Work Life Research Articles

Facilitators and barriers for creating a sustainable working life for first-generation immigrants – perceptions of multiple stakeholders in Sweden

ABSTRACT Employment is of high priority in the Swedish integration policy, but immigrants are disadvantaged when it comes to pathways into the labour market, and also to stay in the labour market. This study aimed to explore various stakeholders’ perceptions of facilitators and barriers for a sustainable working life among first-generation immigrants and to understand their reasoning regarding how a sustainable working life might be achieved from their perspectives. It is a qualitative study based on seven focus group interviews with participants representing various stakeholders in society. The data were analysed using thematic analysis with an inductive approach. The main theme identified that creating a sustainable working life is a matter that concerns several stakeholders. Aspects related to both society, workplace and the individual have been highlighted in order to promote a sustainable work participation. By increasing collaboration between different stakeholders and providing support to both individuals and workplaces, a sustainable work participation can be facilitated. This study highlights the workplace as an important arena for preparing first-generation immigrants for a sustainable work participation. There is a need to develop supportive solutions to be used at workplaces, formalise long-term support to first-generation immigrants and strengthen the collaboration among involved stakeholders.

Educating for an unknown Future: How to prepare students of ship design for the propulsion of tomorrow

It is very likely that the students that we educate today will work with what we currently refer to as modern propulsion or alternative fuels in their career. As educators, the goal is to best prepare our students for their working life. This article looks into what a naval architecture student would need to know about these modern propulsion systems and fuels when they graduate. In this article, two types of knowledge are defined; adaptive knowledge, knowledge that spans multiple areas, and routine knowledge, that addresses a specific case. By identifying what competencies fall under the adaptive knowledge and which fall under routine knowledge, it is possible to advice on changes that should be made to the curriculum in order to best prepare students for the future.

Labor Force Participation Rate Prediction of China: Scenario Simulation Based on Education and Retirement Strategies

This study uses detailed population statistics and analyzes labor participation rates in China from the perspectives of education and retirement. It presents different hypothetical scenarios and predicts future labor participation rates using queue factors. The results indicate that under the baseline scenario, the overall labor participation rate (51.43%) is projected to significantly decrease by 2060 compared to 2020 (73.76%). The lock-in effect of education leads to a declining participation rate for the 15–24 age group, which persists until approximately the age of 50. Generally, women have higher labor participation rates than men prior to retirement. In the education-centered hypothetical scenario, the quantity impact of educational expansion is evident. Although the relative impact of additional education diminishes toward the end of working life (60–74) compared to the entire working life (15–74). The improvement in the labor market due to educational reform is sustainable across all scenarios. In the retirement-centered hypothetical scenario, reducing retirement rates across age groups increases labor force participation, but this improvement mainly focuses on those under the age of 70 and is not sustained. Thus, delaying retirement policies is only effective in the short term.

Initial Assessment of First Language Literacy Resources for Adult Instruction in Swedish

This study is part of a project on initial assessment of first language (L1) literacy in adult newcomers prior to the commencement of L2 studies in Swedish. Here, we explore the assessment summaries of newcomers’ L1 literacy, performed by L2-teachers, with assistance from an interpreter. According to the syllabus, instruction in Swedish for Immigrants (SFI) should be adapted to the individual´s needs and goals; however, SFI often fails to do so. L1 literacy—i.e., using texts in different domains (school, work, society, and everyday life)—serves as a foundation for L2 learning and teachers’ access to and utilization of students L1 literacy can significantly enhance instruction. From a sociocultural approach to literacy and based on Luke and Freebody’s ‘Four Resource Model’, a qualitative document analyses of L1 literacy assessment summaries (N=50) demonstrated literacy practices form different domains of student life, beyond school literacy. Literacy practices from all four learner roles, i.e., Code-Breaker, Text Participant, Text User and Text Analyst were identified in the assessments to various degrees dependent on the students’ background, which is illustrated by a close analysis of 5 summaries. This information is both important for teachers’ planning of second language teaching and in the long term for the development of second language teacher education.

