Work Experience Research Articles

SUPPORT NEEDS IN WORKING WITH STUDENTS WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES - TEACHERS ' PERSPECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine type and intensity of support that teachers consider necessary for working with students who have developmental disabilities. The sample consisted of 108 teachers, aged 24 to 61 (M=40.77; SD=9.97). The Needs Questionnaire (Rodríguez et al., 2012) was used to collect data on the required support. The results indicate a relatively high level of support needs in all four areas covered by the questionnaire, with the highest need expressed for social support, followed by the need for information and the need for additional resources, while the lowest level of support is needed in communicating about the child with developmental disability with others. The overall level of support needed by teachers from our sample does not differ statistically significantly between male and female teachers (t=0.640; p=0.524), nor between teachers employed in public and private schools (t=0.180; p=0.857). No statistically significant correlation was found between the need for support and age (r=-0.002; p=0.981) or years of work experience of the respondents (r=0.056; p=0.564). The obtained results provide an insight into the intensity and structure of teachers' needs for support in working with students with developmental disabilities and can represent a starting point for providing support aligned with the expressed needs, with the aim of increasing the quality of the teaching process.

"These Conversations Shouldn't be Easy … You're Going to Have to Shift. It Means Reflection … It Means Change": Moving Anti-Oppression Beyond Incremental Changes in the GBV Sector.

Little is known about racialized women's work experiences in EDI/AO policy-led Canadian women's organizations in the gender-based violence (GBV) sector. Twenty-three racialized and white GBV workers participated in a critical qualitative study. Five themes emerged illustrating that racialized women workers are experiencing systemic violence through acts of racism and discrimination. The two themes examined in this paper: a culture of silence and shifting the needle forward reveal that the GBV sector is primarily an affirmative space. Creating greater safety for racialized women workers means moving toward transformative approaches that challenge the system's responsibility in creating and supporting anti-oppressive efforts in the elimination of violence.

Caregiving During COVID and Beyond: The Experience of Workplace Stress and Chaplain Care Among Healthcare Workers.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) experience occupational stressors that negatively impact emotional well-being and exacerbate turnover intentions. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the resultant acute care turnover rates have reached an all-time high. In addition, occupational stressors lead to psychological stress, including moral distress, defined as the dissonance between perceiving what the right course of action is and encountering an obstacle to acting accordingly. This qualitative descriptive study explored the perceptions of patient-facing HCWs in acute care hospital settings regarding the workplace stressors they encountered and the role of hospital-based chaplains in addressing emotional well-being and stress with 33 interviews. Findings suggest that HCW frequently experience work-related moral distress and seek relief by interacting with hospital chaplains. Chaplain care, common in American healthcare facilities for the spiritual care of patients, is an easily accessible resource to HCWs. Facilitating chaplain-HCW interactions may be an effective strategy for responding to moral distress and improving healthcare workers' well-being.

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis, Knowledge, and Risky Practices in Dairy Cattle Owners and Workers in Maekel and Debub Regions, Eritrea.

Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease with worldwide distribution. In Eritrea, the status of the disease in occupationally exposed dairy farmers is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis, level of knowledge, and risky practices of dairy cattle owners/workers in Maekel and Debub regions, Eritrea. A cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2021 and February 2022. A total of 416 dairy cattle owners and workers underwent blood collection and interview using a standardized questionnaire. Blood samples were tested using Rose Bengal Plate Test, and positive samples were confirmed using competitive ELISA. Variation in knowledge scores by sociodemographic factors and practices were explored statistically. The apparent and true seroprevalence was 1.2% (95% CI: 0.05-2.8%) and 1.4% (95% CI: 0.6-3.4%), respectively. Apparent seroprevalence was similar in Maekel (1.1%) and Debub (1.2%) regions. Nearly half of the participants (49.5%) had never heard of brucellosis before. Overall, brucellosis knowledge score was low (mean score: 6.53/20). Knowledge score was higher in participants from Maekel region (P <0.001), older participants (P = 0.035), those with higher educational attainment (P = 0.001), and those with more years of experience working in dairy farming (P = 0.001). Knowledge score was lower in farm workers compared with family members (P = 0.016). No significant differences in knowledge score existed between participants who engaged in or did not engage in potential risky practices. In summary, the prevalence of brucellosis in dairy cattle owners/workers in Maekel and Debub regions, Eritrea, was low. Participants demonstrated limited knowledge of brucellosis and engaged in risky practices.

