Reduction In Working Hours Research Articles

The Multilevel Manifestation of Ideal Worker Norms: Evidence from Working Mothers During Covid-19

This research studies changes in ideal worker culture as experienced by working mothers across organizations in the United States during the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on the experiences of 53 interviewees in how they attended to increased responsibilities across both work and family domains, we observed an entrenchment of the ideal worker culture across nearly all organizations and professions. This manifested in three levels, as (1) a reinforced ideal worker culture in the workplace through work-intensification, increased competitiveness, and surface-level support; (2) the reinforcing of organizations’ ideal worker norms at home, with gendered division of space and labor, and (3) experienced internalized ideal worker norms in the expectations working mothers maintained for themselves. These findings offer insight into the careers of working mothers during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as the challenges which have pushed many mothers to adapt their career strategies, such as reducing work hours, changing their jobs, or leaving the workforce. Highlighting the intricate nature of the entrenchment of the ideal worker culture informs implications for theory of gendered organizations and for organizational practice.

How do the working lives of general practitioners in rural areas compare with elsewhere in Scotland? Cross-sectional analysis of the Scottish School of Primary Care National GP Survey.

Like many countries around the world, Scotland faces a shortage of general practitioners (GPs) due to both recruitment and retention issues. Such workforce shortages are of particular concern in rural areas. There are many reasons why GPs are leaving general practice; however, satisfaction with working life is an important predictor of GP retention. It is important, therefore, to understand working life satisfaction of rural GPs. The purpose of this study was to compare the working lives and intentions to reduce work participation of rural GPs and GPs working elsewhere in Scotland. This study was a quantitative analysis of survey data from the Scottish School of Primary Care national working lives survey. GPs were classified as working in 'non-rural' or 'rural' practices based on the Scottish Government's rural binary classification system, and were compared using univariate and multivariate statistical analysis on four domains of working lives: job satisfaction, job stressors, positive and negative job attributes, and four intentions to reduce work participation: reducing working hours, working abroad, leaving direct patient care and leaving medical work entirely. A total of 2465 GPs returned the survey, giving a response rate of 56%. Three-hundred and forty seven GPs who returned the survey worked in practices in rural areas (14.1%). Rural GPs were more likely to do out-of-hours work (p<0.001), to have worked in their practice for fewer years (p=0.014), to work in single-GP partnerships (p<0.001), and to work in practices with smaller list sizes (p<0.001), than GPs in non-rural settings. Compared with GPs elsewhere, rural GPs reported higher mean job satisfaction (5.23 v 5.39, respectively; p<0.005), lower mean job stressors (3.58 v 3.29; p<0.001) and lower mean negative job attributes (4.08 vs 3.78; p<0.001). These differences remained highly significant after controlling for potential confounders (age, gender and the differences in work practices shown above). In regression analysis, a significant interaction was found between gender and rurality for job satisfaction (p=0.008), which indicated that rural female GPs' higher job satisfaction mainly accounted for rural GPs' increased job satisfaction. No significant interaction was found between gender and rurality for the other domains of working lives. Compared with GPs elsewhere, however, rural GPs were more likely to intend to work abroad (mean 1.39 v 1.55; p=0.013) and leave medical work entirely within 5 years (mean 2.15 v 2.36; p=0.039). These intentions remained significant after controlling for potential confounders. No significant interaction was found between gender and rurality for variables for intentions to reduce work participation. Rural GPs in Scotland are more satisfied with their working lives than GPs working elsewhere in Scotland, which is mainly due to higher job satisfaction in female GPs in rural areas. Despite this, rural GPs as a whole have a higher intention to leave their job in the next 5 years than their non-rural counterparts. Although some of these differences are small, they may signal serious implications for the future care of patients in rural areas and require further research to understand the drivers of this.

