Work Patterns Research Articles

Simulation-based emergency department staffing and scheduling optimization considering part-time work shifts

Emergency department (ED) physicians have long been in short supply, which causes serious overcrowding and the excessive waiting of patients in many countries. ED managers are under great pressure to make staffing and scheduling decisions. To address this problem, this paper introduces part-time work shifts with fixed starting times and durations in peak hours to increase the flexibility and reduce patients’ waiting times. Then, a two-stage framework is proposed to optimize the weekly staffing and scheduling decisions with both fixed and part-time work shifts. Stage I is a weekly staffing problem to determine the number of physicians for both types of work shifts. The weekly staffing problem is decomposed and then solved using a simulation optimization method. Specifically, an adaptive partitioning empirical stochastic branch and bound (ESB&B-AP) algorithm is proposed by employing adaptive cut-generation methods in the process of feasible region partitioning, which significantly improves the searching efficiency of the algorithm. Stage II is a scheduling problem to determine the work schedules of physicians based on a predetermined set of work patterns. Numerical experiments validate the advantages of part-time work shifts, as well as the effectiveness of the two-stage optimization framework and the ESB&B-AP algorithm.

HR Risk Analysis and Employee Performance: Implications for HR Management

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about changes in various sectors of life. One of them occurs in the system and work patterns. PT XYZ is one of the companies in Indonesia which has its role in improving the welfare of the lower-class community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, PT XYZ continued to carry out work from the office because transactions between employees and customers had to be carried out directly. This increases the occurrence of human resource risks for employees. This study aims to identify the perception of resource risk and analyze human resource management and employee performance, as well as the effect of risk and human resource management on employee performance. The data used in this study are primary and secondary, then analyzed quantitatively using descriptive analysis methods and SEM-PLS. PT XYZ is dominated by 55% are male, 46.4% are 31-35 years old, 83.6% have a bachelor's degree, 37.9% have a corporate title as cashier, 44.3% have worked 6-10 years, 60.7% have work experience, and 71.4% have experienced job rotation. Employees' perceptions of human resource risk, employee performance, and human resource management are mostly positive. The results of the SEM-PLS analysis show that the risk of human resources and human resource management has a positive and significant effect on employee performance. Meanwhile, human resource management as a moderating variable is not able to moderate or strengthen the influence of employee competence on employee performance.

Professional, educational and psychosocial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatricians

ABSTRACT Objectives COVID-19 infection is not limited to medical aspects, but may have significant negative impacts on education, tourism, the economy as well as sociocultural, ethical, and legal aspects. We aimed to assess the multidimensional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatricians by examining their COVID-19 infection, domestic life and quarantine, as well as work patterns, educational activities, and psychosocial impact. Methods An online survey consisted of seven sections and 68 questions was prepared through ‘Google Forms.’ The survey was sent via e-mail to physicians who are members of the National Pediatric Association of Turkey. Results The pandemic has affected pediatricians working in our country in a multifaceted aspect. They experienced significant anxiety/depression/stress, 8% of them felt it at a pathological level and were receiving treatment, and women and young pediatricians were more vulnerable to the pandemic. The more adequately informed about the disease, the more prepared for COVID-19 and lower levels of psychological distress, which emphasizes the importance of education and institutional continuing support. Our study showed that academic education was seriously disrupted and the satisfaction rate with virtual education was low. Conclusion Although COVID-19 has less impact today, it has taught us that it is necessary to be ready for new pandemics in the future. The required measures should be taken urgently and effectively healthcare professionals should follow a rational and applicable disaster plan.

Investigating basics and principles of ergonomics in the sheet

The development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders depends on the pattern of work and does not belong to a particular industry or occupation. One way to assess the amount of stress and tension on the body is to evaluate posture. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders in cellulose industry workers. Study, 22 stations were examined using RULA method, of which 7 stations were at level 2, 14 stations were at level 3 and one station was at level 4. 14 stations were surveyed using REBA method, among which, 2 stations were at level 1 and 12 stations were at level 2. Also, 38 stations were surveyed using the KIM-LHC method, of which 26 stations were at level 2 and 12 stations were at level 3. Statistical studies showed that there was a significant relationship between low back pain and work experience at the level of 0.01. The prevalence of shoulder, arm, back and leg pain was significantly different between men and women at the level of 0.01. There was also a significant relationship between the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the lumbar and shoulder area over a period of time and the level of risk of work postures. The results of the study showed that the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and risk levels calculated by RULA and KIM methods were high in the subjects, but the risk level calculated by REBA method was low and moderate. Therefore, any program to prevent the occurrence of these disorders in the workplace and control the relevant ergonomic risk factors and take corrective measures to improve working conditions at all stages of production, is necessary.

