Scheduled Research Articles

Unleashing service recovery excellence: exploring the power of dimensional autonomy and thriving at work as catalysts during COVID-19

PurposeThis study explores how three-dimensional job autonomy (decision-making, work method and work scheduling) affects employees’ thriving at work and service recovery performance in the hospitality industry during COVID-19.Design/methodology/approachThis study utilized cross-sectional dyadic data from 287 frontline workers in the Chinese hospitality sector and analyzed it with Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) and the PROCESS macro.FindingsThe findings indicate that three-dimensional autonomy has a direct impact on thriving and an indirect effect on service recovery performance (SRP) through thriving, and the relationship between three-dimensional autonomy and thriving is moderated by SOCV19R.Originality/valueThis study addresses the existing gap in research regarding the various aspects of autonomy. It explores how distinct dimensions of autonomy affect employees’ thriving at work and, in turn, influence their ability to excel in service recovery. Furthermore, it sheds light on how the unique circumstances of COVID-19, as represented by SOCV19R, play a role in understanding the dynamics between different forms of autonomy and employees’ thriving.

How gender shapes practice choices among family medicine residents and early career family physicians: a Canadian qualitative study.

The practice choices of family medicine residents and early career family physicians shape access to primary care. A growing proportion of family physicians are women. This study examined how gender operates in shaping family physician practice choices and subsequent practice patterns. Qualitative interview data were analyzed. Family medicine residents and early-career family physicians from three Canadian provinces (Nova Scotia, Ontario, and British Columbia) participated in interviews. Qualitative interview data was collected as part of a larger mixed methods study. Eighty-eight interviews were transcribed verbatim and coded into several node reports including one on gender. Reflexive thematic analysis was conducted to identify themes related to how gender impacts physician practice choices. Many participants described multiple intersecting pathways through which it was apparent that gender shaped their career and practice choices. Others did not identify the impact of gender in this regard. Parenthood and caregiving were commonly discussed, as were clinical interests specific to women's health, however, gendered expectations of patients and colleagues were also seen to shape choices. In this way, gender shaped choices directly, but also indirectly in response to gendered experiences and expectations. Findings support the need for structural reforms including: increased availability of collaborative team based models, flexible work schedules, closure of gendered wage gaps, and integration of gender awareness training through academic and healthcare institutions. Consideration of how primary care policies differentially impact across clinician gender is key to future planning to support a changing workforce that meets patient needs.

Emergency nursing staff's well-being, burnout, and sleep on 12-hour shifts.

To know job satisfaction, work-family balance, sleep quality, and burnout in nursing staff after the introduction of the 12-h rotating shift in the emergency department of a tertiary hospital. Cross-sectional observational design carried out in February 2023 for the first collection (T1) and October 2023 for the second collection (T2) in emergency nursing staff. Sociodemographic data, work and family reconciliation, job satisfaction, degree of burnout, and sleep quality were collected. In T1, 66.7% (74) of professionals answered, with an average age of 44.72 years (SD:10.60). 50% were on a 12-h shift. In T2, 91.9% (102) of professionals answered, with an average age of 44.75 years (SD11.07). 54.9% were on a 12-h shift. 71.2% in T1 and 66.7% in T2 were somewhat or very satisfied with the flexibility of their work schedules. 8.9% in T1 and 10.3% had a high overall burnout. In T1, the average global PSQI score was 7.66 (SD:3.82) and in T2 it was 8.46 (SD:4.05). Significant differences were found in terms of work and family reconciliation between the different rotating shifts analyzed (p < 0.05), and not significant for the rest of the variables. Emergency nursing staff prefer 12-h shifts as they facilitate work-family reconciliation and do not negatively affect sleep, burnout, or job satisfaction.

