Work Commitments Research Articles

Social Support Available to Commuter Couples in Jos, Nigeria

Commuter couples are married couples who do not share the same residence due to work and career commitments. In this study, heterosexual married commuter couples were studied concerning their social support networks to include people or activities they rely on to share their burdens and day-to-day activities when their spouses are not with them. The article reports on what social support is available to commuter couples in Jos, Nigeria and how these couples make use of the identified support networks to secure work-life balance. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with 17 commuter couples in Jos, Nigeria and is a part of a larger study. Results show that commuter couples studied identified emotional and instrumental social support that serves as a succour to their stressful work and daily lives. These include immediate close family members such as parents and siblings who understand their lifestyle as commuter couples and encourage and support them in various ways including child care, meal preparation and even moving in with them to ease the burden of taking on certain responsibilities alone; colleagues and kind bosses in the workplace who facilitate their visits home and give them the flexibility to cope with the home front; personal religious practices were also identified by couples to see them through tough days and difficult challenges.

EMBRACING GENDER EQUALITY: MOVING BEYOND THE NOTION OF SUPERIORITY IN NIGERIA (2024)

The paper analyzes gender equality with a view to moving beyond the notion of superiority in Nigeria. Gender equality is often misconceived as a competition for superiority rather than a celebration of diverse contributions across all genders. This paper advocates for a paradigm shift towards recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all genders, emphasizing collaboration to foster inclusivity. It also mentions the relevance and efficiency of both genders in a national movement especially to foster oneness at all levels. The absence of a particular gender does not mean incapacitation of the other; instead, it could result in less effectiveness in accomplishment of desired goals and targets. Drawing on theoretical framework of intersectionality theory of gender and adopting the secondary method of data collection, the paper underscores the importance of embracing diversity to create a more equitable society; and the accommodation-cum-involvement of each gender for effectiveness. The paper found that the starting point of progress is the merging of the effort of both genders not side lining one to favor the other; not exalting one and relegating the other but exploring both parties’ tendencies for a collective goal. The study recommends that government should invest heavily in affordable and accessible childcare facilities that can enable women to balance work and care giving responsibilities effectively. Providing subsidies or tax incentives for childcare services reduces the financial burden on families and encourages women's workforce participation. Moreover, establishing workplace childcare centers or flexible work arrangements, such as telecommuting or flexible hours, allows parents to manage their work and family commitments more effectively

Pengaruh Work Family Conflict dan Stres Kerja terhadap Komitmen Pegawai di Biro SDM Kementerian Pendidikan, Kebudayaan, Riset dan Teknologi Republik Indonesia

This research is about the phenomenon of employees who work in government institutions and also play a role in the household and family. These two different roles are considered to have an impact on work activities which cause stress in the implementation of work which in turn also affects the implementation of employee work commitments. The aim of the research is to determine the influence of work family conflict and work stress on employee work commitment at the HR Bureau of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. The research method uses a quantitative approach with survey methods. Data analysis using the classic assumption test and t test. The research results explain that there is a significant influence between work family conflict and work stress and employee commitment, but the relationship is negative. The simultaneous test between work-family conflict and work stress and employee commitment also explains a significant relationship.

Optimizing Lifelong Learning Opportunity for the Out-of-School Youth and Adults: A Needs Assessment for Empowerment and Educational Advancement

As advocated in UNSDG 4, lifelong learning is crucial in providing alternative learning opportunities to marginalized individuals with limited access to formal education. Through the non-formal and informal education projects under the Alternative Learning System (ALS), the out-of-school youth and adults are given a chance to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enhance their employability, personal development, and overall well-being. This needs analysis research, anchored with the Participatory Learning and Action Approach and the Theory of Critical Pedagogy, aimed at designing innovative non-formal and informal education projects aligned with the needs and interests of out-of-school youth and adults. The data collected from 136 ALS learners showed that the priority projects should focus on pre-employment activities, personality development and career planning, substance abuse prevention, eCommerce and entrepreneurship, cooking and baking, and sports and fitness. Results revealed that the project components are implemented successfully to a moderate extent. The factors that affected its implementation included the need for more sufficient resources, inadequate monitoring and evaluation, and limited opportunities to participate or apply the acquired skills. The ALS learners pinpointed that low interest or motivation, lack of time due to work commitments, low awareness of the programs, and transportation or distance-related issues contributed to low peer engagement.