Prevalence and impact of persistent symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers: A cross-sectional survey in the SIREN cohort

Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, some patients experience a range of long-lasting symptoms, with a specific burden on their lives and ability to work. We describe the prevalence and impact of persistent symptoms pre-/post-vaccination in SIREN study participants. A cross-sectional study of SARS-CoV-2 positive participants was carried out within SIREN, a frequently tested UK healthcare worker cohort with vaccination and demographic data available. Participants with a SARS-CoV-2 positive PCR or anti-SARS-CoV-2 sample between 01 March 2020 and 31 September 2022 were asked via a questionnaire about symptoms and days absent from work following infection. Responses were excluded if infection dates were inconsistent with study records or missing key data. Symptom type/duration and whether infection occurred pre-/post-vaccination and during which variant period were described. Logistic regression was used to estimate factors associated with persistent symptoms (>12 weeks), adjusting for vaccination and demographic factors. The median days absent from work were also determined. Of 16,599 invitations, 6677 participants responded, and 5053 were included in the analysis. The prevalence of persistent symptoms (symptoms lasting over 12 weeks) differed by infection episode; highest for first infections (32.7%; 1557/4767) compared to second (21.6%; 214/991) and third infections (21.6%; 16/74). Most frequently reported symptoms were fatigue, tiredness, shortness of breath and difficulty concentrating. A higher prevalence of persistent symptoms was reported during the Wild-type variant period compared to the other variant periods (52.9% Wild-type vs. 20.7% Omicron, for any symptom reported during their first infection). Overall, persistent symptoms were higher among unvaccinated participants (unvaccinated 38.1% vs vaccinated 22.0%). Multivariable analysis showed that participants were less likely to report persistent symptoms in infections occurring after vaccination compared to those with an infection before vaccination in the Alpha/Delta and Omicron periods (Alpha/Delta: adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) 0.66, CI 95% 0.51-0.87, p = aOR 0.07, CI 95% 0.01-0.65, p = 0.02). About half of participants reported that their persistent symptoms impacted their day-to-day (51.8%) and work-related (42.1%) activities 'a little', and 24.0% and 14.4% reported that the impact was 'A lot'. 8.9% reported they had reduced their working hours, and 13.9% had changed their working pattern. Persistent symptoms were frequent in our cohort, and there was a reduction in symptom duration in those with multiple infection episodes during later variant periods and post-vaccination. The impact of persistent symptoms resulting in reducing working hours or adjusting working patterns has important implications for workforce resilience. UK healthcare workers were highly exposed during the pandemic, demonstrating a significant burden.

An Effective protection against unemployment for self-employed and platform workers? The intriguing case of Denmark

This article discusses whether self-employed and platform workers in Denmark have effective access to the unemployment insurance scheme. The Danish case is intriguing in a comparative context. Unlike other European States, it has been possible in Denmark for the self-employed to formally access the unemployment scheme since 1976. The system is also interesting as it is rather flexible, and was recently adapted to meet the challenges of changing work patterns and an increase in atypical forms of work, such as platform work. Yet, it is argued that important barriers to effective coverage remain. Some barriers, such as the voluntary character of the insurance and its eligibility criteria, are common to all persons with low and irregular work. Other barriers are specific to the self-employed and relate to the conditions for proving the closing down of business, and to waiting periods.

Impact of flexible working on traffic congestion in extreme weather conditions: Empirical evidence from a natural experiment

IntroductionClimate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, which can lead to increased congestion on roadways as drivers slow down and navigate hazardous conditions. Flexible working can be a potential solution because it reduces the need for employees to commute to work. MethodsThis study investigates the traffic congestion spatiotemporal patterns of flexible working in extreme weather events (i.e., heavy snow) by using the public health emergency as a natural experiment. We collect real-time traffic data from Harbin, China, and provide a framework to quantify the reduction of traffic congestion under extreme weather conditions. During the epidemic lockdown period, only crucial workers were allowed to go to work in the study area; everybody else was working from home. This is the maximum level of flexible working that a system can allow. Hence, our findings provide an upper limit for traffic congestion reduction in extreme weather events. We constructed three scenarios, i.e., baseline, snow, and snow with work-from-home (WFH). We use time series analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis methods to study the spatiotemporal patterns of traffic congestion during morning peak hours (6:30 a.m.–9:30 a.m.) at 10-min intervals. ResultsThe data analysis identified that significant traffic congestion reduction due to the WFH arrangement. For example, the longest travel duration is reduced from 120 min in the snow scenario to 50 min in the snow with WFH scenario. ConclusionsThis study reveals the geographical patterns of urban traffic congestion, providing support for guiding residents to optimize snowy travel methods in future interventions, policy changes, and research.

