Service Workers Research Articles

Skill-Biased Technical Change, Again? Online Gig Platforms and Local Employment

This study explores the impact of online gig platforms like TaskRabbit on the employment of incumbent service workers, focusing on the housekeeping sector. It highlights how TaskRabbit’s entry correlates with a decrease in middle-skilled roles such as supervisors due to automation, whereas low-skilled jobs like janitors remain stable because of their manual nature. Notably, many middle-skilled workers transition to self-employment within the sector instead of facing layoffs. Amidst competing narratives about the gig economy’s influence on labor markets, this research offers critical insights into how gig platforms redistribute the workforce and create new employment opportunities, suggesting significant implications for policymakers and practitioners. Policymakers should recognize the shift from traditional roles to self-employment facilitated by these platforms, which enhances local entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, it is crucial for them to ensure fair working conditions, wages, and benefits. Practitioners can see that gig platforms not only improve operational efficiency but also enable middle-skilled workers to launch their own businesses, indicating a potential strategy for new platforms looking to increase their service offerings and client base. Traditional companies, in response, need to adapt their job designs, incentive structures, and company culture to align with the changing needs for flexibility and autonomy in the gig economy.

Coxiellaburnetii (Q fever) exposure in wildlife professionals

IntroductionAlthough occupational exposure to Coxiella burnetii has been studied previously, the zoonotic risk in wildlife environments remains unclear and has yet to be fully established.MethodsAccordingly, the present study aimed to serologically assess professionals with daily contact with free-living and captive wildlife in Paraná State, Brazil, along with the potential associated risk factors for C. burnetii exposure.ResultsOverall, 25 out of 309 (8.1%) wildlife professionals were seropositive, including 6/54 (11.1%) national and 7/125 (5.6%) state park employees, 6/92 (6.5%) zookeepers, and 6/38 (15.8%) animal service workers, with titers ranging from 32 to 128. No statistical association was found between seropositivity and associated risk factors, including the working location.DiscussionOur results differ from those of previous studies in Brazil, which found 8/893 (0.9%) indigenous, 1/18 (5.5%) police officers, and 44/200 (22.0%) former Black slaves to be seropositive. This study is the first serological investigation of C. burnetii among park rangers, zookeepers, and animal service workers in Brazil, showing no statistically significant risk factors for seropositivity. As the seroprevalence in this study was higher than that in previous surveys of healthy (asymptomatic) human populations, C. burnetii exposure may also be an occupational risk for wildlife professionals owing to their contact with the natural environment in Brazil.

Challenges and Opportunities

In this article, the authors consider the future possibility of public administration in South Africa being transformed by artificial intelligence (AI). It discusses the difficulties and advantages of AI/ML in this set up. They can use artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the productivity of the public sector, quality in decision, and contribute to people's participation. The results show that AI can reduce paperwork, anticipate public health trends, make recommendations for people to get the best chance of recovery, and even optimise resource allocation – all with a view towards improving service delivery and governance. Problems with infrastructure, gaps in digital access, as well as scarcity of AI expertise within the public service work against any real integration of artificial intelligence. The study underscores the significance of strategic planning, large-scale infrastructural investments, and robust policy reforms in order to harness the full range of benefits from artificial intelligence (AI) with a fair share accruing to all.