Self-reported preferences and barriers to continued professional development in primary care physicians: a cross-sectional web-based survey in Qatar

IntroductionHigh quality and effective primary healthcare is a national priority in Qatar. Continuing professional development (CPD) for physicians is a cornerstone of this objective, yet little is known about physicians’ preferences or barriers to CPD participation.MethodA needs assessment was conducted using a cross-sectional web-based survey of primary care physicians registered with the Department of Healthcare Practitioners (DHP) between March and June 2017.ResultsTwo-hundred-and-eighty-one complete surveys were submitted representing physicians in both public (N = 129) and private sectors (N = 152). Physicians completed medical degrees and postgraduate training across multiple countries, and most had been practicing in Qatar for 5 years or less. ‘Activities during working hours’, ‘cost’ and ‘work commitments’ were the most common barriers. There was little consensus regarding the optimal timing of CPD activities, although public sector physicians were more likely to indicate weekend activities as a barrier to participation (30% vs. 9%). Over 90% of participants preferred traditional lectures, workshops, case-based sessions, small group and online self-paced learning as formats for CPD delivery, however alternative modes of delivery were also deemed acceptable (> 80% agreement).ConclusionUnderstanding primary care physicians’ barriers and preferences is an essential component of a larger necessitated needs assessment of CPD in primary care practitioners in Qatar. Further research is warranted to understand the underlying beliefs driving physicians’ choices and the apparent variation between those working in the public and private sectors. CPD developers should consider approaches to mitigate perceived barriers and understand preferences to maximize the quality of participation.

Lived Experiences of BPO Onsite Employed Students

This study aimed to investigate the lived experiences of BPO on-site employed students at the University of Cebu- Main Campus, including the challenges they encounter, how they manage pressure and stress, and the coping mechanisms they employ to balance their academic responsibilities with their work commitments. The qualitative research method was employed to achieve this, with sixteen (16) participants selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved conducting semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions, and the qualitative data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2006) thematic analysis approach. The analysis revealed fourteen (14) emergent themes, categorized under four (4) overarching themes, which addressed the sub-problems. The overarching themes included the reasons for working while studying, categorized as "Reasons of Participants on Working While Studying" with four (4) emergent themes: Good Work Compensation, Competency, Interpersonal Skill, and Provider. The lived experiences of BPO on-site employed students fell under the theme "Lived Experiences as a BPO on-site Employed Student," with four (4) emergent themes: On Physiological Needs, Overwhelming Workload, Patience, and Night Life. The challenges faced by the participants were grouped under "Challenges Met by the Participants," with three (3) emergent themes: Time Management, Sleep Deprivation, and Irate Customers. Lastly, the coping mechanisms employed by the participants were classified under the theme "Coping Mechanisms of the Participants on the Challenges Met," with three (3) emergent themes: Me Time, Not Giving Care, and Positivity. The study's findings and recommendations addressed the challenges experienced by on-site employed students working in the BPO industry, providing valuable insights into their unique experiences.

E-Learning in Nursing and Midwifery during the COVID-19 Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, e-learning has increased. This is a challenge for nursing and midwifery students, as clinical training is an essential part of their education. The aim of this review was to identify the advantages and limitations of e-learning for nursing and midwifery students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review of the literature was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. The international databases PubMed, CINAHL/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect were searched. Articles were critically appraised. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise the data. The search resulted in 91 hits. Thirteen studies were included in the final analysis. Three main themes were identified: (1) the benefits of e-learning; (2) the challenges/limitations of e-learning; and (3) recommendations for e-learning. E-learning in nursing and midwifery is an effective alternative learning process during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students perceive several benefits and challenges related to internet access, technical equipment, financial aspects, and work and family commitments.