"I haven't really gone through things like this": Young long-term care workers' experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Long-term care (LTC) facilities were hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Using life course theory concepts, we looked for conditions that led to worker moral distress -i.e. pain or anguish over not being able to take right action - and how life stage may influence experiences. To illuminate the experiences of adults under the age of 30 who stepped into, and/or persevered in, working in LTC during the pandemic, recognizing that this emerging workforce represents the future of LTC in Canada. This secondary analysis uses interview data from a sub-sample of 16 young workers between 18 and 29 years of age who had been working in Canadian LTC facilities for between 8 months and 7 years. Young workers expressed feeling guilt about mourning the loss of socially significant milestones as these milestones paled by comparison to the loss of life and consequences of resident isolation they witnessed at work. To manage feelings of moral distress, young workers attempted to maintain high standards of care for LTC residents and engaged in self-care activities. For some workers, this was insufficient and leaving the field of LTC was their strategy to respond to their mental health needs. The life stage of young LTC workers influenced their experiences of working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions are needed to support young workers' wellbeing and job retention.

Determining the effect of environmental factors, work postures and mental workload on musculoskeletal disorders in rescue workers and accidents of one of the water and sewage companies in Iran.

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most important problems faced by ergonomists today. This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effect of weather conditions, working conditions and mental workload on musculoskeletal disorders of rescuers and water and sewage company accidents in hot and cold seasons. The present study was a longitudinal study that was performed on all employees of rescue and disaster teams of Shiraz Water and Sewerage Company in Iran (184 people) by census. Demographic and Nordic questionnaires, NASA Load Index (NASA-TLX), work environment assessment with temperature screening checklist and workplace ergonomic risk factor (WERA) assessment method were performed by the researcher. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 23 software and parametric and non-parametric statistical tests. The results showed that the highest and lowest prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders related to knee and back in winter and thigh in summer with prevalence of 57.1, 55.4 and 6% . The comparison of exposure to heat stress factors in summer and winter seasons showed that the temperature factors and work clothes of the workers in both seasons are in worse conditions than other factors (P < 0968). The results of the mental workload of people in two seasons showed that the highest and lowest mental workload is related to physical changes in the winter season and frustration in the summer season, and this relationship was significant (P < 0.001). Using multiple logistic regression model, the potential risk factors for musculoskeletal injuries including age, height, BMI, level of education and work experience in both hot and cold seasons were compared. The results showed that in summer, work experience (OR = 1.16 (1.06-1.28.)) and height (OR = 1.03(0.98-1.08) had a direct effect on the prevalence of pain and discomfort arranged in the back areas. One year of increase in work experience significantly increases the chance of a disorder in the back by 16% and a one centimeter increase in height increases the chance of a disorder in the lumbar region by 3%, although this relationship is significant. It is recommended that suitable solutions such as using appropriate and up-to-date mechanical tools, reducing activity time, increasing rest time, increasing the number of personnel in order to reduce mental workload, using work clothes suitable for the season and type of work, and ergonomics training for workers are on the agenda of company officials. Water and sewage should be placed.