The professional quality of life of flight nurses: a cross-sectional study

Background The role of a Flight Nurse is specialised; they must have both education and experience to fulfil the requirements of the role. Mastering these skills takes time, thus long-term retention is essential. When nurses experience their work as more fulfilling, they are more inclined to remain within a role for an extended period. One of the ways to determine the lived experience of nurses is to measure their Professional Quality of Life. This is the first study to look at the Professional Quality of Life of Flight Nurses who work in public sector Aeromedical Retrieval Services in New Zealand. Aims The aim of this study was to determine the Professional Quality of Life of Flight Nurses working in the public sector in New Zealand. Design A survey based cross-sectional design was employed, using the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL) V Health survey tool. Methods Online survey data was collected from a convenience sample of 169 Flight Nurses working in public sector Aeromedical Retrieval services in New Zealand. Results Of the 88 respondents, all reported either high or average levels of Compassion Satisfaction (High 48.86%, Average 51.13%) and Perceived support (High 44.31%, Average 55.68%). The majority reported Low to Average scores for Secondary Traumatic Stress (Low 30.68%, Average 67.04% and High 2.27%), Burnout (Low 4.54%, Average 89.77% and High 5.68%) and Moral Distress (Low 23.86% and Average 76.13%). Conclusion This study highlights that Flight Nurses in New Zealand’s public sector generally experience a positive Professional Quality of Life, but that there are also instances of Burnout and Secondary Traumatic stress. Impact statement The finding of this study indicates that Flight Nurses who work in the public sector in New Zealand, have an average to high degree of the positive Professional Quality of Life – Compassion Satisfaction and Perceived Support, and a lower degree of the negative aspects of their work – Burnout, Secondary Traumatic Stress and Moral Distress.

How emergency departments are responding to the opioid crisis: Results from a statewide survey in Kentucky

ObjectiveThere is a rising effort for hospital emergency departments (EDs) to offer and expand substance use disorder (SUD) services. This state-wide evaluation studies SUD services offered along the continuum of implementation across Kentucky’s EDs to inform future state efforts to build ED bridge programs.MethodsWe conducted a mixed-methods study using an online survey of all Kentucky Emergency Department Directors between January and May of 2023. We created a hospital-level dataset which we used to summarize quantitative questions and thematically analyze open-ended responses.ResultsOur sample included 85 unique respondents (89% of all eligible Kentucky hospitals). Nine (11%) had active bridge programs to initiate opioid use disorder patients on buprenorphine. Respondents reported that the most challenging SUD-related services for EDs to implement were buprenorphine induction for opioid use disorder treatment (n = 36, 42%), referrals to community-based providers (n = 34, 40%), and providing social work services (n = 25, 29%). Respondents noted that the implementation and improvement of screening protocols were needed to better identify patients with SUD, expressed concerns about care continuity, and explicitly conveyed the need and desire for additional supports to provide SUD care.ConclusionsThe landscape of Kentucky’s ED SUD supports shows several hospitals that offer services along the continuum of SUD care, and highlights the importance of technical assistance and financial resources to ensure the continuum is broadly available. Kentucky’s experience speaks to broader national challenges in supporting SUD in EDs – specifically the need for financial resources, buy-in and education, and creating referral relationships to ensure care continuity.

Intermediation: Algorithmic Prioritization in Practice in Homeless Services

Homelessness is a significant and growing crisis in the United States. In an effort to more efficiently and fairly distribute limited housing resources, jurisdictions across the US have adopted algorithmic prioritization systems to help select which unhoused people should receive resources. Given the impact of algorithmic prioritization on the lives of unhoused people, there is a need to more fully examine how these systems are implemented in practice by frontline workers such as social service workers. In this paper, we present a qualitative study that draws on interviews and artifact walkthroughs with fifteen social service workers to examine how they interacted with algorithmic prioritization systems as part of their job duties. We found that social service workers employed discretionary work practices to mediate between the rigid formats of algorithmic prioritization systems and the messy, situated realities of homelessness. We term these discretionary work practices 'intermediation' and provide four examples that illustrate how our interlocutors were able to maintain their commitment to advocacy and to express their expertise despite the automation of major aspects of their professional decision-making. These work practices, which we argue were motivated by care for clients, as well as a desire to preserve professional autonomy, lead us to conclude that discretion cannot easily be removed from bureaucratic systems and that removing discretion is not necessarily a desirable outcome.