Essential and non-essential US workers’ health behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic

We seek to quantify the relationship between health behaviors and work-related experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic by predicting health behaviors as a function of essential worker status, job loss, change in work hours, and COVID-19 experiences. We use multivariate models and survey data from 913 employed adults in a semi-rural mid-Atlantic US county, and test whether essential worker results vary by gender, parenthood, and/or university employment. Multivariate models indicate that essential workers used tobacco on more days (4.5; p <.01) and were less likely to sleep 8 h (odds ratio [OR] 0.6; p <.01) than non-essential workers. The risk of sleeping less than 8 h is concentrated among essential workers in the service industry (OR 0.5; p <.05) and non-parents (OR 0.5; p <.05). Feminine essential workers exercised on fewer days (-0.8; p <.05) than feminine non-essential workers. Workers with reduced work hours consumed more alcoholic drinks (0.3; p <.05), while workers with increased work hours consumed alcohol (0.3; p <.05) and exercised (0.6; p <.05) on more days. Essential worker status and changes in work hours are correlated with unhealthy behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 lockdowns: Employment and business disruptions, water access and hygiene practices in Nairobi's informal settlements

Host to one billion people around the world, informal settlements are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 lockdown measures as they already lack basic services such as water, toilets, and secure housing. Additionally, many residents work in informal labor markets that have been affected by the lockdowns, resulting in further reductions in access to resources, including clean water. This study uses a cross-sectional design (n = 532) to examine the vulnerabilities of households to employment and business disruptions, water access and hygiene practices during the COVID-19 lockdowns between April and June 2020 in three informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. We used survey questions from the Household Water Insecurity Experience Scale (HWISE) to investigate the relationship between employment and business disruptions, water access, and hygiene practices (i.e., hand washing, body washing, clothes washing, and being able to use or drink clean water). Of the sampled households, 96% were forced to reduce work hours during the lockdowns, and these households had 92% lower odds of being able to afford water than households who did not experience a work hour reduction (OR = 0.08, p < .001). Household challenges in affording water were likely due to a combination of reduced household income, increased water prices, and pre-existing poverty, and were ultimately associated with lower hygiene scores (Beta = 1.9, p < .001). Our results highlight a compounding tragedy of reduced water access in informal settlements that were already facing water insecurities at a time when water is a fundamental requirement for following hygiene guidelines to reduce disease burden during an ongoing pandemic. These outcomes emphasize the need for targeted investments in permanent water supply infrastructures and improved hygiene behaviors as a public health priority among households in informal settlements.

The entrenchment of the ideal worker norm during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from working mothers in the United States.

We study shifts in the ideal worker culture as experienced by working mothers across organizations in the United States during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Experiences of 53 interviewees who attended to increased responsibilities across both work and family domains revealed an entrenchment of the ideal worker culture across nearly all organizations and professions. This manifested in three levels: as (1) a reinforced ideal worker culture in the workplace through work intensification, increased competitiveness, and surface‐level support; (2) the reinforcing of organizations' ideal worker norms at home, with gendered division of space and labor; and (3) experienced internalized ideal worker norms in the expectations working mothers maintained for themselves. These findings offer insight into the lives of working mothers during the COVID‐19 pandemic and the challenges which have pushed many mothers to reduce work hours or leave the workforce. Highlighting the intricate nature of the entrenchment of the ideal worker culture informs implications for theory of gendered organizations and for organizational practice.

시간 탄력적 근무제도가 직무 및 일·가정 양립 만족에 미치는 영향 분석

This study analyzes the effects of time-flexible work (flexible working system and reduced working hours during childcare) on job satisfaction and work-family balance satisfaction. According to the resource theory, time-flexible work has a positive effect on workers' lives by allowing them to flexibly allocate time and energy. On the other hand, according to the self-control theory, time flexibility has a negative effect on workers' lives by increasing the tasks they have to do at home. The result shows that the flexible working system increases job satisfaction and work-family balance satisfaction. The result also shows that the reduced working hours for childrearing do not have a significant effect on job satisfaction while increasing work-family balance satisfaction. It is interpreted that the work-family balance satisfaction of workers with young children is significantly high, but this does not lead to job satisfaction.

Quasi-randomization by survey date for policy analysis

Abstract In annual surveys, the interview dates are scattered over several months. When a policy takes place during the survey period, quasi-randomized data may be obtained, if individuals interviewed before and after the policy timing are similar. The policy effect can be found with a before–after difference, which is ‘Quasi-Randomization by Survey date (QRS)’. QRS may be viewed as an regression discontinuity (RD) with time as the running variable. When seasonality is present, the RD-style estimator fails, but we develop a difference-in-differences style estimator, which relies on a weaker assumption analogous to parallel trends that controls for sesonality. We provide an empirical example using Korea Labor and Income Panel Study data for a weekly work-hour reduction law in 2004 from 44 to 40 h. We find that the law effect is about 2 h reduction, not 4 h as the law stipulates.