Strategi Belajar Pemagang Indonesia di Jepang dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Bahasa Jepang

This study explores the strategies Indonesian interns employ to enhance their Japanese language proficiency during internships in Japan. A qualitative research method was utilized, collecting data through an online survey from 90 respondents. The survey included information on personal characteristics, learning strategies, experiences, and challenges encountered during the learning process. Analysis revealed that most interns were male (86.7%) with a predominant age range of 26-30 years, most of whom had resided in Japan for over 2 years. While many had educational backgrounds equivalent to high school, their initial proficiency levels in Japanese varied, with most starting at level N4. Common learning strategies included self-study using media such as videos (including films and TV shows), reading Japanese textbooks, and practicing speaking with friends. Direct interaction with native Japanese speakers outside work contexts was also considered crucial. Despite relatively low participation in formal Japanese language classes, respondents found their chosen self-study methods to be effective. Primary challenges included time constraints and difficulties in grasping Japanese grammar. Effective strategies identified for improving Japanese language proficiency among interns encompass consistent self-directed learning, direct interaction with native speakers, and the use of relevant learning resources. The implications of this research underscore the importance of adapting to irregular work schedules and maintaining high motivation to achieve significant progress in mastering the Japanese language.

Exploring The Relationship Between Parental Work Schedules and Their Children’s School Attendance

Exploring The Relationship Between Parental Work Schedules and Their Children’s School Attendance

Good Jobs or Bad Jobs? Immigrant Workers in the Gig Economy

New work arrangements enabled by online platforms, or gig work, saw substantive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Various estimates have suggested the wide participation of workers in the gig economy, with minority and immigrant workers well represented. The quality of work is a multi-dimensional concept that goes beyond earnings. One framework of good jobs and bad jobs centers on control over work schedule, content and duration, stability, safety, benefits and insurance, as well as career advancement opportunities. Using a newly released national survey focused on entrepreneurs and workers in the United States, we find that about 18.5 percent immigrant workers and 21.1 percent native-born workers participated in the gig economy as their primary or secondary job. In terms of job quality, immigrant gig workers work shorter hours and have significantly less fringe benefits than non-gig workers as well as U.S.-born gig workers, reflecting a double disadvantage. However, they tend to have higher entrepreneurial aspirations, suggesting the transient nature of gig arrangements and potential for career advancements. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics and implication of immigrants’ engagement with the gig economy and offers policy and theoretical discussions.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Central Sterile Supply Technicians, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand

Objective: The study aimed to examine the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among central sterile supply technicians (CSSTs) in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Thailand, and investigate the risk factors associated with these disorders.Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among CSSTs regarding work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Technicians were asked about the presence and severity of disorders throughout the whole body during the sterilization procedure. The survey was distributed to the CSSTs at the central sterilization supply departments (CSSDs) of 32 hospitals in Nakhon Si Thammarat province, Thailand.Results: The prevalence rate of WMSDs in various bodily regions was assessed among technicians at the time of questioning (88.3%), after one week (65.4%), and after one year (59.2%). Various body parts were reported to have developed Musculoskeletal problems, with the lower back being the most frequently reported (88.8%), followed by the upper back (84.9%), and the ankles/feet (38.5%). These MSDs were influenced by age over 30 years (odds ratio [OR] 3.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.59-6.93), work schedule (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.02-4.96) and the handling of heavy-load equipment (OR 2.56, 95% CI 1.47-10.37) or carts, which significantly increased the risk of developing such illnesses.Conclusion: Many CSSTs from the CSSDs reported WMSDs in various locations on their bodies. Lower back pain was the most common complaint.

Therapeutic Interventions Targeting Circadian Rhythms

Occurring biologically in a 24-hour cycle, circadian rhythms affect important activities like metabolism, hormone production, and sleep-wake cycles. Many medical illnesses, including sleep problems, depression, and metabolic syndromes, have been linked to disruptions in circadian rhythms. This study reviews the therapeutic approaches that aim to realign disrupted circadian rhythms. Among the methods under discussion are light therapy, melatonin supplements, chronotherapy, and pharmaceutical treatments aiming at circadian paths. The review includes studies that assess the efficacy and utilization of these therapies in clinical settings. Results imply that these treatments show encouraging results in controlling circadian rhythm problems, especially for diseases like insomnia, seasonal affective disorder, and shift work schedule. Still, topics needing more study are patient response variability and the long-term efficacy of these therapies. The possibility of tailored therapy strategies to improve the efficacy of circadian rhythm therapies and reduce side effects is underlined in this study.