The effect of nurses’ Machiavellian and deontic justice personality on the tendency to make medical errors and other factors: a cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to investigate the effect of nurses’ Machiavellian and deontic justice personality on the tendency to make medical errors. Additionally, conducted to investigate the other factors associated with nurses’ tendency to make medical errors.MethodsThis cross-sectional study consisted of 345 nurses working in a state university medical faculty health application and research hospital, and data were collected using the Medical Error Tendency in Nursing Scale, the Machiavellian Personality Scale, and the Deontic Justice Scale.ResultsMachiavellian and deontic justice personality of nurses effect in low level their tendency to make medical errors (R = 0.284, p = 0.001). As the nurses’ Machiavellian tendencies increased, their propensity toward making medical errors also increased. The increase in Nurses’ deontic justice reduced their tendency toward medical errors (p < 0.05). A significant difference was found between nurses’ mean tendency to medical errors scores and their age, working life/years, the number of night shifts, the daily number of patients provided with care, the status of working in the COVID-19 service, and the status of having received education on medical errors (p < 0.05).ConclusionsNurses’ Machiavellian tendencies and deontic justice approach affect their propensity to make medical errors. Nurses who have a Machiavellian tendency and poor deontic justice have a high tendency to make medical errors. Nurses’ age, working life/years, the number of night shifts, the daily number of patients they provide care for, working in the COVID-19 service, and having received education on medical errors were the other factors affecting their tendency to make medical errors. This study demonstrated that nurses’ personality traits can cause medical errors. Generations are changing in the world and personality are also changing. Therefore, including personal development in nursing education could be a positive approach for medical errors.

Addressing the Economic Impacts of COVID-19: A Gender-Based Training Needs Assessment and Intervention in Barangay Acmac, Iligan City

This study aims to evaluate the gender-based training needs of men and women impacted by COVID-19 in Barangay Acmac, Iligan City. Using Participatory Needs Assessment (PNA), the research allowed 30 men and 30 women to identify their economic challenges and propose solutions. Key findings include: before the pandemic, 78% of respondents were employed full-time, with 80% of men and 76% of women in such roles. Post-pandemic, many transitioned to part-time work, with 43% now working part-time (30% of men and 56% of women). Prior to COVID-19, 73% relied on formal paid work as their main income source. Post-pandemic, income sources diversified, with some retaining formal work (19% of men and 30% of women) and others turning to trading (9%), service businesses (8%), and technical work (6%). A substantial 96% of respondents (29 men and 29 women) reported changes in income sources since March 2020. In addition, men preferred welding training, while women prioritized cookery training. Additional male interests included masonry, automotive servicing, driving, and electrical work, while women showed interest in Food and Beverage Services NC II certification. The study highlights the need for targeted livelihood training to address the economic challenges caused by COVID-19.

Uses of the Trauma of Others: Insights from Two Ethnographic Studies of Human Service Workers

Uses of the Trauma of Others: Insights from Two Ethnographic Studies of Human Service Workers

“My decision making is much more deliberate… I’m still energised by it”: lessons learned from the design and delivery of a module on judgement and decision making for senior social work managers

ABSTRACT This paper describes the design, delivery and evaluation of a module on decision making for senior managers as part of a master’s programme for current and aspiring Chief Social Work Officers (CSWO). Scotland is unique in having a statutory duty that requires local authorities to appoint a CSWO to provide strategic and professional leadership in the delivery of social work services. The CSWO also has certain statutory decision-making responsibilities and as a key decision maker is responsible for decisions that affect individual rights and liberties to an extent that other services do not. This paper describes the key decisions CSWO’s are required to undertake before describing the pedagogical approach to developing and delivering the module. Rather than seeking to teach decision making the focus of the module is on raising awareness of factors that impact decision making, shifting from intuitive to active decision making and reflecting on the decision-making process. Results are presented from a thematic analysis of a post-completion survey of participants about their learning. The results highlight the isolation and vulnerability of the role, the weight of responsibility, the complexity and challenges of decision making and how the module supports managers to engage in analytical decision making.

