Total Working Hours Research Articles

The impact of COVID-19 on Australian plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees: a survey study

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the training of plastic and reconstructive surgeons and the wellbeing of surgical trainees internationally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Australian plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees. Method: A web-based self-administered survey was distributed by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons to all Australian plastic and reconstructive surgery registrars in October 2021. A questionnaire developed to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees in the United States of America was adapted for the Australian context. Subgroup analysis evaluated differences in responses between early and late Surgical Education and Training trainees and between Australian states. ​Results: Of 103 Australian plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees invited to participate, 24 responded (23%). Of these, 52 per cent were in their first two years of training. Total working hours were reduced for 61 per cent of respondents, 54 per cent reported less direct operative supervision, and 75 per cent reported missing out on critical operative learning experiences due to elective operating changes. Overall impact on trainee education was reported to be negative by 71 per cent of respondents. Self-assessed overall wellbeing was negatively impacted in 92 per cent of respondents: all reported feeling isolated from colleagues and 67 per cent reported burnout due to changes during the pandemic. Positive innovation in plastic and reconstructive surgery unit management was reported by 29 per cent of respondents. There were no statistically significant differences in responses between early and late Surgical Education and Training trainees. There were some differences identified in senior supervision and frequency of organised teaching between states. Conclusion: Australian plastic and reconstructive surgery trainees in our cohort reported that the COVID-19 pandemic had a negative impact on their clinical training opportunities, formal education and wellbeing. These findings should be considered in planning for future periods of significant disruption to try to mitigate the negative impacts on trainees.

Is the Medical Oncology Workforce in Canada in Jeopardy? Findings from the Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists' COVID-19 Impact Survey Series.

The COVID-19 (C19) pandemic introduced challenges in all areas of the Canadian healthcare system. Along with adaptations to clinical care environments, there was increasing concern about physician burnout during this time. The Canadian Association of Medical Oncologists (CAMO) has examined the effects of the pandemic on the medical oncology (MO) workforce. A series of four multiple choice web-based surveys distributed to MOs who were identified using the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons directory and CAMO membership in May 2020 (S1), July 2020 (S2), December 2020 (S3), and March 2022 (S4). Descriptive analyses were performed for each survey, and a Chi-square test (α = 0.05) was used to assess factors associated with planned change in practice in S4. The majority of respondents work in a comprehensive cancer center S1/S2/S3/S4 (87%/86%81%/88%) and have been in practice >10 years (56%/61%/50%/64%). The most commonly reported personal challenges were physical (60%) and mental (60%) wellness. In S4, 47% of MOs reported dissatisfaction with their current work-life balance. In total, 83% reported that their workload has increased since the beginning of C19, and 51% of MOs reported their future career plans have been impacted by C19. In total, 56% of respondents are considering retiring or reducing total working hours in the next 5 years. Since the onset of the C19 pandemic, there are concerns identified with wellness, increasing workload, and job dissatisfaction among MOs, associated with experienced staff who have >10 years in practice. As rates of cancer prevalence rise and treatments become more complex, it is crucial to address the concerns raised in these surveys to ensure that we have a stable MO workforce in the future.

Fabricating Health: The Challenges Faced by Women Power loom Weavers

The power loom sector is a significant contributor to fabric manufacturing in the country, encompassing a diverse range of products. These products span from low-value coarse and gauze cloth to high-value shirting, suiting, and made-ups. Additionally, the sector also produces a limited number of grey fabrics or yarn-dyed products. Female weavers operating within the power loom sector faces a multitude of obstacles that are significantly influencing their economic survival and overall welfare. The textile industry holds significant importance in the economic development of India, whereas the power loom industry being a crucial element within this sector. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the female labour force participation and total working hours, as well as the effect on their health, in the power loom sector of Gaya and Bhagalpur. In addition, the paper will discuss other significant obstacles faced by women weavers, such as wage disparities, lengthy working hours, and safety and security concerns. The focus of the research will be the socioeconomic standing of female power loom weavers. The study is supported by both primary and secondary data. Primary data is derived from data collection on the ground. Weavers are the backbone of the power loom sector, but they are perpetually plagued by issues related to finances, electricity, and health care, among other issues, and they receive no support from the government. As a result, the industry as a whole experiences low productivity and to enhance the conditions of the power loom weavers, there is a dire need for government support.