Analyzing Managerial Skills for Employability in Graduate Students in Economics, Administration and Accounting Sciences

The study analyzes how graduate students in economics, administration and accounting perceive their managerial skills for employability, with the aim of determining its associated variables to improve the educational processes of future managerial leaders. It focuses on the importance of developing transferable skills that meet current and future job demands. To measure the perception of skills, a structured and duly validated questionnaire (Employability Skills 2000+) was used, answered by 225 graduate students in Economics, Administrative and Accounting Sciences in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. The data obtained from the application were analyzed using the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) method with the FACTOR software. The CFA generated an adaptation of the original scale with 21 variables. The resulting scale determined three predominant factors: personal management skills, fundamental skills and teamwork skills, which presented good consistency and validity, allowing us to make conclusions regarding employability skills in the context studied. The findings show the existence of a correlation between fundamental skills and variables such as work experience, employment status and gender, as well as a high correlation between teamwork skills, work experience and employability conditions.

Variations of Freelancers’ “Effort-Bargain” Experiences in Platform Work: The Role of Skills

This article delves into freelancers’“effort-bargain” experiences within platform work, where effort is exchanged for income. The study of experiences enables us to understand how freelancer–platform relationships evolve in light of the platforms’ lack of recognition of freelancers’ skills. Drawing on 63 interviews across four platforms within the online labor market (OLM), the authors present a theoretical framework explaining a “skill-driven continuum” in such relationships. At one extreme ( cooperation), freelancers experience the effort-bargain as recognition exchange, facilitated by non-competitive, regular transactions allowing them to monetize their skills. At the other extreme ( exploitation), freelancers experience their skills going unrecognized because of competitive bidding for casual gigs. While freelancers with specialized skills are sometimes able to disintermediate, thereby retaining recognition by claiming autonomy and monetary gains, those with generalized skills may resort to gaming, seeking to gain recognition by boosting their ratings. The authors provide insights into freelancers’ effort-bargain experiences by the meanings associated with skill-recognition and skill-exchange.

Job satisfaction and psychosocial factors and their association with job performance in Iranian midwives: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe global shortage of midwives and their job performance can significantly affect the quality of care for mothers, newborns, and their families.ObjectivesThis study aimed to determine the status of job...

Nurses’ perceptions of patient handoffs and predictors of patient handoff perceptions in tertiary care hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesTo study nurses’ perceptions of patient handoffs in tertiary care hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia, and to identify predictors of these perceptions.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThree tertiary care hospitals in Kelantan, Malaysia, February–March 2023.ParticipantsThe...

Home-office implementation: challenges and changes in people management

PurposeThis paper investigates how organisations responded to the home office imposition during the recent global health crisis and its impacts on people management, detailing the organisational factors crucial for effective home-office implementation.Design/methodology/approachWe used an exploratory design based on a multiple case study with four companies from two contrasting sectors (manufacturing and information technology (IT)). We interviewed a total of 12 managers, including one HR manager (HRms) and two team managers from each company. We also conducted an online questionnaire with open questions, reaching out to 128 home-office workers from the four participating companies. This diverse group consisted of 67 workers from the IT sector and 61 workers from the manufacturing sector. To ensure a comprehensive analysis, we opted for a qualitative approach to examine the data.FindingsFindings enabled detail of the organisational factor of the Belzunegui-Eraso and Erro-Garcés (2020) extended Baruch and Nicholson’s (1997) model into people management issues: organisational culture, team management and human resources management (HRM) practices, as well as the technological support. The results also revealed that people management benefits from the successful home-office implementation, which boosted the digitalisation of human resources (HR) processes.Originality/valueConsidering the lessons learned from the home-office imposition, this research provides original insights into the field by exploring the roles of supervisors and HR managers, in non-health organisations, with different previous remote work experiences, in a recent global disruptive moment, based on a rich qualitative approach. The paper offers concrete guidelines for companies that intend to implement remote work management programs and contributes to deepen the knowledge of home-office experience, offering a model focusing on managers’ roles (HRms and TMs) and HRM practices.

The identity conflict process: Appraisal theory as an integrative framework for understanding identity conflict at work.