Exploring the Relationship Between Quality of Work Life and Motivational Theories

The aim of the present research paper is to examine the relationship between some popular motivational theories and the quality of work life in order to understand the role which motivation play to enhance quality of work life. It discusses the famous motivational theories like Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, Herzberg’s two factor theory, Alderfer’s ERG theory, McClelland’s needs theory in a very comprehensive way by a thorough literature review. The paper examines Maslow’ claim that satisfying fundamental needs has a positive influence on QWL, Herzberg’s classification of motivational and hygiene factors contributes to QWL, Alderfer’s ERG theory of employee’s existence, relatedness and growth needs improves QWL, McClelland’s needs theory of meeting employee’s achievement, power and affiliation needs is positively correlated with QWL. Findings show that motivation plays a crucial role in determining job satisfaction, impacting organizational commitment, encouraging a healthy work-life balance and benefiting employee general well-being. The paper concludes by emphasizing that it is significant to integrate motivational theories into organizational practices to optimize QWL.

Does work after retirement affect health-related quality of life: Evidence from a propensity score matching study in China.

Extending working life is considered as an important initiative to respond to the population aging and pension payment dilemma. This study aimed to investigate whether work after retirement is related to improved health-related quality of life. We used two waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011 and 2018. Work after retirement was ascertained based on self-reported retirement and work status, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was measured with the three-level EuroQol five-dimensions. The impact of work after retirement on HRQOL was analyzed using the propensity score matching with difference-in-difference approach. A total of 1043 retirees were included. The results showed that work after retirement was associated with significant improvement in HRQOL among retirees (β = 0.072, P < 0.001). Heterogeneity analyses did not show specificity on sex (P for sex interaction >0.05), but older-aged retirees seemed more sensitive to the benefits of work after retirement on HRQOL than their younger-aged counterparts (≥65 years: β = 0.167, P < 0.001 vs <65 years: β = -0.047, P > 0.05; P for age interaction = 0.010). Work after retirement shows a positive impact on HRQOL among community-dwelling adults in China. Policy-makers should take the health of retirees into account when implementing policies related to delayed retirement, and reduce health inequity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; ••: ••-••.

Older Adults with Higher Community Participation Impacted More by COVID-19

ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic introduced a devastating range of negative impacts for older adults. Due to their increased vulnerability, older adults were advised to practice physical distancing, which impacted their community participation. This is a cross-sectional study using survey data to characterize the perspectives of older adults and the impact of COVID-19 on their lives, describe their participation in activities that were important to them during the pandemic, and examine the associations between community participation and COVID-19 impact. COVID-19 impact was reported using the Coronavirus Impact Scale. Community participation was examined using the Community Participation Indicators. Participants reported that COVID-19 most impacted their routines, including their work and social life. A multiple linear regression showed that community participation was a significant predictor of COVID-19 impact, but age was not. This suggests that higher levels of community participation influence increased levels of perceived negative COVID-19 impact, meaning those who participated most during the pandemic were vulnerable to feeling the negative impact of the pandemic’s interruptions. This adds to the understanding of the differential effects of community participation during a pandemic on elevated levels of stress of a global crisis. To combat those stressors, person directed supports may be beneficial for community-dwelling older adults who continue to feel the impacts of the pandemic.

Organizational ethical climate: influence on employee meaning and well-being

PurposeThe organizational environment can influence how employees experience meaningfulness. This study examines the mediating role of meaningful work between organizational ethical climates and the affective well-being of employees. We also test for the moderating role of self-regulatory traits in this relationship.Design/methodology/approachPartial least squares – structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized model using responses from 430 working professionals. Recommended robustness checks were conducted before model assessment and hypotheses testing.FindingsThe findings suggest that a caring ethical climate is positively related to affective well-being. Meaningful work dimensions, i.e. unity with others, inspiration and balancing tensions partially mediate the relationship between the caring climate and affective well-being. Integrity with self and balancing tensions fully mediate the negative effect of an instrumental climate on affective well-being. Positive mediation of unity with others and negative mediation of reality were observed between a law and code climate and affective well-being. Moderating effects of self- and other-orientation and self-monitoring were also observed.Research limitations/implicationsThe study presents significant insights, however, a few limitations must be discussed. The study has relied on cross-sectional data which may be addressed in future studies.Practical implicationsIn times when organizations are spending in large amounts in ensuring meaningful work and employee well-being, this study suggests internal mechanisms that can bring positive impact in employees' work life. Leaders should assess how employees perceive the ethical climate of the organization in order to provide better meaningful work opportunities to the workforce.Social implicationsHaving meaningful work and experiencing affective well-being are significant for a collective betterment of society. Meaningful work encourages individuals in identifying how their work if affecting the society. A affectively happy workforce is essential in building a mentally healthy society.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the investigation of organizational factors that help employees find meaning in their work. Based on ethical climate theory, this study highlights how organizations can redesign and modify their ethical climates to provide opportunities for employees to experience meaningful work and improve their affective well-being.