Impacts of COVID-19 on the premiums of proximity to railway stations: An in-depth analysis using passenger flows

As a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, work and leisure patterns have changed significantly, as have commuting and travel behavior. This has led to changes in the degree of dependence and demand for mass transportation. This paper proposes that these changes decrease people's demand to live near public transportation services and cause the decline of the positive externality created by public transit as measured by house prices. This paper explores the train stations of Taiwan's two largest cities (Taipei and Kaohsiung) by adopting various hedonic price models to estimate the COVID-19 effect on the premiums of proximity to rail stops. We then analyze whether the changes in premiums are affected by the passenger flow at the station. This paper uses four variables to measure passenger flows: the number of total passengers on services, the net number of passengers (the number leaving the local area minus the number of arriving at the local area), and the expected numbers of commuters and non-commuters. The empirical results of this paper show that after the COVID-19 outbreak, the monetary value of the proximity of railway stations decreased significantly. However, the COVID-19 effect on different stations is heterogeneous. The post-COVID-19 decrease in the positive externality associated with proximity to a rail station is significantly affected by passenger flows. The changes in the positive externality of stations found in this study suggest the public has reduced their dependence on stations due to changes in commuting behavior. We urge the government to pay attention to whether the commuting flows and the public's demand for public transportation have shifted and the use of vehicles and road transportation has risen.

Beyond the precariat: Trajectories of precarious work and its determinants in South Korea

AbstractThis study examines the evolving patterns of precarious work in South Korea over a 20‐year period, challenging conventional understandings of labour market segmentation and class formation. Using group‐based trajectory modelling on Korean Labour and Income Panel Study data (2002–2021), we identify five distinct trajectories of labour market experiences. Our findings reveal that 34.4% of the sample, categorised into persistently high precariousness and persistent precariousness groups, provides evidence for an emerging, heterogeneous precariat class. This new class formation transcends traditional occupational boundaries and challenges existing class theories. Multinomial logistic regression shows that low‐skilled service workers and women are more likely to belong to precarious groups. Our study contributes by (1) providing empirical evidence for a diverse precariat class, (2) demonstrating the need for a multidimensional approach to precarious work, and (3) highlighting the dynamic nature of precarious work over time. We argue for bringing class discussion back into labour market inequality analysis through a new theoretical framework that synthesises traditional class theory with contemporary precariat discourse, offering insights for policy and theoretical development in understanding modern labour markets.

A multi-channel queue model to optimize service level and staff availability in bank industry

Staff scheduling in service organizations like banks, stores, call centers, and emergency centers is critical due to direct customer interaction and uncertain service demand. This research presents a multi-objective model for scheduling bank staff, focusing on uncertain customer arrival and service rates. The model aims to optimize customer service efficiency and maximize staff satisfaction through three objective functions: minimizing the customer waiting queue length (using an M/M/C system), minimizing the number of assigned employees, and maximizing employee satisfaction by considering preferred working times. By simulating Poisson distribution for client arrival and service times, we predicted the bank's queue system performance and optimized staffing levels using the proposed model. Tested with real data from Agribank in Iran, the results showed an 8% reduction in customer waiting times and a 53% increase in employee satisfaction, demonstrating significant improvements in service efficiency and workplace morale. These percentages highlight the model's ability to effectively balance operational efficiency and employee well-being, facilitated by its transparent work pattern structure. Given the NP-hard nature of the model, we employed a meta-heuristic approach (NSGA-II) and GAMS with the ε-constraint method to solve it. Comparative results indicated that NSGA-II outperformed GAMS in both solution quality and computational time

Temporal structures that determine consistency and quality of care: a case study in hyperacute stroke services

BackgroundTemporal structuring is determined by practices and social norms and affects the quality and timing of care. In this case study of hyperacute stroke wards which provide initial stroke investigation,...