Making teamwork work in the virtual classroom

The quality of online programmes is expected to improve as more students enrol. Online programmes offer convenience, enabling students to pursue education despite time constraints and work commitments. Students, however, still expect an experience comparable to that of face-to-face classes. As a result, many colleges and universities are beginning to explore the use of teamwork to provide students with a sense of community in online programmes, while also enhancing their learning. Although virtual teams can overcome the limitations of time, space and organisational boundaries that hinder traditional teams, they face other obstacles in distributed environments, including limited technical abilities and a lack of collaborative skills. This practice paper explores the work of a new assistant professor who incorporated teamwork in virtual classrooms into an online educational leadership programme. This paper aims to share the challenges and benefits experienced by the instructor while engaging in group work in an online classroom environment, including the various successes and lessons learned.

Original Research Clinical attendance rate at a tertiary adult audiological service in South Africa.

Clinical non-attendance to audiological appointments may negatively affect early diagnosis and intervention as well as treatment outcomes for adults with hearing impairments. This study aimed to explore the attendance rate and factors influencing attendance and non-attendance at an adult audiology diagnostic clinic at a tertiary hospital in Gauteng, South Africa. A mixed-methods research design, utilising structured questionnaires and a retrospective record review was adopted. A total of 31 adult patients at a diagnostic audiology clinic were interviewed. Findings revealed an attendance rate of 47.62%, with 52.38% rate failure to return for follow-up appointments. Key reasons for attendance included understanding the need for appointments (57%), staff attitudes (42%) and appointment reminders (17%), and those for non-attendance included multiple appointments (33%), work commitments (28%), transport (8%) and forgetting about the appointment (8%). Six reasons for non-attendance were prominent in the current study: having multiple appointments (33%), work commitments (28%), forgetting the appointment (8%), transport difficulties (8%), attitudes and/or perceptions of the healthcare system (4%) and sequelae of hearing impairment (8%). This study reinforces previous research findings while highlighting that health literacy and Batho Pele (people first) ethos by staff positively influence attendance.Contribution:Current findings contribute towards contextually relevant evidence on the attendance rate in this sector for ear and hearing care, as well as additional insights into factors influencing this within the South African context. This information is crucial for clinical services provision planning as well as for policy formulation around resource allocation in the public healthcare sector.

Women’s Participation in Training on The Processing of Economic Value Rubber Seeds and Local Wisdom Based in Curahtakir Village, Jember

Curahtakir Village, located in Jember, is affiliated with PTPN XII and serves as a prominent rubber-producing community. A significant proportion of the village's population comprises women who are actively engaged in rubber-related labor. A significant quantity of rubber seeds is discarded and commercially traded at a price range of IDR 2000-3000 per kilogram. The absence of sufficient knowledge regarding the local potential necessitates the provision of training programs focused on the conversion of rubber seeds into high-value food products. The rubber seed chip products have the potential to enhance the local wisdom of Curahtakir Village. This research explains women's participation, empowerment through training for women, and training based on local wisdom. The study involved conducting interviews with female rubber workers, trainees, and members of the local community. The village chiefs serve as supplementary sources of information to obtain insights on the involvement of women in training programs. The findings indicated a significant level of active participation among women. During the pre-planning, the activities aimed at promoting women's participation persist in their planning and evaluation, despite encountering various obstacles, such as the challenges posed by their existing work commitments. The implementation continued to run well, the participants continued to follow the activity process to completion.

Abstract 13876: Women Face Unique Obstacles During Pediatric Cardiology Fellowship Training