Illuminating the Relationship Between Social Networking Usage and Job Performance Through the Work–Life Balance of Gen-Y Employees in Corporate Sector

The use of social media, such as social networking sites continues to grow in everyday life, along with their use in the workplace. So, a concern raised about how the personal use of social networking sites like Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc., at work affects employee job performance. Moreover, the purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between social networking usage and employee job performance through the mediating role of work–life balance. The quantitative methodology was employed in this study. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from a previously validated survey. The target population consisted of Gen-Y employees of the corporate sector in Chandigarh, Delhi, and Haryana (UTs/states) of India. Judgemental sampling was applied to collect data from 224 employees of the corporate sector. The study results indicated that time spent, frequency of using social networking sites has significant relationship with job performance and work–life balance of employees while work–life balance and employee job performance are significantly positively related. However, social networking use has a significant negative relationship with job performance and work–life balance. Additionally, work–life balance significantly mediates the relationship between social networking usage and job performance. Therefore, the study concluded that employees struggle to set boundaries since they cannot distinguish between work and family life due to the rise in technology and social media use. Therefore, managers and HR professionals need to consider the negative aspect of online social networking at work. Further, the implications for managers and organizations are discussed.

Ethical Tensions in Municipality Management

This study investigates ethical tension situations that municipal managers face in their everyday working life by identifying the occurrence and nature of such situations, their contextual and organizational dependence and what resources are available to handle and/or solve them. The study is based on in-depth qualitative interviews with 21 municipal managers from various sectors. In total, 222 ethical tension situations were revealed. The main finding of the study is the identification of the importance of contextual and organizational dependencies, regarding not only managers’ experience of ethical tensions but also the resolution of such tensions. In the paper a contextual model of managerial tensions is presented that gives account to the different logics, value systems, norms, regulations, and ethics, that make up the complex world in which municipal managers find themselves and need to handle.

Navigating Autonomy, Competence, and Relatedness: Insights from Middle Managers in Norway

Middle managers play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between senior leadership and employees, often navigating competing demands and pressures. This study investigates experiences of autonomy, competence, and relatedness among middle managers serving as department heads in the University and University College (UUC) sector in Norway. The study adopts a qualitative approach in the form of semi-structured interviews with six participants. The findings underscore the significance of autonomy, trust, and support in facilitating the effective execution of middle managers’ roles as executive and inclusive leaders. Autonomy emerges as crucial, which aligns with the principles of the Nordic work–life model. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of internal motivation and the support provided by the immediate leadership in enhancing middle managers’ performance. Personal competence in one’s subject areas and relatedness emerge as key factors ensuring employee confidence and fostering a positive work environment. The implications of these findings suggest that nurturing autonomy, competence, and relatedness may mitigate the perceived stress associated with being a middle manager in the UUC sector. By addressing these fundamental needs, organisations can potentially enhance the well-being and effectiveness of middle managers, ultimately contributing to organisational success.

Explorative observational study of Dutch patient-clinician interactions: operationalisation of personal perspective elicitation as part of shared decision-making in real-life audio-recorded consultations.

Patients' preferences, values and contexts are important elements of the shared decision-making (SDM) process. We captured those elements into the concept of 'personal perspective elicitation' (PPE), which reflects the need to elicit patients' preferences, values and contexts in patient-clinician conversations. We defined PPE as: 'the disclosure (either elicited by the clinician or spontaneously expressed by the patient) of information related to the patient's personal preferences, values and/or contexts potentially relevant to decision-making'. Our goal was to operationalise the concept of PPE through the evaluation of preferences, values and contexts and explore how PPE occurs in clinical encounters. Cross-sectional study: observational coding based on a novel coding scheme of audio-recorded outpatient clinical encounters where encounter patient decision aids were applied. We audio-recorded patient-clinician interactions at three Dutch outpatient clinics. PPE was analysed using a novel observational coding scheme, distinguishing preferences, contexts and four Armstrong taxonomy value types (global, decisional, external and situational). We measured SDM using the Observer OPTION5. Twenty patients who suffered from psoriasis or ovarian cysts; four clinicians. We included 20 audio-recordings. The mean Observer OPTION5 score was 57.5 (SD:10.1). The audio-recordings gave a rich illustration of preferences, values and contexts that were discussed in the patient-clinician interactions. Examples of identified global values: appearance, beliefs, personality traits. Decisional values were related to the process of decision-making. External values related to asking advice from for example, the clinician or significant others. An identified situational value: a new job ahead. Contexts related to how the illness impacted the life (eg, sexuality, family, sports, work life) of patients. The operationalisation of PPE, an important aspect of SDM, explores which preferences, values and contexts were discussed during patient-clinician interactions where an ePDA was used. The coding scheme appeared feasible to apply but needs further refinement.