Seasonal Rise in Plastic Surgery during Ramadan: A Cross-sectional Survey

Background:While demand for plastic surgery continues to rise worldwide, there are no known seasonal differences in plastic surgery volume. This study aimed to evaluate whether Ramadan was associated with a measurable rise in demand for plastic surgery.Methods:This was a cross-sectional nationwide survey of plastic surgeons. Surgeon demographics, practice setting, case load, surgical preference during the month of Ramadan, factors associated with surgical volume, and procedures that were in demand during Ramadan were collected from all registered plastic surgeons in the Saudi Commission Health Specialties.Results:A total of 120 (73%) of 165 plastic surgeon completed the survey. The male:female ratio was 8:1. A total of 34 (28%) surgeons operated in public- and private-sector practices, and 53% (n = 64) maintained private practice only. When they operate, 60 (50%), 34 (28%), and 10 (8%) operate in the morning, in morning and evening, and in evening only, respectively. Although surgeons reported lower case volumes due to reduced working hours, 57% (n = 68) reported an increase in the proportion of cosmetic surgery. There was more than 80% consensus between surgeons on school vacation and ensuing wedding season as reasons for increased demand for plastic surgery.Conclusions:Seasonal demand for cosmetic plastic surgery was virtually unheard of. Although reduced working hours in Ramadan meant lower plastic surgery case volumes, surgeons reported an increase in the demand for cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures during the month of Ramadan. School vacation and post-Ramadan social events were attributed as reasons for this rise.

Applying the Betty Neuman Model to Explain the Relationship between Workload as Stressors and Shift Work Disorder among Nurses; a Conceptual Model

Background: Theories and models are the bedrock of sound reasoning and judgments in any clinical practice. They serve as frameworks for scientific understandings and intellectual discussions. This paper provides a review of the Betty Neumann Systems Model (NSM) and how it could be applied to understanding the relationship between workload as a stressor and shift work disorder among nurses. Method: The Betty Neumann System Model was reviewed, and the main concepts were explained. A conceptual explanation of the model was then presented using the concepts relating to nurses' workload and shift work disorders among nurses. Results: The conceptual model shows that high workload as stressors if persistent could break the defence lines and results in symptoms predictive of shift work disorder among nurses who rotate shifts. However, primary prevention is needed before the individual is in contact with such a stressor. An example of primary prevention includes pre-shift napping and reducing working hours. Also, secondary prevention of stressors includes several treatment strategies such as promoting rest periods, reducing shift duration, and increasing inter-shift recovery. By augmenting inter-shift recovery, sleep debt and fatigue may subsequently diminish. When treatment occurs and is maintained, the restoration of balance may be achieved through tertiary prevention. Conclusion: The negative outcomes of workload stressors as manifested as shift work disorder (SWD) among nurses could be averted if the conceptual model of the Betty Neumann System Model is applied.

Employment Stability Measures for the Insured Are Ineffective against Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic: Taiwan’s Salary Subsidy System as the Core When Companies Reduce Working Hours

Employment Stability Measures for the Insured Are Ineffective against Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic: Taiwan’s Salary Subsidy System as the Core When Companies Reduce Working Hours

"Lived the Pandemic Twice": A Scoping Review of the Unequal Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Asylum Seekers and Undocumented Migrants.