Background: There are persistent disparities in career advancement for women physicians in pediatric cardiology. We sought to explore differences by gender in fellowship experience, as these may set the foundation for long-term gender inequity. Aims: To describe and compare fellowship experiences, career aspirations and family obligations of men and women in pediatric cardiology training. Methods: We performed a national survey of pediatric cardiology fellows examining mentorship, scholarly and DEI work, clinical experiences, career intentions and family commitments. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results: A total of 176 responses were included in the analysis (men=74, women=102). Most fellows were white (69%) and aged 30-34 years old (68%). Men and women reported similar mentorship, scholarly and clinical experiences, and influential factors in their decision to pursue subspecialty training. More women plan to pursue advanced imaging training (42% vs. 24%, p=0.04), to have administrative responsibilities (27% vs. 14%, p=0.06), and to work part time during their career (28% vs. 5.6%, p=0.001). Men reported greater interest in teaching (93% vs. 83%, p=0.04). While similar proportions of men and women were married, the spouses of women were more likely to be employed (91% vs. 71%, p=0.002). Among fellows with children, more women than men planned for additional children (75% vs. 25%, p=0.0004). Among fellows without children, more men than women planned for additional children (93% vs. 74%, p=0.01). Women were more likely to report delay in childbearing due to training (71% vs. 40%, p=0.0002), that childbearing decisions were influenced by the risk of radiation exposure (22% vs. 0%, p<.0001), and the use of assistive reproductive technologies (11% vs. 1%, p=0.01). Conclusion(s): Women and men in pediatric cardiology fellowship have similar training experiences and career aspirations yet differ in their plans to raise families. Women face unique obstacles to childbearing and child raising during training. Motherhood in pediatric cardiology may be a vulnerable period during career development and advancement.

Mental health struggles of social work students: Distress, stigma, and perseverance

Growing evidence reports that social work students experience financial hardship and negative impacts on their health and wellbeing as they juggle study, paid work, and family commitments. Social work qualifying programmes require extended compulsory field placements, which increase students’ financial stress and potentially exacerbate mental health vulnerabilities. A national survey of social work students and recent graduates in Aotearoa New Zealand, was conducted in 2019, gaining 353 responses, augmented by 31 semi-structured interviews. We report the analysis of both open-question survey and interview data related to students’ experience of mental distress. The survey revealed that 58.4% of respondents had sought medical advice on mental health while a social work student. At the same time, 60% of participants who experienced significant anxiety, stress, or depression chose not to seek medical advice for their mental health. Cost and access were among the main reasons for not seeking help. However, more than one in four (28%) identified stigma and fear of career consequences as reasons for not seeking help. This finding has implications for social work education and needs further research and policy development.

Benefits of a short course on mental health well-being and resilience for healthcare workers in South Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThe study explored whether an asynchronous short online course in mental health well-being and resilience for healthcare workers (HCWs) showed improved self-reported results among participants during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive cross-sectional study evaluated the course outcomes using the 10-item Connor and Davison's Resilience Scale, the World Health Organization's WHO-five well-being index and self-developed questions. Data were collected via online questionnaires before and after course completion.FindingsA total of 1 301 HCWs participated. The highest proportion of participants was from South Africa (SA) (93.7%) and females (78.7%). Analysed mean pre- and post-training scores showed increased scores in all five domains: knowledge, confidence in course outcomes, behaviour, resilience and well-being. Confidence in the course outcomes was the only common significant construct for both well-being and resilience. Mindfulness activities (β = 0.12, 95%CI [0.032, 0.213], p = 0.008) and self-care behaviours (β = 0.14, 95%CI [0.035, 0.241], p = 0.009) were significant predictors of participants' well-being. Coping mechanisms for stress (β = 0.12, 95%CI [0.036, 0.21], p = 0.006) and connecting with a social support network (β = 0.085, 95%CI [0.0007, 0.17], p = 0.048) were significant predictors of participants' resilience. Those working in the private sector, those working in clinical settings and those who were female showed significant associations with well-being and resilience.Research limitations/implicationsThe results are self-reported data which may be susceptible to social desirability and acquiescent effects. There are no guarantees that positive effects observed during this study are sustained over time. The study sample was selective in that it excluded those who did not consent for the use of their data and those who did not complete the course.Originality/valueThe research is noteworthy as literature shows that female HCWs tend to have worse mental health outcomes than males in the same field. Online learning can enable HCWs to conveniently access mental health education, accommodate their work commitments and explore topics that are potentially stigmatising.