Work pressure in higher education: a state of the art bibliometric analysis on academic work–life balance

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to review the work–life balance (WLB) among academics. Academics are the pillars of higher education institutions’ (HEIs) mission to provide quality education to students and the community, supporting socioeconomic development. Most academics today are overworked and overburdened with duties, forcing them to work longer hours on weekends and at odd hours. This eventually affects their work–life balance and causes boundary conflicts between work and personal life.Design/methodology/approachThis study proposes a bibliometric analysis to investigate the underlying knowledge structure of this phenomenon by uncovering the past and present themes and predicting future trends of WLB in academia. This review adopts two analyses (bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis), presenting the knowledge structure network. A total of 307 journal publications were retrieved from the Web of Science (WoS) database, revealing significant clusters and themes.FindingsFindings identified central themes, including the issue of women in academia, predictors and the impact of WLB in academia.Research limitations/implicationsImplications towards research and practice relevant to scholars and practitioners are discussed, particularly in balancing academics, professional work and personal life.Originality/valueThis study presents a state-of-the-art bibliometric analysis by uncovering the knowledge structure of academics’ work–life balance in HEIs.

Economic Vitality, Sustainability and Marketability of Mixed-Use Development Projects in the Leasing Industry

The study attempted to determine the economic vitality, sustainability, and marketability of mixed-use development projects in the leasing industry in the Philippines. The goal of this study is to identify the correlation among economic vitality, sustainability, and marketability. Additionally, develop a plan to enhance the economic vitality, sustainability, and marketability for stakeholders to use for future business ventures. The study employed the descriptive-correlational method of research with the help of a survey questionnaire. The population of the study came from 80 mixed-use development projects within the leasing industry in the second district of Laguna, Philippines. A sample of 67 was computed using the Slovin formula at 5% margin of error and 95% confidence interval. The actual selection of the respondents was done using a purposive random sampling technique. After thorough analysis, the following conclusions were made. The diversity of businesses and tenant types adds value to the overall development. The confidence in long-term development projects focuses on sustainability and future adaptation. Tenant satisfaction is crucial for marketability, suggesting a focus on both attracting and retaining tenants. The economic vitality has a direct relationship with the sustainability of mixed-use development projects in the leasing industry. Economic significantly affects the marketability of mixed-use development projects in the leasing industry. As the level of sustainability increases, the level of marketability of mixed-use development projects in the leasing industry also increases. Hence, an action plan that would improve the economic vitality, sustainability, and marketability of mixed-use development projects in the leasing industry was proposed.

The re‐organization of care and working lives during the pandemic: Lived experiences of the COVID‐19 policy context in the UK

AbstractIn this paper, we propose that the reproduction of labor‐power, achieved through the expropriation of women's work at home and in the community, is acutely relevant to the analysis of the consequences of the COVID‐19 crisis. Capitalist structures of exploitation rely heavily on undervaluing women's and other marginalized peoples' work, specifically tasks related to social reproduction and care. In this paper, we assess the effects of COVID‐19 remedial state policies on the re‐organization of care and working lives during the pandemic within the UK, an example of a neoliberal regime with an individualist approach to responsibility for care. Drawing on data from the European H2020 project RESISTIRÉ (RESpondIng to outbreakS through co‐creaTIve inclusive equality stRatEgies), we first assess the policies brought in by the UK government in response to the pandemic from a gender perspective, with a particular focus on the extent to which the work–care nexus has been considered. We then draw on the personal narratives of women in the UK, who were differentially affected by the pandemic, to analyze the lived experiences of this policy context and the challenges faced in “reconciling” paid work and care. These experiences demonstrate that any attempt to effectively respond to and reverse structural inequalities needs to address the dynamic interrelationship of paid and unpaid work, and particularly unpaid care work that women undertake at home and beyond. This is crucial in our attempt to challenge neoliberal capitalist organizing, transform societies and build a fairer, more inclusive post‐pandemic future.