Pendapatan dalam Hubungannya dengan Perencanaan Ekonomi Kabupaten Muaro Jambi dilihat dari Sisi Perkembangan Indeks Gini Kabupaten Muaro Jambi

Analysis of the Gini index based on education level shows significant inequality in the distribution of education in society. Higher levels of education tend to be accessed by groups with higher incomes, while groups with lower incomes often face barriers to obtaining quality education. This is reflected in the Gini index, which shows that the gap between groups with good and limited access to education is widening. This inequality has an impact on economic opportunities and social mobility, suggesting that improvements in a more inclusive education system and equal access to education across all levels of society are essential to reducing inequality and achieving greater social justice. The secondary sector in Muaro Jambi also shows significant levels of inequality. In the manufacturing and processing industries, large companies that produce goods on a large scale often make substantial profits, while small and medium enterprises struggle to compete. Inequality is also reflected in the construction sector, where the income gap between skilled and unskilled construction workers, and between large and small contractors, is quite striking. This contributes to the high Gini index in this sector, reflecting income inequality among workers and employers. In the tertiary sector, which includes services, retail, finance, and insurance, income inequality tends to be higher. In the service sector, the difference in income between workers in customer service and managers or professionals is very large. In the finance and insurance sector, income inequality is also significant because wages in this sector are often very high compared to other sectors, creating a large gap between workers in these fields and those in lower-wage sectors. This unequal distribution of income leads to a high Gini index in the tertiary sector. The quaternary sector in Muaro Jambi, which includes technology, information, and research and development, shows high levels of inequality. This inequality is caused by the large differences in wages between technology professionals and workers in non-technology sectors, as well as between workers in large technology companies and small businesses. Specialized skills and high levels of education in this sector are often directly related to high incomes, while those in less skilled or educated positions earn much lower wages. This creates a clear inequality in the distribution of income in this sector.

Organizational silence and hidden threats to patients' dignity with schizophrenia: A qualitative study.

Maintaining patients' dignity is a key ethical requirement in healthcare and is emphasized in nursing standards. This issue is particularly significant for patients with schizophrenia because they face unique challenges such as physical and psychological difficulties, dependence on others, and social isolation, making them more vulnerable. Organizational factors can either threaten or preserve their dignity. However, there is little knowledge in this domain within the sociocultural context of Iran. This study aimed to explore the role of the healthcare organization in the dignity of patients with schizophrenia, based on the opinions of patients, healthcare personnel, and family caregivers. This qualitative study was conducted with 26 participants (16 patients, 4 family caregivers, 2 nurses, 3 psychologists, and 1 service worker) who were selected using a purposeful sampling method. The data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews until data saturation was reached. The data were analyzed via Graneheim and Lundman's method. The study protocol was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Urmia University of Medical Sciences (IR.UMSU.REC.1401.099). Based on data analysis, participants reported the three following challenges as organizational hidden threats to patients' dignity: "Lack of facilities," "premature management," and "ineffective communication." The study findings indicated that the healthcare organization does not support the dignity of patients. Management inefficiency and lack of facilities are evident in psychiatric hospitals, and healthcare centers are not monitored based on standard criteria. Limited interactions between healthcare personnel and patients were identified as the main reasons for the neglect of patients with schizophrenia and the violation of their dignity. The results of this study can help healthcare policymakers in designing and implementing effective programs to preserve the dignity of patients with schizophrenia.

Hierarchy, class, race and PPE in an American hospital in the early days of COVID-19: What the pandemic stress test can teach us about building equitable health systems