Perceptions of Work–Family–Engineering Relationships Among Employed Female Engineers in Yemen: A Survey Study

Work–family conflict (WFC) is a worldwide and timeless dilemma that negatively and significantly impacts the performance of employees, families, and organizations. It intensifies when the career is engineering, the employee is female, and the job environment requires heavy-duty and field tasks. The present study investigates the WFC in an engineering environment for female engineers and studies many women-related issues in Yemen. Three questionnaires targeted 130 female engineer graduates, 60 senior engineers, and 20 female engineers’ husbands. The results indicated that marriage is strongly and negatively correlated to educational performance, job opportunities, and job continuity. The present study suggests that, in conservative societies, disruptions from family-to-work are more pronounced compared to work-to-family. Several external factors, including low stipends, economic downturns, and political crises, have a negative impact on job opportunities and job spillover. A significant finding revealed that the average wage of female engineers in Yemen is USD 145, which is 3.822 times lower than that of their male counterparts. The survey results indicated that only single female engineers, but not married female engineers, are currently employed in the industrial and construction sector. Most female engineering graduates are working in jobs unrelated to engineering. Employed females face balancing professional responsibilities, household tasks, and social commitments. Society needs to implement policies that alleviate the pressure on women’s work and promote and support dual-earning couples to enhance family income. The present study recommends organizations offer flexible work schedules, allow remote work options, and create a healthy work environment to address the work–family imbalance, particularly in male-dominated environments.

Influence of Work-Life Balance and Work Engagement on Successful Aging at Work in Uganda Health Sector

The workplace is going through a paradigm shift marked by the presence of employees from four different generations. Yet globally, governments, organizations, and individual health workers have limited guidance on how to facilitate successful ageing at work. The present study adopts the innovative theory to test the influence of work-life balance and work engagement on successful ageing at work in Uganda's health sector. It employed a quantitative approach and specifically a correlational design. The sample consisted of 220 participants from a Municipality health sector, determined using the census sampling design. The study utilized a statistical package for social scientists (SPSS), specifically Pearson’s correlation and regression tests to assess the hypotheses. Significant findings indicated that work-life balance and work absorption were significantly associated. Work-life balance and work engagement had 1.5% predictive power over variations in successful ageing at work. However, work-life balance was a highly significant predictor of variance in successful ageing. Human resource policies and practices aimed at sustaining an optimum balance between work and family life including acceptable work schedules, working from home, maternity and paternal leaves; and semi-retirement adjustment counselling and guidance are indicated

Self-determination Theory as a Lens to Explore the Implementation Challenges of Telehealth

Many benefits can be gained from telehealth, including reduced travel time, flexible work schedules, increased patient satisfaction, and a cost-effective method of providing care. Furthermore, telehealth provides rehabilitation professionals with the opportunity to observe people in their natural environment as they conduct their daily activities and identify any barriers to their functioning. Despite these advantages, and after a substantial amount of research supporting its effectiveness, telehealth remains relatively underutilized. Self-determination theory (SDT) is a theoretical framework for explaining motivation in terms of three basic psychological needs: competence, relatedness, and autonomy. Using the SDT, we suggest analyzing the motivational challenges faced by the therapists when implementing telehealth. We assert that the transition to a remote treatment model can be advantageous for rehabilitation professionals since it provides them with a greater degree of autonomy. Nevertheless, a turning point can only be achieved if relatedness and competence are maintained.

Organizational strategies of eldercare work and health - Is the daily number of residents cared for over 14 months associated with back pain?