Identity conflict-the experience of perceiving incompatibilities between aspects of one's identity content that call into question the individual's ability to meet the identity standard of at least one of these identities-can significantly impact individuals' work experiences. As individuals navigate experiences of identity conflict at work, managers and organizations also grapple with how to support employees' multiple identities while mitigating the primarily negative outcomes of identity conflict. However, the scholarship on work-relevant identity conflict faces several challenges, including disciplinary fragmentation, conceptual imprecision, and diverse but deficient theoretical perspectives, which together have limited our ability to accumulate knowledge about this experience and to develop useful management tools. To overcome these, we conducted a thorough review of the cross-disciplinary literature, allowing us to offer a refined integrative definition of identity conflict and a reconceptualization of identity conflict as the result of an appraisal process. As we delineate what we know about the appraisal process of identity conflict, we provide a detailed theoretical explanation of its antecedents, outcomes, and responses and shed light on the mechanisms that drive the process. This approach not only enhances theoretical depth and guides new research directions but also equips managers to address and reduce identity conflict experienced by their employees. This research contributes to the literature by offering clarity and coherence to the identity conflict domain, providing theoretical and practical guidance, and outlining promising directions for future inquiry. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The dynamics of the early career gender wage gap among university graduates: The case of Russia

AbstractThis study provides new evidence of the gender wage gap among recent university graduates at different stages of their early career. Using a unique administrative dataset from Russia, we estimate the gender wage gap at means and across wage distribution for a cohort of 2018 university graduates during the first 4 years after graduation. We explore the contribution of educational and job factors to the explanation of the gap. Although a substantial gap of 14% is already present at labour market entry, it is two times smaller compared to the gap for the overall working population. Eighty five percent of the entry wage gap can be explained with differences in fields of study, work experience, and job characteristics. More than 4 years after graduation, the gender wage gap experiences a dramatic increase, reaching 26%. Only 28% of the resulting gap can be explained by the observed characteristics, including industrial and occupational segregation. The size of the gap varies drastically in different parts of the wage distribution, suggesting the existence of a strong glass ceiling effect from the very beginning of graduate careers. The rapidly expanding early career gender wage gap with a growing unexplained component suggests that education policies may have limited ability to promote gender equality in the labour market.

Healthcare workers’ perceptions and user experiences of biometric technology in the selected healthcare facilities in Zambia

BackgroundBiometric recognition, using traits like fingerprints, faces, and irises, has advanced significantly, enabling accurate identification. Despite progress, implementation in Zambian healthcare is limited. This study explored healthcare workers’ and patients' perceptions and experiences regarding biometric technology in Zambian healthcare settings, offering insights for informed decision-making and product design.MethodsThis phenomenological study explored the perceptions and experiences of healthcare workers and end-users (patients) concerning biometric technology in four healthcare facilities in Lusaka Province: Chilenje, Chawama, Kanyama (first-level hospitals), and Railways Urban Clinic. These facilities were purposefully selected for their active use of biometric services and involvement with the National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA). The study included 20 healthcare workers and 16 patients. Face-to-face interviews with healthcare workers and patients, and focus group discussions with users, lasting 35 to 65 min, were conducted. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, coded with Nvivo version 12, and analyzed using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsFacilitators included efficient system integration, investment in biometric equipment, workflow transformation, and patient recognition of benefits. Barriers included infrastructure limitations, technical challenges, patient resistance and misconceptions, and accessibility challenges for individuals with disabilities.ConclusionThis study highlights the transformative potential of biometric identification systems in healthcare, emphasizing benefits in efficiency and data integrity. Successful integration requires addressing facilitators like education and infrastructure and mitigating barriers such as cultural resistance and technological limitations. Stakeholders, including policymakers and healthcare providers, can use these insights to align efforts with Sustainable Development Goals for improved healthcare access and reduced inequalities. Considering user perspectives is crucial for effective implementation, and continuous improvement can enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Intersecting Stigma and the HIV Care Cascade: Qualitative Insights from Sex Workers, Men who have Sex with Men, and Transgender Women Living with HIV in Jamaica.