A practical guide to improve sleep and performance in athletes

Sleep is vital for optimal mental and physical health. For athletes, optimizing sleep is becoming a popular strategy to enhance athletic performance. Athletes often complain of sleep problems including insufficient sleep and insomnia symptoms and are also at a higher risk for sleep disordered breathing. Sleep disorders and insufficient sleep can contribute to excessive sleepiness, daytime dysfunction, and performance problems. In contrast, better sleep provides benefits for physical health and athletic performance. For athletes, multiple factors can contribute to insufficient sleep. Sport-specific factors include frequent travel across time zones, competition and training schedules, high training loads, and sleeping in an unfamiliar environment. Non-sport-related factors include work, social, and family commitments; attitudes and sleeping beliefs; individual characteristics, such as chronotype or preference for morning or evening; and lifestyle choices. Fortunately, there are strategies that can be implemented to improve sleep in athletes including (a) education and emphasis on the importance of sleep; (b) sleep screening; providing extra sleep opportunities like (c) banking sleep and (d) napping; improving sleep hygiene like (e) proper light exposure; (f) a good pre-sleep routine; (g) a conducive sleep environment; (h) a strategy for supplementation; (i) utilizing circadian timing adjustments; and (j) jet lag management. Increased recognition of the importance of sleep from sport professionals and screening for sleep disorders and disturbances will be key for future athlete health, well-being, and performance.

Exploring lean team development from the Tuckman’s model perspective

This study explores lean teams through the developmental stages of the Tuckman model. Twenty-seven interviewees commented on the teamwork of a lean programme deployed in their organisations. The results reveal that forming lean teams involves excitement, anticipation, and a desire for acceptance. However, frustration, competition, and a need for individual recognition follow in the storming phase. Training programmes that foster cooperation, compromise, and unity sometimes inadvertently create a 'them vs. us’ divide in an organisation’s workforce in the norming phase. Additionally, work commitments hinder the development of shared mental models among team members. Lean teams achieve synergy, support, and goal focus in the performing phase, delivering six functions. However, challenges like prioritisation disagreements due to project overload still exist. The adjourning phase evokes mixed emotions: satisfaction with transitioning to a permanent team and sadness when the team disbands. The findings extend the Tuckman model to explain a lean team development lifecycle.

Demand-oriented design of telemedical services in gynecologic oncology

BackgroundThe medical field is in the midst of a massive expansion in telemedical services. However, it is not possible to say to what extent telemedical offerings can be designed to meet needs in the German healthcare system. This study provides insights into demand-oriented care using telemedical services for gynecological patients.MethodsA total of 262 patients who received systemic therapy for gynecological oncology were surveyed anonymously using a questionnaire regarding their acceptance of telemedicine from February 2021 to April 2021.ResultsInsufficient computer skills were associated with less acceptance of telemedicine treatment by gynecological oncology patients and presented a barrier. However, the patient’s level of education was not related to the level of acceptance. Long travel distances from medical facilities and some types of patient occupations significantly increased the acceptance of telemedicine services. A high level of education, on the other hand, was not associated with the approval of telemedical approaches. Long journeys and work commitments increased the acceptance of telemedical visits.ConclusionsThe results of this study show that the factors investigated have an influence on the acceptance of telemedical offerings by patients. Barriers such as insufficient computer skills must be taken into account when implementing telemedicine services. Telemedicine can provide physical and economic relief for patients if telemedical planning is tailored to their needs.

Navigating the challenges of female leadership in the information and communication technology and engineering sectors

PurposeThis paper addresses the issue of the underrepresentation of women in leadership positions within the information and communication technology (ICT) and engineering fields. The study examines the complex issue of vertical segregation and gender equality by exploring the barriers that women encounter and the potential coping strategies they adopt to advance in their careers.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a qualitative approach, conducting semi-structured interviews with 17 women at middle and upper management levels in the ICT and engineering sectors. This approach aims to better understand women's workplace experiences and gain deeper insights into the nature of the barriers they face.FindingsThe study identifies four main factors hindering women's progression toward senior management positions, namely working hours, work-family conflict, social role stereotypes and second-generation bias. The results also offer useful insights into the coping strategies adopted by women to overcome these barriers.Practical implicationsThe study highlights the persisting underrepresentation of women in senior positions, indicating a societal and organizational lag in terms of inclusion and equity. It underscores the importance of developing effective policies to address the challenges faced by employees striving to balance their work and family commitments. Training is recognized as an important tool for raising awareness about gender stereotypes among employees and reducing second-generation bias.Originality/valueThis study provides valuable lessons derived from its findings, including potential strategies that organizations can implement to help women navigate and overcome workplace barriers in the ICT and engineering fields.