Because hospitals are spaces where life and death are routinely at stake, social hierarchies, pressures, and cultural norms are heightened. This was particularly true in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Examining the dynamics in that era can provide insight into the nature of race and hierarchy in hospital structures.In the large literature on the experiences of hospital staff in the COVID-19 era, class and racial dynamics in hospitals are often sidestepped. In addition, the experiences of service staff such as environmental service workers and food service workers are severely under-represented.Here, we explore hierarchy, class, race and risk in two hospitals in the city of Baltimore in the first months of the pandemic in 2020, through the lens of availability of PPE. We draw on a survey of 403 staff in two Baltimore hospitals, and semi-structured interviews with 57 of those staff. Respondents worked in a variety of roles, from administration to clinical to service staff.A large majority of non-clinical service staff identified as Black, in contrast to a small minority of clinical staff with advanced degrees. The experience of access to PPE in the early pandemic differed across cadres of workers. Everyone in the hospital had to ration PPE, but many service staff felt that they were not prioritized in the same ways as clinical staff. PPE availability took on powerful symbolic resonance as a demonstration of how different cadres of workers were valued.The COVID-19 pandemic threw social and class dynamics within the hospital into relief, shedding light on what so often ran below the surface. Thus, it could also potentially be an impetus to examine these fault lines, and to push hospital structures a bit more in the direction of justice.

Comparative analysis of multiple observation data during two typhoons affecting Hainan Island

Based on different observation data, the wind and rain processes of two typhoons that continuously affected Hainan Island in October 2021 were compared and analyzed. The analysis shows that the two typhoons are similar in weather conditions, water vapor transport conditions, cold air intrusion, sea surface temperature providing energy, and so on. The spatial distribution of rainfall and wind field exhibits an evidently asymmetrical structure. Before the typhoon landed, the gale area was located mainly in the northeast of the typhoon center. Furthermore, different detection data have advantages and disadvantages, which should be verified and used each other. For example, there are also differences between radar echo reflectivity, wind profile radar data and MTCSWA data. By means of analysis and research, the ability to analyze and articulate the typhoon impact process with high spatial-temporal resolution data is further enhanced, thereby aiding in the forecast and service work during the typhoon period.

Consistency in Subjective Judgments of Service Vehicle Type Based On Vehicle and Flashing Light Colors

The present study focused on the consistency in perceiving the intended function of a simulated service vehicle when its color, the color of its flashing lights, and its flashing light pattern varied. Tests were conducted during the day and at night. Participants driving along a test track were presented with a red or yellow vehicle equipped with either red or yellow flashing lights. Although driving speed differed only between ambient lighting conditions (daytime and nighttime), consistency in the participants’ perceptions of the simulated situation (emergency or nonemergency) was higher when the color of the vehicle was the same as the flashing lights. Ambient lighting conditions also significantly influenced participants’ judgments of each situation because the color of the vehicle was more apparent during the day than during the night with only headlight illumination on the vehicle. The flash pattern (faster or slower) had a negligible impact on participants’ perception of the simulated situation. These results reinforce previous findings that coordinating the colors of the flashing lights and the vehicle better informs drivers about the situations they encounter along the road, improving the safety of emergency responders and other service workers.

Navigating transitions into, through, and beyond peer worker roles: insider insights from the Supporting Harm Reduction through Peer Support (SHARPS) study

BackgroundPeer workers are individuals who draw on their personal experiences in a professional capacity to support clients. Existing research on the role of peer workers in mental health, homelessness, and substance use services has primarily focused on their impact on client outcomes. This paper describes the development of peer workers as they transition into, through, and beyond this role. Utilising data from the Supporting Harm Reduction through Peer Support (SHARPS) study, where Peer Navigators supported people experiencing homelessness and substance use challenges, this paper explores the sense-making involved in an intensive peer support worker role, adaptation to organisational culture, and engagement with opportunities for professional advancement.MethodsSemi-structured interviews with three Peer Navigators were conducted by two SHARPS study researchers at four time points in 2018 and 2019 corresponding with the beginning, middle, and end of the intervention. These data were analysed along with entries from the three Peer Navigators’ reflective diaries. Analysis followed a multi-stage approach to thematic analysis utilising both inductive and deductive processes. The Peer Navigators’ personal reflections have also been incorporated into the recommendations.ResultsThe foundational training provided to the Peer Navigators before taking up their role helped to ensure readiness and build confidence. This training illuminated the dynamics of supporting individuals with complex health and social challenges. Integrating into diverse organisational environments, the Peer Navigators adapted to new professional expectations and consistently advocated for harm reduction and psychologically informed approaches, sometimes encountering resistance from other professionals. Establishing effective relationships with participants and professionals was essential and involved dealing with challenges such as overcoming personal biases and navigating systemic obstacles. the Peer Navigators benefitted from the specially designed training to support career progress with personal and professional development opportunities which enabled successful transitions beyond the SHARPS study.ConclusionsPre-work training, coupled with support and adherence to key principles, enabled the Peer Navigators to integrate effectively into diverse organisations. Quality relationships were vital in achieving client outcomes and supporting the professional growth of the Peer Navigators. These findings are important for services employing peer workers and underscore the importance of a commitment to training and continuing professional development.