Influence of semiotic resources on peer interactions during collaborative digital multimodal composing

Collaborative digital multimodal composing (CDMC) has recently gained traction in the advent of technology-enhanced language learning, yet scant attention was paid to the influence of semiotic resources on the interaction patterns between learners. The present study attempted to fill the research gap by examining the interactions between English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in an online English for Academic Purpose (EAP) course. Using a multiple case-study design, three pairs of undergraduates completed a collaborative multimodal writing and video-making task for presentation using ZOOM. Influence of semiotic resources can be unveiled through manipulating the mode of presentation. Data of this study includes the verbal exchanges and non-verbal on-screen interactions between the participants while they are working on the tasks. Their interaction patterns were analyzed through conversation analysis and two aspects of collaborations, namely equality and mutuality, were also examined. Their interaction patterns were found to be strikingly different across both tasks, and languaging mainly serves the function of verbalization of content-related issues, such as searching for information and assembling various multimodal elements, with only rare instances of either grammar-based or lexis-based language-related episodes (LRE). Another striking finding is that pairs who are working collaboratively with balanced division and mutual contribution are less susceptible to our manipulation, as compared to those who are demonstrating a dominant-dominant or expert-novice working pattern. Implications of these findings on fostering peer collaborations during CDMC are discussed.

Education of Exemplarity in Building Inclusive Villages

The purpose of this paper is to describe the conscious and planned efforts undertaken by the Village Government together with the Village Deliberation Agency (BPD) and the community elements of Sawangan Wetan Village, Patikraja District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province, in striving to transform themselves into an inclusive village. This research employs a qualitative research approach with a descriptive method. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. The findings of this paper indicate that education of exemplarity in realizing inclusive villages must be carried out simultaneously by all parties involved in the village, including the Village Government, BPD, village institutions, and community elements. Exemplary education as an effort to achieve inclusive villages in Sawangan Wetan Village should begin with the example set by the Head of Village. The Head of Village is the highest leader of the village who must provide the best examples in terms of mindset, attitude, and actions in village development and community empowerment activities. The purpose of setting these examples is to inspire and motivate the Village Apparatus, BPD, and community elements to emulate the working pattern of the Head of Village. Therefore, the conclusion drawn from the education of exemplarity in realizing inclusive villages in Sawangan Wetan Village is that the initiative must begin with continuous exemplary leadership from the Head of Village, who is the highest leader in the village. These examples should then serve as inspiration and be emulated by other village elements to collectively build the village.

The Evolution of Employment Law in the Gig Economy

Purpose: The general objective of the study was to explore the evolution of employment law in the gig economy. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to the evolution of employment law in the gig economy. Preliminary empirical review revealed that traditional employment laws were insufficient for addressing the unique needs of gig workers, who face significant gaps in legal protections and benefits. The rise of gig work exposed flaws in existing legal frameworks, which were designed for permanent, full-time employment and fail to accommodate the flexible and often precarious nature of gig jobs. It was determined that existing laws needed substantial reform to better protect gig workers while maintaining the flexibility that defines gig work, emphasizing the need for updated legal frameworks that reflect the realities of modern employment. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Theory of Precarious Work, Flexicurity Theory and the Labor Market Segmentation Theory may be used to anchor future studies on the evolution of employment law. The study recommended several key reforms to address the shortcomings in the legal framework for gig workers. It suggested developing hybrid employment models that combine traditional benefits with the flexibility of gig work, reforming legal classifications to better fit gig work patterns, and enhancing regulatory frameworks to be more adaptive to technological and market changes. The study also advocated for promoting worker representation, implementing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact of reforms, encouraging international collaboration for harmonized regulations, and launching education and awareness initiatives to inform gig workers and employers about their rights and responsibilities. These recommendations aimed to create a more equitable and effective labor market for gig workers.

Incidence and Factors Associated With Burnout Among Cardiac Anesthesiologists in India

ObjectiveMany previous survey have demonstrated high incidence of burnout among anesthesiologists. This survey was aimed to estimate the incidence and to understand factors associated with burnout among cardiac anaesthesiologists in India. DesignMembers of the Indian Association of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Anaesthesiologists (IACTA) were invited. The survey consisted of 2 sections: the initial section collected demographic data, work patterns, and factors associated with burnout perception. The second part assessed Emotional Exhaustion (EE), Depersonalization (DP), and Low Personal Accomplishment (LPA) using the Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS). SettingWeb-Based Survey ParticipantsMembers of IACTA InterventionsNone Measurement and ResultsA high score on EE (≥27 and/or ≥ DP 10) identified those at high risk for burnout. High risk of burnout in addition to LPA ≤33 was defined as burnout syndrome.Of the 2,262 IACTA members surveyed, 325 (14.35%) responded. Among them, 162 (49.8%) were classified as at high risk of burnout, and 91 (28%) met the criteria for burnout syndrome.Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with a high risk of burnout were <5 years of experience (OR-3.53), insufficient external support (OR-2.87), limited personal time availability (OR-1.96), and considering leaving cardiac anesthesia (OR-3.61). Factors contributing to burnout syndrome were <5 years of experience (OR-3.83), inadequate workplace colleague support (OR-1.84), and considering leaving cardiac anesthesia (OR-2.43). ConclusionsThe burden of burnout syndrome is high among Indian anesthesiologists. Risk factors included younger age, inadequate workplace and external support, limited personal time, and contemplation of leaving cardiac anesthesia. There is a need for sensitization of various stakeholders and institute necessary measures to reduce the burden and impact of burnout.