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic is widening pre-pandemic health, social, and economic inequalities between refugees, migrants, and asylum seekers and the general population. This global scoping review examined the impact of the pandemic on community-based asylum seekers and undocumented migrants in high- and upper-middle-income countries. Methods: We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed articles in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest Central. We applied Katikireddi’s framework of understanding and addressing inequalities to examine the differential impact of the pandemic across exposure, vulnerability to infection, disease consequences, social consequences, effectiveness of control measures, and adverse consequences of control measures. Results: We included 32 articles in the review. The analysis showed that asylum seekers and undocumented migrants experienced greater exposure to the COVID-19 virus and higher infection rates. They also experienced differential social consequences in the form of job loss and lost and/or reduced work hours. The effectiveness of pandemic response measures on asylum seekers and undocumented migrants was also affected by pre-pandemic social and economic marginalisation, exclusion from pandemic-induced policy measures, lack of appropriate pandemic communication, and variable trust in governments and authority. Pandemic control measures had greater adverse consequences on asylum seekers and undocumented migrants than the general population, with the majority of studies included in this review reporting worsened mental health and social isolation conditions and reduced access to health care. Conclusions: Asylum seekers and undocumented migrants experienced a disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across the six thematic areas of comparison. Policies that reduce exposure and vulnerability to the infection, grant equitable access to health and social care, and build capacities and resilience, are critical to enable asylum seekers and undocumented migrants to cope with and recover from pre-pandemic and pandemic-induced inequalities.

The working conditions for personal support workers in the Greater Toronto Area during the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed-methods study.

ObjectiveDuring the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, personal support workers (PSWs) were heralded as healthcare ‘heroes’ as many of them cared for high-risk, vulnerable older populations, and worked in long-term care, which experienced a high number of COVID-19 outbreaks and deaths. While essential to the healthcare workforce, there is little understanding of PSW working conditions during the pandemic. The aim of our study was to examine the working conditions (including job security, work policies, and personal experiences) for PSWs in the Greater Toronto Area during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspectives of PSWs.MethodsThis study used a mixed-methods design. From June to December 2020, we conducted a survey of 634 PSWs to understand their working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews with 31 survey respondents were conducted from February to May 2021 to understand in greater depth how working conditions were impacting the well-being of PSWs.ResultsWe found PSWs faced a range of challenges related to COVID-19, including anxiety about contracting COVID-19, reduced work hours, taking leaves of absences, concerns about job security, and losing childcare. While the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the PSW workforce and their importance to the healthcare system (especially in the long-term care system), pre-existing poor work conditions of insecure jobs with no paid sick days and benefits exacerbated COVID-19–related challenges. Despite these hardships, PSWs were able to rely on their mental resilience and passion for their profession to cope with challenges.ConclusionSignificant changes need to be made to improve PSW working conditions. Better compensation, increased job security, decreased workload burden, and mental health supports are needed.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.17269/s41997-022-00643-7.

POS0160 THE EMPLOYMENT GAP IN PEOPLE WITH RHEUMATIC AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES COMPARED WITH THE GENERAL POPULATION: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW

BackgroundMany people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) experience problems at work and some may even have to stop working due to ill health. In most countries, RMDs are a major cause of worker productivity loss. The peak age of onset of many adult onset RMDs is between ~30-50 years, meaning that the majority of patients are still in employment when diagnosed with their chronic disease. Uncertainty about employment prospects and job attainment is also a major concern for young adults with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) for whom their first job may influence their future employment prospects. From both a societal and patient perspective it is important to gain an understanding about the impact of juvenile and adult onset RMDs on work outcomes. Data comparing productivity loss with the general population are more relevant for care and healthcare planning. However, these data are more scarce and have not been summarized recently across RMDs.ObjectivesTo systematically summarize the literature on work outcomes in people with RMDs compared with the general population.MethodsA systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to compare work outcomes in people with various RMDs (i.e. JIA, RA, PsA, AxSpA, SSc, SLE, gout, FM, and OA) with the general population or healthy controls as part of the EULAR Task Force on work. A search for eligible observational studies was performed in Medline, Embase and PsycInfo between 2000 and May 2021. Work outcomes were categorizedaccortding to employment status, work disability/stopped working due to ill health, absenteeism, presenteeism and other.Results541 abstracts were extracted and screened for eligibility. Results of 65 studies fulfilling the inclusion criteria were evaluated for this study, including 28 prospective/retrospective longitudinal cohort studies, 34 cross-sectional studies and 3 (nested) case-control studies. The majority of the studies were conducted in Europe (63.1%). The most common RMD evaluated was RA (26.2%) followed by OA (15.4%), SLE (15.4%), AxSpA (12.3%), FM (9.2%), mixed population (7.7%), JIA (7.7%), PsA (3.1%), SSc (1.5%), and gout (1.5%). In papers reporting disease duration (n=38), the majority of the study population had established disease (76.3%). Several work outcomes were evaluated with some papers reporting more than one work outcome: employment/work status (41.5%), unemployment (9.2%), work disability/pension or stopping work due to ill health (38.5%), absenteeism (52.3%), presenteeism (10.8%), and other (e.g. reduced working hours) (29.2%). Fifty-two papers applied statistical tests (e.g. indirect standardisation, logistic regression analysis, Cox regression analysis) to compare work outcomes in people with RMDs with a control/general population. The percentage of papers reporting the work outcomes to be worse, not significantly different or better in the RMD population compared to the control population (n papers included per work outcome; %) was, respectively: employment/work status (n=26; 73.1%, 23.0%, 3.8%), unemployment (n=6; 66.7%, 33.3%, 0%), work disability/stopping work (n=22; 90.9%, 9.4%, 0%), absenteeism (n=26; 92.3%, 7.7%, 0%), presenteeism (n=8; 87.5%, 12.2%, 0%), other (n=19; 84.2%, 15.8%, 0%).ConclusionDespite better disease management during the last two decades there is still a significant employment gap between people with RMDs and the general population. It is therefore essential that health professional organisations, policy makers, patient organisations and employers should collaborate to minimize the employment gap and optimize employment opportunities among people with juvenile and adult onset RMDs.Disclosure of InterestsSuzanne Verstappen Consultant of: EUOSHA, Grant/research support from: BMS, AbbVie, Pfizer, EULAR, Annelies Boonen Speakers bureau: Abbvie / Galapagos, Consultant of: Galapagos, Nicola Goodson Consultant of: UCB, Lilly, Abbvie, Novartis and Janssen, Grant/research support from: Novartis, Casper Webers: None declared, Maarten Butink: None declared, Neil Betteridge Consultant of: Amgen, Eli Lilly, EULAR, GAfPA, Grunenthal, Heart Valve Voice and Sanofi, Tanja Stamm Consultant of: AbbVie and Sanofi Genzyme, Grant/research support from: AbbVie and Roche, Dieter Wiek: None declared, Anthony Woolf: None declared, Hans Bijlsma: None declared, Gerd Rüdiger Burmester: None declared

Roles of rural non-farm employment (RNFE) in India: Why RNFE, the conveyor of a shock like COVID 19 is also the key to recovery?

We assess the role of Rural Non-Farm Employment (RNFE) in livelihoods and in likely impacts of shocks like COVID 19. In India’s agri-food system, the preponderance of small farmers with low endowments of human and financial capital implies that, RNFE has been the principal source of poverty reduction. Yet, RNFE is also the most adversely affected by shocks like COVID 19 and the measures adopted to prevent disease spread. To assess the roles of RNFE and possible effects of shocks, we uniquely utilize the recent rounds of nationally representative Periodic Labor Force Surveys (PLFS). To assess the “potential impact” of COVID 19 on workers, by using the large dataset, we match similar workers in different states of employment (SOE) where SOE may partly reflect the situation post shock. Job loss, reduction in work hours, movement across types of employment, casualization within RNFE is possible due to shocks to RNFE. We estimate that SOE in RNFE have significant association with poverty and income. With the data on COVID lockdown periods, we then validate the results to pair with the prospectively assessed impacts. Notwithstanding the effect of shocks, RNFE has the unique potential in recovery, being the prime rural income generator and risk mitigator apart from being characterized by comparatively high growth in female employment and in socially disadvantaged groups in India.

FC005: Pace CKD: Qualitative and Quantitative Insights into the Economic Burden of CKD on Patients and Carers

