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PubMed1978

[Covariance of the level of activation and work performance as a method of evaluating the work load].

Assuming as proved the claim that there is a relation between the activation level and the results of work performed, which may be presented by means of a curve bearing a reversed "U" shape, it has been assumed that we can think of a work load when there is a negative correlation between these parameters. This assumption has been checked by comparying work load of weaving women operating two different types of looms. As an index of activation level, the frequency heart rate has been taken, whereas the rapidity of work performance and results of interpolated tests (reaction time, centre-punching, dotting, drawing a line and accuracy of observation) have been treated as the indices of capability for work. Differences in the trend of interdependence between these groups of parameters, depending on the type of activity performed and the type of loom under description, have been found, which indicates that this method may possibly be used when evaluating the load as well as pointing out its sources.

Female↗

PubMed1995

Negative work behaviours: their impact on disabled people seeking work.

This paper looks at work behaviours which prevent an individual from getting and keeping a job, and then reviews how these behaviours might be changed. The term 'work behaviours' is examined and a definition for the term is proposed. Possible causes of negative work behaviours are cited, along with the way they might manifest themselves. A diagram demonstrating visually the causes and manifestations of negative work behaviours is shown. The potential for changing work behaviors is discussed, followed by a review of possible techniques that can affect such a change. Direct and indirect techniques of behaviour change are described. Direct behaviour change is seen to be preferable to indirect change, and the author looks briefly at nine methods of direct behaviour change.

Attitude↗

PubMed1994

Risk indicators in the psychosocial and physical work environment for work-related neck, shoulder and low back symptoms: a study among blue- and white-collar workers in eight companies.

The study was based on a questionnaire and included 209 white-collar workers and 241 blue-collar workers in eight companies. The questionnaire deals with musculoskeletal symptoms, psychosocial and physical load factors. The relationship between job factors and neck, shoulder and low-back symptoms was analysed. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was supplemented with an additional question regarding whether or not the symptoms were believed to be related to work. The associations between the psychosocial factors and musculoskeletal symptoms were substantially higher when solely work-related symptoms were included in the analyses; these associations were of the same magnitude as that between several physical work load factors and work-related musculoskeletal symptoms. This study suggests that calculations of associations based solely on the NMQ, without the inclusion of questions to elicit reports of symptoms that are believed to be work-related, could have a powerful effect-masking consequence.

Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic↗

PubMed1995

ETS exposure in the workplace. Perceptions and reactions by employees in 114 work sites. Working Well Research Group [corrected].

Employees are often exposed to and bothered by environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) in the workplace; however, little is known about correlates of workers' perceptions of their exposure. In this study, 20,801 employees in 114 work sites in the United States were surveyed; variables related to perceptions of exposure and being bothered by ETS were entered into regression models. Many of the workplaces had total or partial restrictions on smoking in the workplace; however, over half of the respondents (52.4%) reported they were exposed to ETS at work. Smoking policy, smoking status, age, gender, living with a smoker, and occupation contributed to models for perceived exposure and being bothered by tobacco smoke. Work site smoking restrictions seem to have an impact on employee attitudes concerning exposure to ETS. About 35% of employees were bothered regularly by smokiness at their workplaces, which made their working conditions both uncomfortable and exposed them to an unsafe working environment.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

[Working memory and work with memory: visual-spatial and further components of processing].

Empirical and theoretical evidence for the concept of working memory is considered. We argue that the major weakness of this concept is its loose connection with the knowledge about background perceptive and cognitive processes. Results of two relevant experiments are provided. The first study demonstrated the classical chunking effect in a speeded visual search and comparison task, the proper domain of a large-capacity very short term sensory store. Our second study was a kind of extended levels-of-processing experiment. We attempted to manipulate visual, phonological, and (different) executive components of long-term memory in the hope of finding some systematic relationships between these forms of processing. Indeed, the results demonstrated a high degree of systematicity without any apparent need for a concept such as working memory for the explanation. Accordingly, the place for working memory is at all the interfaces where our metacognitive strategies interfere with mostly domain-specific cognitive mechanisms. Working memory is simply our work with memory.