Photo-Driven Ion Directional Transport across Artificial Ion Channels: Band Engineering of WS2 via Peptide Modification.

Biological photo-responsive ion channels play important roles in the important metabolic processes of living beings. To mimic the unique functions of biological prototypes, the transition metal dichalcogenides, owing to their excellent mechanical, electrical, and optical properties, are already used for artificial intelligent channel constructions. However, there remain challenges to building artificial bio-semiconductor nanochannels with finely tuned band gaps for accurately simulating or regulating ion transport. Here, two well-designed peptides are employed for the WS2 nanosheets functionalization with the sequences of PFPFPFPFC and DFDFDFDFC (PFC and DFC; P: proline, D: aspartate, and F: phenylalanine) through cysteine (Cys, C) linker, and an asymmetric peptide-WS2 membrane (AP-WS2M) could be obtained via self-assembly of peptide-WS2 nanosheets. The AP-WS2M could realize the photo-driven anti-gradient ion transport and vis-light enhanced osmotic energy conversion by well-designed working patterns. The photo-driven ion transport mechanism stems from a built-in photovoltaic motive force with the help of formed type II band alignment between the PFC-WS2 and DFC-WS2. As a result, the ions would be driven across the channels of the membrane for different applications. The proposed system provides an effective solution for building photo-driven biomimetic 2D bio-semiconductor ion channels, which could be extensively applied in the fields of drug delivery, desalination, and energy conversion.

A Study on the Work Flexibility of Employees in the Post Epidemic Era

With the outbreak and continuation of the global COVID-19 epidemic, the traditional office model and workplace culture have been unprecedentedly impacted. This epidemic has not only changed people's daily lifestyles, but also had a profound impact on enterprise operations and employee work patterns. In the post pandemic era, the issue of employee work flexibility has become increasingly important and has become a focus of concern for both enterprises and employees. This study focuses on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on employees' work patterns, particularly the flexibility of time and space. It examines the concept of work flexibility, analyzes the shift in time flexibility for employees in the post-pandemic era, and its effect on company operations and employee satisfaction. By delving into the Google case, this article demonstrates the practicality of spatial flexibility in enhancing employee productivity and satisfaction. The research reveals that post-pandemic flexible work policies, such as remote work, not only help companies navigate uncertainty but also have the potential to reshape future work models. However, attention should be paid to addressing new challenges arising from this, such as work-life balance and digital divide issues. This article aims to provide a theoretical basis and practical insights for policymakers and business leaders to achieve more efficient, humane post-pandemic era work organizations.

Data-Driven Insights and Solutions for the Health and Human Resource Crisis in Canada.

Canada's healthcare system is experiencing a health and human resource (HHR) crisis. The available evidence of the scope of the problem and potential solutions, however, is not commensurate with the scale and urgency of the crisis. The use of linked health administrative data to study the health, well-being and work patterns of the health workforce offers critical insights into how the workforce is functioning at a population level. Efforts to rapidly expand the use of these data are needed to understand the scope of the HHR crisis, find opportunities for improvement and drive change.

The Influence of High Performance Work Systems on Employee Resilience Moderated by Gender Differences in Employees of Pdam Way Rilau Bandar Lampung City

The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in an economic downturn, causing changes in work patterns. This has an impact on employee resilience, to improve resilience a high-performance work system is needed. In practice, PDAM Way Rilau Bandar Lampung City implements this system, but there is gender inequality in its implementation. The purpose of this study is to see if there is an effect of a high-performance work system on employee resilience and whether gender differences moderate this effect. The method in this study uses simple linear regression analysis and MRA which is processed by SPSS software version 23. The results of this study support the proposed hypothesis that a high-performance work system has a positive and significant effect on employee resilience and gender differences strengthen the effect of a high-performance work system on employee resilience. Suggestions for PDAM Way Rilau Bandar Lampung City to further consider providing financial rewards based on individual performance. Suggestions for PDAM Way Rilau employees of Bandar Lampung City to share some things with friends, it is hoped that the burden of problems borne by oneself will become lighter, so that it can increase resilience.

Ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in small-scale industries in Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023

PurposeGood eye protection is the most important factor in preventing eye injuries. Most eye injuries are due to the improper use or lack of use of eye protection equipment. Therefore,...