Reconciling Paid Work and Informal Caregiving Among Older Adults: Implications for Work Interference With Family.

Many older adults who combine paid work and informal caregiving responsibilities are often in work arrangements that differ from their preference. There is reason to believe that such work status incongruence may lead to work interference with family (WIF). In response, many governments have policies that support flexible work arrangements (FWA) to help individuals manage work and family commitments. This paper examines whether work status preferences contribute to WIF for older adults who combine work and care and whether the use of flexible work arrangements moderates this relationship. The study included 610 informal caregivers (aged 55-70 years) in paid employment who participated in either the 2018 or 2020 waves of the New Zealand Health, Work and Retirement study. Using a simple moderation analysis with demographic controls, the effects of work status preferences and FWAs on WIF were estimated. After controlling for confounds, significant main effects were found for both work status preferences and flexible work arrangements on WIF. The moderation analysis revealed that involuntary part-timers using flexible time-off arrangements reported lower levels of WIF. However, other types of flexible work arrangements did not moderate the relationship between work status preferences and WIF. These findings suggest that work status preferences can contribute to WIF, but not all types of flexible work arrangements alleviate it. Policy initiatives designed to reduce WIF for those combining work and care should consider accounting for differences in the work status preferences of older workers.

A systemic transformation of an arts and sciences curriculum to nurture inclusive excellence of all students through course-based research experiences

IntroductionWe describe herein a large-scale, multidisciplinary course-based undergraduate research experience program (CRE) developed at Lawrence Technological University (LTU). In our program, all students enrolled in CRE classes participate in authentic research experiences within the framework of the curriculum, eliminating self-selection processes and other barriers to traditional extracurricular research experiences.MethodsSince 2014, we have designed and implemented more than 40 CRE courses in our College of Arts and Sciences involving more than 30 instructors from computer science, mathematics, physics, biology, chemistry, English composition, literature, philosophy, media communication, nursing, and psychology.ResultsAssessment survey data indicates that students who participate in CRE courses have an enhanced attitude towards research and discovery, as well as increased self-efficacy. This intervention is particularly relevant for non-traditional students, such as students who commute and/or have significant work or childcare commitments, who often experience limited access to research activities.DiscussionHerein we highlight the importance of a systemic institutional change that has made this intervention sustainable and likely to outlast the external funding phase. Systemic change can emerge from a combination of conditions, including: (1) developing a critical mass of CRE courses by providing instructors with both incentives and training; (2) developing general principles on which instructors can base their CRE activities; (3) securing and maintaining institutional support to promote policy changes towards a more inclusive institution; and (4) diversifying the range of the intervention, both in terms of initiatives and disciplines involved.

Dissecting the Gendered Diplomacy Paradigm: Delving into the Participation and Far-reaching Influence of Women in the Realm of International Relations

Gender diplomacy is a critical examination of the impact of women on global affairs, specifically focusing on their roles in key diplomatic positions such as ambassadors, foreign ministers, and heads of international organizations. This article employs a thorough analysis of statistical data and trends to assess the extent of gender parity in decision-making positions within international relations. It explores the influence of women's participation in shaping international relations, emphasizing instances where their involvement has contributed to conflict resolution and the implementation of gender-driven strategies. The article also sheds light on successful examples of gender-equal diplomacy while addressing pervasive challenges such as minimal representation, glass ceilings, and cultural biases. Structural and personal barriers are explored, with a particular emphasis on the absence of gender-sensitive policies and the delicate balance required between work and family commitments. To propel gender equality within the diplomatic arena, the article proposes a series of strategic measures, including policy recalibration, awareness initiatives, and robust international cooperation. The overarching goal is to foster a diplomatic environment characterized by genuine and comprehensive gender parity