The Impact of Work Desk Shapes on the Utilisation of an Activity-Based-Working Environment

The design of Activity-Based Working (ABW) environments embraces workers’ continuous mobility enabled by technology and the mindset of seeking work zones that best support the task at hand. This paper focuses on aspects of workspace selection within a facility designed to support ABW, focusing on the overall occupancy dynamics, temporal context, and information capturing less-explored details of the physical environment. This study analyses the active use of a workspace in relation to work desk shapes, rectangular and trapezial. Drawing from a longitudinal dataset spanning 12 months from an ABW facility, capturing the active workstation usage of 964 occupants through individual computer logins, this study employs descriptive statistics to analyse the active use of workspace relative to total work hours over the year. Inferential statistical techniques are utilised to compare active use measurements between and within specific workspace areas, revealing significant differences and highlighting the importance of temporal and spatial contexts in workspace utilisation patterns. The presented results demonstrate both tendencies and statistically significant differences, confirming the relevance of the studied variables in examining workspace utilisation. The results show significant usage variations throughout the day across different zones of the observed workspace, with peak activity between 11:00 and 13:00 h for both work desk shapes. This study’s insights are relevant to improving the utilisation of facilities designed for ABW and contribute to a longstanding interest in designing and arranging workplaces to better fit the people who use them.

The Relationship Between Nurses' Psychological Well-Being and Their Work Productivity Loss: A Descriptive Correlational Study.

Nurses play a vital role in ensuring effective patient care delivery and organizational productivity. Hence, it becomes imperative to prioritize their psychological well-being and explore how its impairment may be associated with their productivity loss. The study aims to investigate the relationship between nurses' psychological well-being and their work productivity loss by examining how nurses self-reported their own psychological well-being and work productivity loss. A descriptive correlational design was conducted at an Egyptian university hospital. A convenience sample of 400 nurses completed two tools: (a) Outcome Questionnaire-45 was used to assess the psychological well-being of nurses and (b) the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment - General Health Questionnaire was used to measure nurses' work productivity. Among the 400 surveyed nurses, 66.7% reported overall poor psychological well-being. Regarding work productivity loss, 22.8% of nurses missed an average of 974.81 work hours due to absenteeism, and 62.0% lost an average of 10,630 work hours due to presenteeism. Additionally, 75.5% experienced impaired daily living activities. Approximately 13.4% of total working hours were missed due to health problems or psychological distress. Regression analysis revealed that poor psychological well-being significantly predicts work productivity loss, accounting for 2.0% of absenteeism, 11.0% of presenteeism, 17.0% of daily activity impairment, and 9.0% of overall productivity loss, with the model being significant (p < 0.01). Nurses often experience poor psychological well-being and distress that hinder their daily activities and cause work productivity loss. Therefore, hospital management should prioritize improving nurses' physical and mental health and bolstering their self-efficacy and resilience to minimize the effects of symptom distress on productivity. Investing in nurses' well-being through managerial caring, organizational support, and fostering a supportive work environment are vital strategies for promoting quality patient care and enhancing their work productivity.

Occupational exposure to radiation among health workers: Genome integrity and predictors of exposure

The current study aimed to investigate genomic instabilities in healthcare workers who may experience varying levels of radiation exposure through various radiological procedures. It also sought to determine if factors related to the work environment and dosimeter reading could effectively explain the observed genomic instabilities. Utilizing the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) on peripheral blood lymphocytes, we assessed a spectrum of genomic aberrations, including nucleoplasmic bridge (NPB), nuclear budding (NBUD), micronucleus (MN) formation, and total DNA damage (TDD). The study uncovered a statistically significant increase in the occurrence of distinct DNA anomalies among radiology workers (with a significance level of P < 0.0001 for all measurements). Notably, parameters such as total working hours, average work duration, and time spent in projection radiography exhibited significant correlations with MN and TDD levels in these workers. The dosimeter readings demonstrated a positive correlation with the frequency of NPB and NBUD, indicating a substantial association between radiation exposure and these two genomic anomalies. Our multivariable models identified the time spent in projection radiography as a promising parameter for explaining the overall genomic instability observed in these professionals. Thus, while dosimeters alone may not fully explain elevated total DNA damage, intrinsic work environment factors hold potential in indicating exposure levels for these individuals, providing a complementary approach to monitoring.

