such as the lack of formal technical education, limited access to modern technology and information and poor working conditions. Practical implications The study underscores the imperative for stakeholders to enhance apprenticeship programmes within the construction sector. This involves providing more stable job opportunities, improving working conditions and offering access to modern technology and information. Such enhancements not only attract more young individuals to apprenticeship training but also ensure the sustainability and relevance of the workforce in meeting industry demands. Originality/value The study finally developed a model that could be used as a foundation for future PLS-SEM evaluation and identified the factors that influence the selection of apprenticeship training by trade artisans.

Environmental and Socioeconomic Impacts of the Cotton Industry in Bhilwara, Rajasthan: A Comprehensive Analysis

Abstract: The cotton industries in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, are a significant contributor to the region's economy but poses considerable environmental and health challenges. This paper examines the diverse impacts of cotton production, focusing on habitat loss, degradation of local flora and fauna, and extensive water consumption. The study highlights the hazardous waste generated during dyeing and finishing processes, emphasizing inadequate disposal practices that lead to soil and water contamination. Additionally, it explores the health implications for factory workers and local communities, including exposure to toxic chemicals and poor working conditions. It also addresses the social changes driven by environmental degradation, such as forced migration and economic instability.

Befristung unbefristet? Zu den Arbeitsbedingungen unserer Postdoc-Kolleg:innen

Abstract Unless they hold a professorship, most academics at German universities are employed on a fixed-term basis. Regardless of their academic achievements such as publications, conferences, and lectures, they lose their job after a few years. Art historians are no exception. Notwithstanding years-long criticism and protest by those affected, as well as professional associations and trade unions, the German government, the federal states, and the universities themselves do little to change this, as they believe they benefit from this system based on competitive pressure and selection. The article is a plea for a joint commitment against poor working conditions in academia.

Mental Health Disorders of Bulgarian Healthcare Professionals during a Recurring Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Introduction: During the COVID-19 pandemic, health hazards for medical professionals are associated not only with the high risk of infection, but also with poor working conditions, a stressful psychosocial environment and several socio-demographic factors. Objectives: The study aims to gain insight into possible mental health disorders among healthcare professionals working in the Bulgarian healthcare system and to determine which professional and socio-demographic categories are most significantly affected. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in October 2022 in healthcare facilities from seven regions in Southern Bulgaria. A total of 665 workers from hospitals, emergency centers, general and specialized medical practices, and medical laboratories filled out the self-assessment mental health questionnaire DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale), as well as a survey about their occupational and socio-demographic characteristics. Suitable statistical methods were used to assess the scientific hypothesis. Results: 40% of all surveyed healthcare workers had some type of self-reported mental health disorder, with 27% having more than one. 13% had simultaneous signs of depression, anxiety and stress. The rates of depression, anxiety and stress were highest among those working in COVID wards and emergency care centers, among young workers under 26 years of age, and among workers with disabilities and frequently ill workers. Conclusions: Protecting healthcare workers’ physical and mental health and work ability is a matter of primary importance, particularly under challenging working conditions such as the COVID-19 epidemic.

Exploring lifestyles, work environment and health care experience of Nepalese returnee labour migrants diagnosed with kidney-related problems.

In recent years, international media and the scientific community have expressed concerns regarding rising kidney health-related risks among Nepalese labour migrants in Gulf countries and Malaysia. Previous studies have highlighted poor lifestyles and work conditions among Nepalese migrants, which could potentially impact their kidney health. This qualitative study aims to explore the lifestyles and work environment of returnee Nepalese migrants who were diagnosed with kidney health problems. In-depth interviews were carried out with twelve returnee migrants, all males, with half having worked abroad for at least a decade. Our analysis yielded seven themes: (a) living and lifestyles; (b) work environment; (c) exposure to pollutants; (d) Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) experience; (e) use of painkillers and healthcare; (f) medical expenses for CKD patients; and (g) pre-departure training. This study indicates that Nepalese migrants face numerous challenges, including limited access to clean water and sanitation facilities, poor diets, exposure to occupational hazards, and overuse of pain medication, all of which may contribute to an increased risk of kidney disease. An enhanced pre-departure and on-arrival orientation programme focusing on kidney health-related topics, including the necessary advocacy at the country of destination to provide access to basic services, may encourage migrants to adopt healthy lifestyles and safe working environments, as well as help sensitise migrants to their kidney health risks.