Artificial intelligence and human integration: a conceptual exploration of its influence on work processes and workplace learning

ABSTRACT This paper examines the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on job and organizational processes, drawing on sociotechnical systems (STS) theory. It discusses the emergence of AI and its implications for HRD on individual, group, and organizational learning. AI has changed the trajectory of work processes and outcomes, paving the way for the future of work. An AI-human integration process model is proposed to reinforce its influence on job design in response to AI applications in the workplace. Learning is experienced between humans and between humans and AI. AI’s cognitive intelligence is capable of learning from each other through a process of deep learning. Humans, too, can learn from AI to modify their response towards working with AI-enabled applications. The model illustrates the relationships between individuals, work processes, and sociotechnical systems through multilevel interactions. Of relevance to HRD are two critical processes, namely learning and innovating, that facilitate the continuation of AI-human integration, enabling employees to embrace AI as an integral part of their work life. The paper offers several implications for HRD research and practice, recognizing opportunities for workplace learning and the potential constraints and risks arising from AI adoption that are applicable globally and internationally.

How prepared are newly qualified allied health professionals for practice in the UK? A systematic review

ObjectivesIt is important that allied health professionals (AHPs) are prepared for clinical practice from the very start of their working lives to provide quality care for patients, for their personal...

Educational Expansion as a Driver of Longer Working Lives?

This study investigates the contribution of educational expansion to changes in labour force participation among Europeans aged 55-74 between 2000 and 2019, while accounting for changes in educational inequalities in labour market activity. We use data from the European Union Labour Force Survey (EU-LFS) for 26 countries and Kitagawa-Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition methods to analyse the extent to which changes in the education structure may account for rises in labour force participation rates among older workers in these countries, and the degree to which returns to education have changed. Overall, we found that educational expansion is positively associated with increases in labour force participation, albeit with substantial cross-country variation in the scale of this association. A driving factor was the decrease in the share of the population with low education levels, followed by an increase in the share of those with high education levels. While activity rates rose in most countries and among all levels of education, the largest increases were observed among people with a medium level of education. Activity rates of low-educated older workers, especially women, grew at a substantially lower pace in some countries, exacerbating educational inequalities in labour force participation at older ages. The study suggests that educational expansion has been a driver of longer working lives in Europe. However, it also indicates that changes in health, working conditions and age norms at the microlevel, as well as pension and labour market reforms at the macrolevel, can be assumed to have played a dominant role in countries where increases in labour force participation were the most significant.

Intergenerational Climate and Work Engagement: The Mediating Role of Perceived Age Discrimination in a Sample of Older Workers

ABSTRACT Given that different generations can be found in the workplace, due to the increase of work life cycle, research regarding the impact of intergenerational climate and perceived age discrimination on work engagement is of relevance, especially among older workers, as those most impacted by age discrimination. The objective of this study was to investigate intergenerational climate and work engagement, and whether this relationship is mediated by age discrimination. The hypotheses were tested in a sample of 201 Portuguese workers with 45 or more years of age, by means of regression. Findings showed that intergenerational inclusiveness and affect, retention and intergenerational affect, and generational stereotypes are negatively related to perceived age discrimination. Furthermore, work engagement seems to only be positively impacted by intergenerational inclusiveness and affect. Age discrimination did not act as a mediator. Theoretical and practical implications to human resources management strategies in organizations are discussed.

From fumble to flourish: how workplace attachment drives service recovery performance

PurposeDrawing on the conservation of resources theory and attachment theory, this paper proposes that employee–organization relationship and satisfaction with work–life balance mediate the influence of workplace attachment on service recovery performance.Design/methodology/approachData collection was carried out through the distribution of questionnaires among a sample of healthcare providers from Lebanese private hospitals and analyzed via structural equation modeling.FindingsThe results indicate that workplace attachment has a significant impact on employee–organization relationship, satisfaction with work–life balance and service recovery performance. The findings further reveal that employee–organization relationship and satisfaction with work–life balance significantly influence service recovery performance and fully mediate the relationship between workplace attachment and service recovery performance.Originality/valueThis study is the first to investigate the mediating role of the employee–organization relationship and satisfaction with work–life balance between workplace attachment and service recovery performance. Over and above, this study is the first of its kind that the authors are aware of, being conducted in the healthcare sector, specifically in Lebanon. Based on the findings, the paper discusses the theoretical contributions, managerial implications and suggestions for further studies.