Sleep disorders among South Indian computer professionals and the beneficial effect of blue light filters

Background: Prolonged exposure to light emitted from screen-based devices has been known to cause sleep disturbances. Although computer professionals have high screen exposure and screen exposure is known to cause sleep disturbances, there is no published literature on sleep disorders among computer professionals. Aims and Objectives: To find out the prevalence of sleep disorders among computer professionals in South India and their association with risk factors like screen time and duration of work. Material and Methods: Data were collected online from computer professionals working in South India using a structured questionnaire in Google Forms. The form contained questions on demographics, medical history, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using SPSS 17. The chi-square test, odds ratio, Kruskal–Wallis test, and regression analyses were used. Results: The prevalence of sleep disorders among computer professionals in South India was found to be 63.3%. Sleep latency was found to be the most significant contributor to the total PSQI score. Significantly associated risk factors were daily and weekly work duration and daily screen time. Working for more than 8 h a day was found to be the single independent risk factor for 7.9% of those with sleep disorders. Using a blue-light filter was found to be protective. Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of sleep disorders among computer professionals. Interventions like monitoring the daily duration of screen exposure and total daily work hours and periodic evaluation of the sleep health of computer professionals are crucial to reducing morbidity and early mortality.

Association between hours of work and subjective well-being. How do physicians compare to lawyers and accountants?

Analyses of physician well-being typically rely on small and unrepresentative samples. In April 2011, the UK Office for National Statistics incorporated subjective well-being metrics (SWB) into the Annual Population Survey (APS), a well-established survey. This survey includes variables from the labor market, making APS an ideal source for measuring the association between work hours and SWB metrics and comparing among different professionals. Using APS data from 2011/12 to 2014/15, this study examined the association between SWB levels and work hours using multiple linear models for physicians (primary care physicians and hospital doctors), lawyers, and accountants. Of the 11,810 observations, physicians were more satisfied, happier, and less anxious; females were more stressed (10.7%); and age was negatively associated with happiness and satisfaction. Incorporating information on preferences to work more hours (underemployment) did not affect physicians’ but worsened the well-being of other professionals (lawyers and accountants). Surveyed physicians were less anxious, happier, and more satisfied than lawyers or accountants before Covid. Although the total work hours did not alter the SWB metrics, overtime hours for other professionals did. Increasing the working hours of underemployed physicians (with appropriate compensation) could be a relatively inexpensive solution to tackle the shortage of health workers in the short run.

The causal effects of working time on mental health: The effectiveness of the law reform raising the overtime wage penalty

AbstractThe present paper reexamines the causal effect of working hours on workers’ mental health. We utilize Japan's 2010 reform of the Labor Standards Act as a social experiment to examine how the increased wage penalty for long overtime work affects working hours and workers’ mental health. Utilizing a unique panel dataset containing health behaviours as well as individual, household and workplace characteristics of male workers, we find that the wage penalty reform indeed succeeded in reducing overtime hours and total working hours and that the reductions contributed to better mental health of workers. Further empirical investigation suggests that the reduction effect of the reform on working time is homogeneous among age groups; however, the harmful effect of working time on mental health is large and statistically significant among young workers. Our results suggest that setting a high wage penalty for long overtime work effectively reduces overtime work and improves workers’ health outcomes, particularly for young people.