Abstract BACKGROUND AND AIMS Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is likely to significantly affect the lives of patients and their carers, including increasing the economic burden. The relationship between CKD progression and these life impacts remains poorly characterized. The patient, carer and economic burden (PaCE) CKD study aims to enhance understanding of patient and carer experiences of CKD, including financial impact. METHOD In-depth, semi-structured, qualitative interviews were conducted with 20 patients with CKD and 19 informal carers in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA. Participants were asked about their experiences with CKD and the associated economic burden. A quantitative online survey is ongoing, with 150–200 patients and 75–100 carers anticipated to participate per country. A Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI) questionnaire for patients and caregivers is being used to understand and estimate the financial burden of CKD on patients and caregivers. Patients are also being asked about their disease background, including the stage of CKD and treatment history. RESULTS In total, 20 patients and 19 carers participated in the qualitative interviews, with at least 3 patients and 3 carers included from each country. Eleven patients were male. Most patients were 75 years old or younger (18/20; overall range 30–81 years, overall mean 61.7 years). Patients reported their CKD stages: 3/20 stage 5; 2/20 stage 4–5; 2/20 stage 4; 2/20 stage 3–4; 8/20 stage 3; 1/20 stage 2; and 2/20 unknown. A third of patients underwent dialysis (7/20), including at least one patient from each country. Nine patients were working full- or part-time. Carers were 30–90 years old (mean 55.1 years), predominantly women (13/19) and were primarily relatives of the patient (8/19 partner, 5/19 daughter/son, 2/19 daughter-/son-in-law). More than half of the carers were employed (13/19 employed, 5/19 unemployed/retired, 1/19 unknown). Carer support varied between 4 and 35 h/week. Support included activities of daily living, visits to the hospital and emotional/psychological support; support was noted as more critical for patients with later-stage CKD. The degree of financial burden experienced by patients and carers varied between countries, potentially reflecting differences in local healthcare systems; however, the impact of reduced work hours on finances was consistent across all countries. Both patients and carers reported a loss of work hours, and in some cases, participants reported that they had to stop working. Patients who were employed reported lower productivity, and carers reported taking days off work without pay. Expenses related to the cost of managing CKD, including dietary needs, medical aids and hospital transport, further increased the economic burden. The extent of these impacts varied depending on the severity of CKD. Results from the quantitative survey will be presented at the congress. CONCLUSION Responses from qualitative interviews suggest that CKD increases the financial burden for both patients and carers, particularly as the disease progresses. When combined with data from the quantitative survey, these findings will provide important insights into the economic burden of CKD for patients and carers.

Work–family decisions: exploring the role of racial variation

PurposeDrawing on gender role ideology and structuralism perspectives, this study examines the impact of racial variation on the relationship between family characteristics and work–family decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe study sample was drawn from the data collected by the U.S. Current Population Survey. This study used robust regression analysis to test their specific hypotheses that explore the role of racial variations on work–family decisions (measured in terms of weekly work hours).FindingsThe findings indicate that while overall men work longer hours when raising young children, both African American and Hispanic men tend to cut down on their work hours. Additionally, while marital status is associated with decreased work hours for White women, the reduction is smaller for Hispanic women. African American women actually end up increasing their work hours post marriage. Finally, while motherhood is associated with reduced work hours across racial groups, the decrease is more drastic for White women compared to their minority counterparts.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides empirical evidence that work–family decision in the US African American and Hispanic households are not as strongly guided by the traditional gender role stereotypes, as is the case with White households. It also has important implications for the US employers who strive to leverage diversity and create inclusive organizations.Originality/valueGiven the increased population diversity in the USA, this study highlights the need to better understand the role of racial variations on the work–family decisions.

Exposure to Occupational Noise

Physical agent noise can be considered one of the main disturbances that compromise the occupational health of self-propelled forest machine operators. We evaluated whether occupational noise levels emitted by self-propelled forest machines employed in the full tree system are in accordance with both the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and ISO 1999:2013 standards, while also proposing mitigating measures aimed at protecting the operators hearing. Seventeen operators, who performed wood harvesting operations in Eucalyptus forests in Brazil, were analyzed. Noise levels were collected in a daily shift of eight hours as recommended by the Acoustics – Determination of occupational noise exposure - Engineering method for full-day measurements (ISO 9612:2009). The standards adopted for the evaluation were the exposure action value of 80 dBA and the exposure limit of 85 dBA based on the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health – NIOSH and on Acoustics – Estimation of noise-induced hearing loss (ISO 1999:2013) Directive 2003/10/EC. The operators were arranged in homogeneous groups according to the Acoustics recommendation – Determination of occupational noise exposure - Engineering method for full-day measurements (ISO 9612:2009), classified by the operations of felling, skidding of tree bundles and bucking. The results showed that 17 self-propelled forest machines exceeded the exposure action value of 80 dBA, of which 10 machines exceeded the exposure limit of 85 dBA. It was concluded that the levels of occupational noise emitted by self-propelled forest machines used in the full tree system are higher than those recommended by both standards, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and ISO 1999:2013. Therefore, the allocation of self-propelled forest machines to homogeneous groups allows inferring mitigation actions that protect operators' hearing. The correct use of hearing protectors during the daily workday provides hearing protection for operators in mechanized wood harvesting. Adoption of actions such as maintenance of cabin seals and mechanical components, breaks for fatigue relief, reduction of daily working hours and rotation of operators in different self-propelled forest machines can mitigate the damage to the occupational health of operators.