The growing care demands of an aging population and a smaller workforce is a big societal problem. Therefore, knowledge on how to organize eldercare work without hampering workers` health is needed. We aimed to investigate if workers` daily number of residents cared for over 14 months is associated with low-back pain in eldercare workers. We included 513 eldercare workers from 122 wards. In each ward, we gathered quarterly data over 14 months on the number of residents, workers, and work schedules and calculated the daily numbers of residents each worker cared for. Workers reported intensity and days with low-back pain via monthly text messages over 14 months. Using generalized linear mixed models adjusted for confounders, we investigated the association between the number of residents workers cared for daily and low-back pain among those workers. In 3-month periods over 14 months, caring for ≥1 resident per day was associated with a 4% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02-1.07] increased risk of more days with low-back pain, and a 2% (95% CI 1.00-1.03) increase in low-back pain intensity among workers. Eldercare workers are at a higher risk of experiencing low-back pain during periods when they care for a greater number of residents each day. Maintaining a consistent number of residents and workload for workers over a 14-month period could serve as an effective organizational strategy to prevent low-back pain.

Did COVID-19 hurt consumer financial well-being? Factors associated with consumer bankruptcy risks during the pandemic

PurposeThe COVID-19 pandemic resulted in millions of lives lost. Beyond its devastating impact, did it also hurt consumer financial well-being? Consumer bankruptcy is often seen as a sign of experiencing extremely overextended debt burdens. This study aimed to identify factors associated with bankruptcy risks, specifically focusing on insolvency (when total debt exceeds total assets) and debt delinquency (being late in debt payments for 60 or more days).Design/methodology/approachData were from the US 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances. Two bankruptcy risk variables included insolvency and debt delinquency. Potential influencing factors included in the analyses were COVID-19-induced shocks, financial capability, ownership of various debts and demographics. Logistic regression models were used to detect potential factors associated with bankruptcy risks.FindingsFirst, a COVID-19-induced shock variable, new work schedule, reduced the risk of insolvency and four shock variables (COVID infection with serious persistent symptoms, work disruption due to childcare responsibilities, work reduction and work increase) increased the risk of debt delinquency. Second, financial capability factors played a crucial role. Desirable financial behavior reduced both risks of insolvency and debt delinquency. Subjective financial knowledge only reduced the risk of debt delinquency. Third, the types of debts held mattered. Holding credit card debt, student loans and other debts increased the risks of both insolvency and debt delinquency. Interestingly, holding auto loans reduced the risk of insolvency.Research limitations/implicationsThe data are limited to cross-sectional so that findings are only correlational. The data are from one developed economy, and the results may not be generalized to other economies, especially developing economies. Also, due to the lack of direct measure of consumer bankruptcy, only bankruptcy risks are measured in the study, but the findings can still be informative for understanding consumer bankruptcy behavior.Practical implicationsThe results of this study have practical implications for government, business and nonprofit organizations to help consumers reduce the bankruptcy risks. The results suggest that when facing external shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic, any work-related adjustments may help workers maintain income levels and reduce consumer bankruptcy risks, especially debt delinquency risk. Also, consumers should be encouraged to engage in desirable financial behaviors, such as spending within their income, seeking information before making financial decisions, using financial professionals and planning ahead, to reduce both insolvency and debt delinquency risks.Originality/valueThis study is the first to examine COVID-19-induced factors on bankruptcy risks, enriching the literature of COVID-19 impacts on consumers. Bankruptcy risks are used as negative indicators of consumer well-being, expanding the literature of consumer well-being. The study also examines if financial capability has the potential to reduce bankruptcy risks, an advancement in the literature of financial capability.