Techno-economic assessment of potential zones for offshore wind energy: A methodology

This work presents a methodology for the techno-economic assessment and comparison of potential zones for the development of offshore wind energy. The methodology is illustrated through a case study in North Spain, using the high-potential zones designated by the Spanish government. The main elements considered include the bathymetry (water depths), energy production and total working hours based on the wind climate, maintenance windows based on the wave climate, and distance to selected port facilities that can accommodate the installation and operational and maintenance phases of an offshore wind farm. An interesting dichotomy arises moving from west to east along N Spain – energy production and working hours decrease, but maintenance windows increase. Given that both aspects play a role in the costs of an offshore wind project, pondering them adequately is crucial, and the selection of a particular zone for development may depend on project-specific cost models. Water depths may preclude the installation of bottom-fixed structures in certain areas; importantly, they may also represent a constraint for the deployment of certain floating concepts, particularly in the high-potential zones of the Cantabrian Sea. Finally, ports capable of servicing the offshore wind farms are identified and distances to all high-potential zones, calculated. By examining the unique properties of the high-potential zones, this methodology, which can be applied to other regions of interest for offshore wind, provides valuable insights into the advantages and challenges of offshore wind development at each site and thereby contributes to informed decision-making.

The state of workforce retention among US oncologists.

42 Background: With increasing incidence rate of human malignancy, it is critical to maintain an adequate oncologist workforce to meet the societal need for expected oncologic care. Methods: In January-February 2023, ASCO emailed a novel 36 item REDCap survey to 5892 U.S.-based ASCO physician members to evaluate career intentions. The survey included 2 questions from the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI). The survey was distributed through multiple ASCO channels in February-March 2023. Survey responses were compared to findings from a 2013 survey of 1345 oncologists by Shanafelt et al.1 Per convention, those with high levels of emotional exhaustion and/or depersonalization were categorized as having burnout. Results: 410 eligible responses were analyzed. Demographic characteristics of oncologists in active practice (ACs) (≥ 6 hours/week) and oncologists no longer in active practice (FCs) are summarized in the Table. Most ACs reported that their total work hours (57%) and hours spent on administrative work (68%) had increased since 2019 (pre-COVID). 49% reported an increase in patient care hours. Compared to ACs surveyed in 2013, a higher percentage of ACs surveyed in 2023 reported it was “likely” or “definite” they would leave their current practice within 2 years (21% vs. 17%, p=.049) or reduce their clinical work hours in the next 12 months (22% vs 16%; p=.009). High likelihood of leaving or reducing hours were associated with burnout (p=.002 and .003, respectively). When ACs were asked to identify up to 2 major work stressors, "Staffing levels” and “Use of the electronic health record” were the most common responses (47% of responders each) with “Payer policies and interactions” close behind (42%). Among retired FCs (42%, n=33), the median retirement age was 67 [IQR: 7]. A high proportion (42%, n=14) of these oncologists indicated they retired 2-4 years earlier than planned. Among FCs who had transitioned to non-clinical roles (56%, n=46), the median age to leave clinical practice was 58 [IQR: 21]. Among oncologists who had transitioned to non-clinical roles, the top reason for leaving clinical practice before age 50 was “Lack of satisfaction with clinical practice” (35%, n=6), while for those 50 or older it was “Desire for more work flexibility” (31%, n=9). Conclusions: The proportion of oncologists who intend to reduce clinical care hours or leave their current practice has risen over the past decade and is associated with professional burnout. Dissatisfaction with the practice environment has led some oncologists to leave clinical practice and/or retire earlier than planned. These trends have implications for the adequacy of the oncologist workforce to meet the needs of patients. (1) Shanafelt et al: J Clin Oncol 32(27), 2014. [Table: see text]

Competency development of the transition era of nursing student’s road to register Ners as agents of change