In Jamaica, stigma experiences of sex workers (SW), gay men and other men who have sex with men (MSM), and transgender women living with HIV remain understudied. To address this gap, we explored experiences of stigma and linkages with the HIV care cascade among key populations living with HIV in Jamaica, including cisgender women SW, MSM, and transgender women. This qualitative study involved n = 9 focus groups (FG), n = 1 FG per population living with HIV (SW, MSM, transgender women) in each of three sites (Kingston, St. Ann, Montego Bay). We also conducted key informant (KI) interviews. We applied thematic analysis informed by the Health Stigma and Discrimination (HSD) Framework. FG participants (n = 67) included SW (n = 18), MSM (n = 28), and trans women (n = 21); we interviewed n = 10 KI (n = 5 cisgender women, n = 5 cisgender men). Participant discussions revealed that stigma drivers included low HIV treatment literacy, notably misinformation about antiretroviral therapy (ART) benefits and HIV acquisition risks, and a lack of legal protection from discrimination. Stigma targets health (HIV) and intersecting social identities (sex work, LGBTQ identities, gender non-conformity, low socio-economic status). Stigma manifestations included enacted stigma in communities and families, and internalized stigma-including lateral violence. HIV care cascade impacts included reduced and/or delayed HIV care engagement and ART adherence challenges/disruptions. Participants discussed strategies to live positively with HIV, including ART adherence as stigma resistance; social support and solidarity; and accessing affirming institutional support. In addition to addressing intersecting stigma, future research and programing should bolster multi-level stigma-resistance strategies to live positively with HIV.

Inclusion in Ukrainian universities from an inside perspective

This study investigates the state of inclusivity in Ukrainian universities, focusing on the perceptions of university staff amid the country's ongoing sociopolitical transformations. Here we report on the perceptions of 820 staff members from various professional roles, including academic, management, and support positions, this research explored inclusivity through diverse lenses, encompassing work experience, interactions with students with disabilities, and self-identification with vulnerable groups. Most respondents assessed a moderate to high level of inclusivity, indicating a positive overall outlook on inclusive practices within these institutions. Notably, perceptions of inclusivity vary slightly across different professional roles, with academic staff expressing a marginally lower level of perceived inclusivity than their counterparts. However, these variations are not statistically significant, suggesting a uniform perception across staff categories. Furthermore, the study revealed that personal experience in working with students with disabilities does not substantially alter staff perceptions of inclusivity. Similarly, self-identification with vulnerable groups only marginally influences these perceptions. This suggests that while individual experiences and identities are factors in inclusivity perceptions, their impact is not profoundly different. This research contributes to understanding inclusivity in higher education, particularly within environments undergoing significant social and political changes.

Knowledge Regarding Health Hazards of Cytotoxic Agent Among Nurses Working at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bharatpur, Chitwan

Background: Cytotoxic agent is a substance that kills cells, including cancer cells, which may stop cancer cells fromdividing and growing and may cause tumors to shrink in size. These may have carcinogenic, mutagenic or teratogeniceffects. Nurses are directly exposed to it while handling cytotoxic agents. Objective of the study was to find out the level ofknowledge regarding health hazards of cytotoxic agent among nurses working in B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital,Bharatpur Chitwan.Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted using non probability purposive sampling technique to collectthe information among 106 nurses. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analyzedby using SPSS version 22 and descriptive and inferential statistics were used.Result: The finding of the study showed that the majority of respondents (48.10%) had &lt;2 years of work experience andeducational level was Bachelor’s degree in nursing (74.50%). Only 12.30% had special course or training on health hazardsof cytotoxic agent. The majority of the respondents (98.10%) had good level of knowledge regarding exposure of cytotoxicagents and 75.50% had good level of knowledge regarding hazardous effects of cytotoxic agents. The overall level ofknowledge regarding health hazards of cytotoxic agents was good (88.70%).Conclusion: This study finding concluded that, nurses working at B.P. Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital had good levelof knowledge regarding health hazards of cytotoxic agents. However, in-service education and training is required.

Capacity Assessment of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority in a Low -Income Country.