The Supervising Role of the Apron Movement Control (AMC) Unit on Aviation Security and Safety at Pattimura Ambon International Airport

Security and safety are crucial factors in aviation activities, considering the sensitivity of air transportation that requires assurance of safety at all times. The success of the AMC unit's tasks and responsibilities is measured by their ability to optimize supervision, thus creating safe and secure conditions, in accordance with applicable regulations. This study aims to evaluate the role of the AMC unit in ensuring security and safety in the airside area of Pattimura Ambon International Airport and to identify obstacles in supervision in the area. The approach used in this study is descriptive qualitative. The data collected consists of primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained through observation and interviews, while secondary data comes from literature studies and photographs related to the problem being studied. Data analysis techniques involve data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. To ensure the validity of the data, triangulation techniques are used. The research was conducted in March 2024. The results of the study indicate that the AMC unit at Pattimura Ambon International Airport has carried out supervision well in accordance with the standard operating procedures PM-IK (Quality Procedures and Work Instructions). Supervision covers four components of the work area: Airport Operation Control Center (AOCC), Data Entry, Field Inspection, and Aviobridge Operations. Supervision is carried out through inspections every two hours for FOD and fuel spills, supervision of aircraft movements and engine running up/idle, GSE vehicle speed, and worker compliance with the use of Personal Protective Equipment. The AMC unit strives to implement the 3S+1C principle (Safety, Security, Service, and Compliance). The obstacles faced include a shortage of personnel, which causes an increase in workload and less than optimal supervision, as well as violations by service users or workers in the airside area, which have the potential to cause accidents.

Organizational justice and work engagement of public service workers and general workers in South Korea: moderating role of supportive learning environment

Organizational justice and work engagement of public service workers and general workers in South Korea: moderating role of supportive learning environment

Ambient citizenship and noise in the service economy: young people and the everyday politics of work

ABSTRACT This paper explores the informal citizenship practices of young service workers, and develops concepts of lived citizenship, ambient citizenship and political ‘noise’ into an analysis of the everyday politics of service labour. Drawing on interviews with young people working in retail, hospitality and call centres the paper examines the embodied interactions and relations of mutual reciprocity through which they experience and contest the power relations and gender inequalities of low-wage precarious work. The paper suggests ways of conceptualising the citizenship practices of young workers beyond the limited formal protections offered by the state, instead developing an analysis of the informal relationalities and political ‘noise’ of the service labour process.

Associations between child protective services workers’ attitudes toward kinship foster care placement, sociodemographic characteristics, and job characteristics

ABSTRACT When necessary to separate children from their parents, placing a child with kin leads to better outcomes. Child Protective Services (CPS) staff attitudes toward kinship foster care placements are an understudied factor that may influence decision-making and vary based on staff characteristics. Using February 2023 survey data from 2,861 CPS staff and multivariate linear regression analyses, we assessed associations between staff’s sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and attitudes toward kinship placement. Gender, race, position, work unit, and employment duration with CPS were significantly associated with staff attitudes. Understanding how staff view kinship placement is an important step toward removing barriers to its use.