The main challenge faced by lecturers and academic staff is to prepare a competitive nursing curriculum that is connected to employment to prepare final year students for the Register of Ners (RN) during the transition period. Study to analyze and evaluate the transition process of late-stage nursing students to gain competencies according to clinical needs through clinical preceptorship. Cross sectional study analysis was used in this study. Sample characteristics include academic staff, 3rd year nursing students and nurse practitioners. The questionnaire consisted of 2 groups, 22 questions for staff and students, 23 questions for nurse practitioners. Test the validity of the Cronbach Alpha coefficient with an acceptance limit of 0.72 vs 0.73, (theory vs clinical function). SPPS data analysis is used according to design using descriptive statistics. Academic research is very minimally applied in clinical (85%), lack of knowledge and skills of academic staff (70%), use of conventional methods of ward management (72%), irrelevance of total working hours to nurse workload (82%), advantages and disadvantages of using standard clinical protocols (79%), nursing learning outcomes are not applied in health practice after graduation. The gap between theory and practice will interfere with the development of nursing specificity competencies in the face of the transition period towards Register Ners (RN's) as part of the renewal modality. Various recommended efforts to reduce this gap include through preceptorship training..

Employment status and the on-demand economy: a natural experiment on reclassification

Abstract This article uses data from a natural experiment to address one of the most contentious issues in the on-demand platform economy—whether gig work is compatible with standard employment. We analyze a US-based package delivery platform that shifted a subset of its workers from independent contractors to employees, thereby creating a natural experiment that allowed us to exploit variation over time and across locations. We examine the impact of employment status on work scheduling practices, hours of work and the firm’s ability to match workers’ scheduled hours with the amount of time they were actively engaged in parcel delivery. We find that after the transition to employment, flexibility with respect to how work schedules were determined was maintained, and drivers’ total hours of work increased. We also find that the switch to employee status increased the firm’s ability to match scheduled and actual working time, indicating greater operational efficiency. We conclude, contrary to claims commonly made by platform firms, that employment status can coexist with the platform model.

Put it in the bag: Order fulfillment with a pocket sorter system

AbstractDue to high real estate costs in urban areas, shop floor space is scarce in most brick‐and‐mortar stores. Maneuvering newly arrived merchandise through narrow aisles during shelf replenishment is time‐consuming for the sales staff and impedes customers. Therefore, many retail chains nowadays aim for store‐friendly shipments (SFS). By mirroring the layout of a store in the buildup of its dedicated shipments, the need for a zigzag movement through the store when replenishing shelves can be avoided. On the negative side, however, additional effort arises in the distribution centers. A suitable warehousing system to assemble SFS without excessive effort is a pocket (or pouch or bag) sorter, where each item is put into its separate bag. These bags, filled with items, are automatically transported while hanging from an overhead conveyor and can be sorted into any sequence before being delivered to the workstations that build SFS. This article investigates the assembly of SFS with a pocket sorter and presents scheduling procedures to enhance the efficiency of this process for a given set of store orders. We demonstrate that, despite its notorious complexity, the problem can be solved by simple decision rules with good performance. In a case study, we show that this approach can dramatically reduce the completion times of store orders, resulting in savings of more than 60% of the total working hours compared to a simple real‐world policy. Another 30% of reduction can be obtained by standardized store layouts.