A Multinational Study of The Impact of Covid-19 On Urologic Surgery Residency and Wellbeing

ObjectiveTo assess changes to the experiences and wellbeing of urology trainees in the United States (US) and European Union (EU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsA 72-item anonymous online survey was distributed September 2020 to urology residents of Italy, France, Portugal, and the US. The survey assessed burnout, professional fulfillment, loneliness, depression and anxiety as well as 38 COVID specific questions. ResultsTwo hundred twenty-three urology residents responded to the survey. Surgical exposure was the main educational concern for 81% of US and 48% of EU residents. E-learning was utilized by 100% of US and 57% of EU residents with two-thirds finding it equally or more useful than traditional didactics. No significant differences were seen comparing burnout, professional fulfillment, depression, anxiety, or loneliness among US or EU residents, 73% of US and 71% of EU residents reported good to excellent quality of life during the pandemic. In the US and EU, significantly less time was spent in the hospital, clinic, and operating room (P <.001) and residents spent more time using telehealth and working from home during the pandemic and on research projects, didactic lectures, non-medical hobbies and reading. The majority of residents reported benefit from more schedule flexibility, improved work life balance, and increased time for family, hobbies, education, and research. ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant restructuring of residents’ educational experience around the globe. Preservation of beneficial changes such as reduction of work hours and online learning should be pursued within this pandemic and beyond it.

Stereotyping and Gender Gap during COVID-19: Backlash or Gender Convergence? A Systematic Literature Review

What have been the short- and medium-term net effects of the pandemic on working mothers, both in the early stages and over the course of the pandemic? The goal of this paper, positioned within the research field of stereotyping and gender discrimination, is to provide an updated view of academic studies investigating the dichotomy “backlash vs gender convergence” in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic shock. The paper has been structured as a systematic literature review based on the PRISMA Statement approach. We found a complex but, to a certain extent, predictable picture, with COVID-19 unable to produce strong and consistent macrodynamic changes on gender gap. Ultimately, therefore, the existing research seems to conclude that there is no support for either the backlash or the gender convergence notions; rather, there seems to be an equilibrium characterised by stability in gender roles, especially medium-to-long term. Other major findings include i) There seems to have been a general increase in equal childcare responsibilities even though, on average, mothers still carry the heavier load; ii) Mothers in dual-career couples were more exposed to work-hour reductions or losing their job completely; iii) Temporary gender convergence shifts were largely motivated by female working arrangements and/or necessity; iv) A new gap in psychological distress emerged for working mothers compared to both men and childless women.

A Mixed Method Analysis of Burnout and Turnover Intentions among Higher Education Professionals during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly and dramatically altered higher education, including changes to the workplace. Many staff and faculty positions were eliminated, while other employees experienced furloughs or reduced work hours. This study examines the experiences of 1,080 higher education professionals from 782 institutions of higher education in the United States serving in various functional roles during the COVID-19 pandemic. We utilized an explanatory sequential mixed methods research design to examine quantitative and qualitative survey data from October 2020 to understand how jobs in higher education changed during the pandemic and how these changes were associated with individuals’ burnout and intention to leave higher education. Using multiple regression and thematic analysis and the job demands and resources framework, we find that higher education professionals who experienced significant disruption in their work had increased odds of experiencing burnout. We also find that eliminating staff positions and significant levels of burnout were associated with increased intentions to leave their current profession in higher education. In open-ended responses, higher education professionals described how increased job demands through decreased staff and increased workloads were not accompanied with increased resources, leading to burnout. These working conditions negatively affected participants’ personal lives, including their physical and mental health. We conclude with recommendations for research on working conditions in higher education in the pandemic-era and emphasize that institutional leaders should seek systemic changes to support employees.