Access to medical products of the required efficacy, quality and safety is essential for everyone's health and wellbeing. To achieve this milestone, every country needs a robust and strong performing National Regulatory Authority (NRA) that is independent and outcome oriented. With the help of the World Health Organization (WHO), the global benchmarking tool is the gold standard used to assess the regulatory capacity of NRAs. This study assessed the capacity of the National Medicines Regulatory Authority in Sierra Leone to perform its regulatory functions. This descriptive cross-sectional study used both qualitative and quantitative approaches. A self-administered questionnaire was used for the quantitative approach, and the qualitative aspect consisted of a desk review looking at key regulatory documents such as laws, regulations, policies, guidelines, standard operating procedures and reports. The data collection tool used was the WHO global benchmarking tool (GBT) for "Evaluation of National Regulatory System of Medical Product Version VI. The majority of the participants had a postgraduate degree (60%), and 72% had over 10 years of experience working at the NRA. Out of 251 sub-indicators assessed, 85 (34%) sub-indicators were fully implemented. Of the eight (8) functions assessed, sub-indicators related to clinical trial oversight and vigilance were the most implemented, with 67% and 62%, respectively. Of the 9 indicators assessed, 79% of the sub-indicators that are related to quality and risk management were implemented. The results of this study showed that PBSL operates at maturity level 1. The absence of laws and regulations that give PBSL the mandate to perform its regulatory functions was a major challenge even though other indicators were met. The study reported other challenges toward effective functioning, including but not limited to a lack of sufficient staff, weak enforcement of the sale of medicines and a poorly equipped quality control laboratory.

Identification of the risk factors for insomnia in nurses with long COVID-19

PurposeTo investigate the prevalence of insomnia among nurses with long COVID-19, analyze the potential risk factors and establish a nomogram model.MethodsNurses in Ningbo, China, were recruited for this study. General demographic information and insomnia, burnout, and stress assessment scores were collected through a face-to face questionnaire survey administered at a single center from March to May 2023. We used LASSO regression to identify potential factors contributing to insomnia. Then, a nomogram was plotted based on the model chosen to visualize the results and evaluated by receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves.ResultsA total of 437 nurses were recruited. 54% of the nurses had insomnia according to the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) score. Eleven variables, including family structure, years of work experience, relaxation time, respiratory system sequelae, nervous system sequelae, others sequelae, attitudes toward COVID-19, sleep duration before infection, previous sleep problems, stress, and job burnout, were independently associated with insomnia. The R-squared value was 0.464, and the area under the curve was 0.866. The derived nomogram showed that neurological sequelae, stress, job burnout, sleep duration before infection, and previous sleep problems contributed the most to insomnia. The calibration curves showed significant agreement between the nomogram models and actual observations.ConclusionThis study focused on insomnia among nurses with long COVID-19 and identified eleven risk factors related to nurses’ insomnia. A nomogram model was established to illustrate and visualize these factors, which will be instrumental in future research for identifying nurses with insomnia amid pandemic normalization and may increase awareness of the health status of healthcare workers with long COVID-19.

Exploring staff experiences of remote working in a new community rehabilitation team

Background/Aims Health services required significant adaptation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The remote community enhanced rehabilitation team was created during the pandemic in response to faster discharges. This service evaluation aimed to explore staff experiences of remote working when implementing this new community rehabilitation team. Methods Six members of the community enhanced rehabilitation team, including nursing and psychology staff, completed qualitative semi-structured interviews about staff experiences. The interviews explored experiences of delivering clinical care, providing and receiving team support and personal impacts of remote working. Data were analysed using thematic analysis via a critical-realist approach. Results Thematic analysis from the interview transcripts revealed five main themes: anxiety related to remote working practices during a global pandemic, work–life balance, developing relationships, limits to remote working and working towards a hybrid model. Conclusions Challenges and benefits of remote working were identified along with some mitigations. Moving forward, a hybrid working model would likely benefit both service users and staff.