Zio XT for ambulatory heart rhythm monitoring: a cost-benefit analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: None. Introduction Zio XT is a recent technology that has enabled automated heart rhythm analysis using an artificial intelligence-based algorithm. It can be fitted by patients and record the heart rhythm for 14 days, offering potential convenience, accuracy and efficiency compared to Holter monitors. However, data on its cost-effectiveness and impact on healthcare resources is lacking. Purpose We performed a cost-benefit analysis of Zio XT for electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring, using Holter monitors as the standard. Methods 200 patients that had Holters and 204 that had Zio XT at our centre were evaluated. Primary outcomes included impact of Zio on the number of outpatient appointments (OPAs) per year and impact on the cardiac physiologist (CP) workforce, depicted by whole time equivalent (WTE), calculated as the number of hours per year spent on monitor fitting or rhythm analysis ÷ total working hours per year. Secondary outcome was the impact on implantable loop recorders (ILR) insertions per year and the resultant effect on cost and time. Data from the 200 Holter and 204 Zio cases was extrapolated to model outcomes for 1 year, assuming 2000 patients undergo ECG monitoring per year (based on annual figures for our centre). Results 96% of Holter patients had OPAs for monitor fitting and 87% for follow-up. Corresponding figures for Zio patients were 0.5% and 70.1% respectively. Extrapolating this to our annual cohort estimated a net reduction of 1910 OPAs for monitor fitting and 338 for follow-up, saving a total of 2248 OPAs/year with Zio use. 65%, 12% and 23% of Holter patients underwent 24 hour (hr)-, 48hr- and 7 day-tapes respectively. Using a projected time of 20 minutes to fit a device and 30, 45 and 60 minutes to analyse a 24hr-, 48hr- and 7 day-tape respectively, we derived a total WTE of 0.41 for monitor fitting and WTE of 0.79 for rhythm analysis (Table 1), i.e. 41% of a band 4 CP’s time is spent on device fitting and 79% of a band 6 CP’s time is spent on analysis. For Zio, the WTE for device fitting was 0.002 and that for analysis was 0, suggesting that a WTE of 0.41 can be saved on monitor fitting and 0.788 on rhythm analysis. Using our data, we extrapolated that 10 patients in the Zio group and 60 in the Holter group would require ILRs in a year. Assuming an ILR insertion takes 15 minutes and removal takes 30 minutes, we estimated that Zio use could save 38 hrs of a CP’s time/year. Further, a saving of £90,000 was projected from the 50 ILR insertions that could be avoided (using a cost of £1800 per ILR insertion). Conclusion Our findings indicate that Zio XT is associated with a significant reduction in OPAs, ILR insertions and time spent on monitor fitting and rhythm analysis, and thus, is potentially cost- and time-saving. This could reduce outpatient waiting lists and liberate valuable physiologist time that can be redirected towards other services. Further reduction in OPAs may be observed as we emerge from the Zio learning path.

Prevalence of Carpel Tunnel Syndrome among IT Professionals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common problem that is caused by the pressure exerted on the medial nerve which causes pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness in the arm and hand. This syndrome is mostly related to repetitive movement of the hand and wrists. The current study aimed to find out the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and its associated symptoms among IT professionals. The main objective of this study was to identify the incidence of carpel tunnel syndrome and its associated symptoms among IT professionals. This Cross-Sectional Survey was conducted on 400 IT professionals working at the IT departments of Pak China Investment Company Limited, Attock Refinery Limited, and Pakistan Statistical House of Data. The sampling technique for the selection of research subjects was purposive sampling. The data was collected through a self-structured questionnaire for carpal tunnel syndrome. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23. Out of 400 participants the total numbers of males reported were 212 (53%) and the total number of female reported in this study was 188 (47%). The mean age ± SD of participants reported in this study was 43.05 ±7.71 years. For mean ± SD of total working hours came out to be as 9.2 ± 1.5 hours per day. Out of 400 participants, 108(18.2%) reported tingling and numbness in their hands. The mean ± SD for the right and left wrist joint flexion range of motion was 64o± 12.8. For the extension range of motion mean ±SD for extension in both right and left wrist joints was 64o± 12.8. For ulnar deviation in both the right and left wrist joints of the individuals mean ± SD was 24o± 8.30. For radial deviation in both the right and left wrist joints of the individuals mean ± SD was 20o± 5.53. It was concluded that a relatively low prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome was found among IT professionals. However, IT professionals were also experiencing discomfort and pain in their wrist/hand region due to their work. This unpleasant experience of pain and discomfort could be a future predictor of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Train maintenance personnel shift scheduling: case study.

In this study, the shift scheduling problem of the personnel who maintain the 324 trains operating on the lines of the Ankara Metro, which carry approximately 10 million passengers per month, is discussed. In the problem, daily personnel needs and personnel qualifications are evaluated together according to the fault prediction. Firstly, a total of 1721 fault data for 181days is analyzed, and the prediction is made according to 8 prediction methods. Then, a 30-day fault prediction is made with the prediction method, which has the least error rate. According to the number of faults obtained as a result of the prediction, the daily personnel requirement is determined. Then, according to the type of fault, the personnel are classified as electronics, electromechanics, and mechanics. It is aimed at distributing the personnel evenly to the shifts. The goal programming model is used to solve the problem, allowing us to add more than one goal to the model. When the solution results of the problem are compared with the current schedule, it is seen that the monthly total working hours are distributed equally, and the shifts are distributed fairly, and a necessary balance is achieved in the shifts according to the personnel qualifications. It is thought that this study, in which personnel qualifications and fault prediction are evaluated together, will contribute to the literature on railway maintenance personnel scheduling.