Employment Accommodation Experiences Among American Workers with Multiple Sclerosis: A Mixed-Method Analysis

Background In this study we explored the employment accommodation needs and experiences of American workers with multiple sclerosis (MS). Considerable research has examined the factors that people with MS face in maintaining employment. Relatively little has focused on the accommodation experiences and needs of this population. Objective We explored four research questions, concerning (a) the types of vocational accommodations people with MS seek, (b) employer responses to requests, (c) how workers with MS describe their accommodation-related experiences, and (d) what advice participants would offer to other workers with MS. Method The research questions were addressed using a mixed-method cross-sectional survey-based design. The sample included 368 iConquerMS members who were either employed ( n = 267; 72.6%) or had been employed in the past 5 years. Participants completed a web-based survey delivered through the iConquerMS web-based platform. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and inductive thematic analysis. Results Most (51.3%) working participants were not using accommodations. Most participants who requested an employment accommodation received one. The most frequently used accommodations among employed participants included (a) changes in work schedules (21.72%), (b) working at home full-time (21.35%), and (c) modifications of workstation or work facilities (10.86%). Participants described barriers to accessing and maintaining accommodations. Conclusion This study among a large sample of working, or recently working, people with MS provides information on both the successful negotiation and the barriers faced in the employment accommodation process. The implications for vocational rehabilitation professionals are described.

Association of self-monitoring performance of cognitive performance with personal diurnal preference when sleep-deprived

ABSTRACT In modern society, many workers struggle with sleep deprivation due to their work schedules and excessive workloads. Accurate self-awareness and self-monitoring abilities are crucial for workers to adopt risk-coping strategies and protective behaviors when fatigued. The current study examined the relationship between chronotypes and self-monitoring performance during 24 h of sleep deprivation. The study involved 26 male adults in a two-night experiment, and participants’ diurnal preferences were evaluated using the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Self-monitoring performance was calculated by comparing actual task performance with self-rated predicted or post-estimated performance in the psychomotor vigilance task (PVT) and Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST). The study found that task and self-monitoring performances in the PVT and DSST were maintained until around 4:00 h, after which they began to deteriorate. Individuals with a higher MEQ score, indicating a stronger tendency towards a morning type, showed inaccurate self-monitoring, particularly in the final quarter of the sleep deprivation experiment, due to overly optimistic predictions. However, only prediction accuracy and not post-estimation showed this correlation. This study highlights the importance of considering an individual’s chronotype in workplace management, particularly in workplaces with irregular work timings, rotating shifts, and long working hours, to ensure better occupational safety.

Psychosocial risk factors and health status of nurses in a Geriatric Hospital in the city of Rosario in August 2021

The professional practice of nursing involves exposure to a series of factors and conditions that demand the physical, cognitive and emotional involvement of nurses. The imbalance between these demands and the possibility of the professional's response can give rise to a scenario of occupational stress that, if prolonged over time, harms the physical and mental health of individuals. The aim of this study was to describe the psychosocial risk factors and the health status of nurses in a Geriatric Hospital in the city of Rosario in August 2021. A descriptive and cross-sectional research study was carried out with a qualitative methodological approach design on the two variables under study. The research site was a comprehensive care institution for the elderly where 30 nurses were selected to perform nursing functions in the 9 inpatient wards. The sampling was non-probabilistic and random until the proposed number of nurses from all the wards was covered.The data collection technique was the survey and a self-administered questionnaire with 21 closed and one open-ended questionnaire was used as an instrument. The instrument was tested with 14 undergraduate students to assess the clarity of the questions posed. The surveyed data showed that the quantitative deficit in the provision of nursing equipment within the work schedule influences their mental health more than the work shift itself (50% and 43% respectively). The work tasks and problems specific to Nursing influence the mental health of the respondents with fairly even parity (43% in both cases). The physical symptoms expressed by the respondents show a predominance of physical fatigue (80% of the cases), physical fatigue (80% of the cases), and physical fatigue (80% of the cases).physical fatigue (80% of the cases), myalgias (63%) and frequent headaches (43%). Some 13% of the nurses showed the psychic symptoms of emotional exhaustion, emotional hardening and frustration -indicators of chronic work stress-; 17% have at least two of these symptoms and 20% only one. Half of the nurses did not express any symptoms of chronic job stress

Experiences of fasting during Ramadan in British Muslims: Psychological, social and health behaviours.