Does remote work erode trust in organizations? A within‐person investigation in the COVID‐19 context

AbstractThe global COVID‐19 pandemic led to a widespread increase in remote work arrangements. This trend raised concerns regarding the potential negative ramifications it might have for organizational trust and cooperation. We explored the initial effect of COVID‐19 induced remote work on trust in organizations: trust in co‐workers, trust in the supervisor and in the organization at large. In a four‐wave longitudinal survey of remote workers (N ∼ 1000) in the UK conducted between May 2020 and August 2020 (first COVID wave), we examined the association between the share of remote work (out of total working hours) and different forms of trust at work. The results showed that, for the same individual, increasing the share of working hours spent remotely was associated with more trust in the organization at large (but not in the supervisor and co‐workers). Further, during the months where individuals spent more time working remotely, they experienced lower turnover intentions (but not less burnout or more work engagement, productivity, and satisfaction) compared to the months where they spent less time working remotely. The results contribute to the literature on flexible work arrangements, organizational trust, and other work outcomes.

Comparative Analysis of Three Workload Measurement Methodologies in Surgical Pathology: Conclusions and Implications on Public Health Care and Costing of Pathology Services.

To carry out a comparative analysis between 3 different workload measurement systems in surgical pathology: the Resource-Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS), the Level 4 Equivalent (L4E), and the Automatable Activity-Based Approach to Complexity Unit Scoring (AABACUS). The RBRVS is one of the most widely used systems in terms of attempting to measure workload, whereas it has been proposed as a means of costing (and thus setting reimbursement rates) of surgical pathology services in Greece, despite being widely criticized for its inaccurate design. Surgical pathology workload for 1 representative month at Evaggelismos General Hospital was assessed using both the RBRVS and the 2 newer methods. Pearson correlation showed a high level of correlation (0.902, P < .01) between the L4E and AABACUS but less so between either of those and the RBRVS (0.712 and 0.626, respectively; P < .01). The highest level of discrepancy was observed in the subspecialties of genitourinary, breast, dermatopathology, and gastrointestinal pathology. In addition, total and average working hours as calculated by the RBRVS were significantly lower compared with the other 2 systems. The RBRVS tends to underestimate actual workload as a result of its inability to take specific workload parameters into account, such as slide count or the need for intradepartmental consultation.

Relationship of long working hours and night shift working hours with incident diabetes: a retrospective cohort study in Taiwan.

The relationship among long working hours, night shift working hours, and diabetes is still unclear. We aimed to evaluate the association of long working hours and night shift working hours with diabetes among health care workers. We conducted a retrospective cohort study among health care workers in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan from 2002 to 2019. We compared the risk of diabetes among tertiles of total working hours (35-41, 42-45, and≥46h per week) and evaluated the relationship between long working hours and diabetes risk. We divided participants into three work patterns: day work only, evening shift workers, and night shift workers. In night shift workers, we further evaluated night shift working hours and incident diabetes using tertiles of night shift working hours (<17, 17-45, and≥46h per month). We estimated hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for incident diabetes using multivariable Cox proportional hazardsmodels. The study included 7081 participants. There were 301 incident cases of diabetes during 52,454 person-years. The adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) for participants who worked greater than or equal to 46 working hours per week was 3.45 (1.27, 9.39) compared with those who worked 35-41hours. Compared with night shift workers who worked less than 17h, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for those who worked 17-45 and ≥46 night shift working hours per month were 2.26 (1.08, 4.75) and 2.60 (1.27, 5.33), respectively. Long working hours and night shift working hours increased the risk of diabetes.