Ramadan is a month-long religious festival observed by Muslim worldwide, characterised by intermittent fasting. This qualitative study addressed the need to understand how fasting is experienced by Muslims residing in Western cultures, aiming to inform policies that create a more supportive environment. Practicing Muslims, both men and women, were recruited in the North of England in the United Kingdom (UK). Data were collected by individual interviews (N = 7) and focus group discussion (N = 4) and then analysed using Social Ecological Theory as a framework. Fasting was managed at the individual level through instrumental food choice and eating practices, and by adapting sleep routines. Disrupted sleep routines posed a challenge for those who had to adhere to Western working schedules, leading to perceived detriments to cognitive function and mood. The sense of belonging associated with Ramadan was seen as a motivating factor for fasting. Breaking the fast (Iftar) was marked by social activity and the availability of traditional fried foods. Participants identified the wider Western culture and environment as challenging for those who are fasting. These findings imply a need for policies that enable flexible working practices for Muslims during Ramadan.

Workplace factors associated with job satisfaction among dental hygienists and assistants in the United States.

Previous research has assessed job satisfaction and related workplace factors among healthcare workers. However, studies on dental care professionals are limited. This study aimed to evaluate job satisfaction among US dental hygienists (DHs) and assistants (DAs) and identify workplace factors contributing to their job satisfaction or dissatisfaction. A cross-sectional study was conducted using survey data collected from DHs (n = 4078) and DAs (n = 2945) actively working in 2022. Descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regressions were used to assess associations between workplace factors and job satisfaction, adjusting for demographics, practice patterns, and geography. Over 80% of DHs and DAs reported being satisfied with their jobs. Positive workplace culture, practice philosophy, opportunities for growth and advancement, good communication in practice, work-life balance, fair pay, a reasonable workload, and flexible work schedules are associated with job satisfaction. Overwork was associated with job dissatisfaction among DAs. Most DHs and DAs were satisfied with their current jobs, with positive workplace culture, growth opportunities, and effective communication being key factors contributing to their satisfaction. This study highlights the importance of developing strategies to improve workplace environments and promote the well-being and retention of oral health providers.

Unstable Work Schedules and Racial Earnings Disparities Among U.S. Workers

Unstable Work Schedules and Racial Earnings Disparities Among U.S. Workers

QUALITATIVE STUDY IDENTIFIES DEMENTIA TRAINING NEEDS OF CARE WORKERS IN ASSISTED LIVING AND PERSONAL CARE AGENCIES

Abstract Caring for individuals with dementia can be overwhelming, especially when direct care workers lack knowledge and skills to respond to changing needs of those with dementia. Burnout and turnover are common problems. To better understand wishes for dementia training, we interviewed direct care workers, supervisors and administrators in 4 assisted living facilities (ALFs) and personal care agencies (PCAs). Funded by the NIA, we collected data from 23 direct care workers, 7 supervisors, 8 administrators. Questions focused on needs for dementia training topics and solutions for delivering content. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and evaluated by two independent raters to identify all topics discussed. These topics were then further analyzed by a second group of raters who specialize in training of direct care providers. Commonalities and thematic differences across direct care workers, supervisors, and administrators were reviewed qualitatively to identify highest priorities. For both ALFs and PCAs, priority topics for training overlapped between administrators, supervisors, and direct care workers and included skill development (e.g., de-escalation strategies), knowledge areas (e.g., bathing, distress), and workforce goals (e.g., training certifications). Direct care workers further mentioned that training should be interactive, fit into their work schedules, and give solutions in real time. PCAs added that greater effort is needed to assure that training is relevant (e.g., current topics often are too pedantic and not practical to daily activities). Real-time, flexible, content meeting identified needs, and individualized to caregiving settings, learner knowledge and experience should be the focus of future improvements in dementia training.