Adult↗

PubMed1996

Work organization within the Swedish health service from a socio-psychological perspective. A review of research and practical work for change in county council.

The study is a full inventory. The aim was twofold: to obtain a comprehensive picture of activities and to obtain an expression of what the concept of work organization stands for within the health service. Analyses demonstrate that there is an equally strong emphasis on work organisational structure (eg. job scheduling, forms of care) and occupational content. (eg. skills development, professional role). Nevertheless, more detailed analyses demonstrated that the overall balance between structure and content does not apply to all occupational groups and at all levels within the hierarchy. The results show that occupational groups at high and intermediate levels tend to be primarily considered in terms of factors that can be regarded as involving personal development or concerned with relations with patients at a theoretical level; on the other hand, a far greater number of health care auxiliaries are treated in concrete and physical terms--in relation to work with patients and personal benefits that will accrue so long as they remain within the organization. This divergence of emphasis is paradoxical in the light of the fact that it is members of the latter group who have the more intense relations with patients and who have to bear so much of their fear and anxiety. At the same time, auxiliaries form the occupational group which, at least initially, has the lowest qualification for this task and which receives the least amount of training in what can be described as professional attitude with empathy as a central component. If a systems perspective is adopted (where the object is seen as a unified whole), the importance that the different groups are linked together via certain common conceptions becomes immediately apparent. In the light of our findings, we hold the strong belief that similar or common strategies for work organizational development should be applied to all groupings of health care staff. We also believe in the necessity of defining the role of the patient within the organization. If changes can take place along these lines, they will have a favourable impact on the organization of work within the Swedish health service.

Delivery of Health Care↗

PubMed1995

Work performance of Chinese cycle haulers: controlled field experiments in normal work conditions.

Forty-five male Chinese cycle haulers performed a controlled field experiment under mild winter conditions. The objective was to gain insight into factors that affect work performance. Each man hauled the same 481-kg load around a Beijing street course of 14.18 km. The experiment was a measured sample of the same work they do routinely, on the same roads, using similar human powered hauling cycles (modified only enough to carry observers and instruments). The course was completed at a mean speed of 10.4 kph and mean time of 84.2 min. While there was considerable variation in individual pace and in pace change during work, the haulers performed at relatively high output in reference to their capacities. Mean heart rate was 156.8 +/- 16.1 bpm, 83.9% of maximum. The men had average body build and were average in size for the general Chinese population (X stature = 169.7 cm) although they showed relatively high aerobic capacity (determined in laboratory tests). Performance levels during experiments appear to match habitual work patterns, and self-pacing emerged as a major behavioral finding of this research. Speed, a primary index of job performance, showed significant correlation to heart rate, VO2max, variation in windchill, self-reported health and other variables, with a multiple regression coefficient of 0.811. Similar patterns were seen for heart rate relative to speed, except that physical size, education, and other behavioral variables were also predictors.

Adult↗

PubMed2026

The Impact of Oncological Treatments on Return to Work, Work Ability, and Sickness Absence in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review.

PURPOSE: Returning to work and maintaining an adequate ability to work serve as key indicators of quality of life, psychological well-being and psychosocial adjustment. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the impact of breast cancer treatments on return to work (RTW), work ability (WA), and sick leave (SL) among breast cancer survivors. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. The sample consisted of 26 studies published between 2016 and 2025, including prospective multicenter cohorts and national registries from fifteen countries across four continents, with more than 25,000 participants. A methodological quality assessment and a narrative synthesis were performed to synthesize the results. RESULTS: Chemotherapy is the most consistent predictor of prolonged SL, delayed RTW, and significantly reduced WA. Radical surgery and axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) are associated with a significantly delayed RTW due to physical sequelae. While outcomes showed strong relationship with clinical factors, certain psychosocial variables such as depression, anxiety, and low self-efficacy seemed to act as important secondary factors that can further complicate the process. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that more invasive or aggressive treatments (chemotherapy, ALND, and radical surgery) were associated with poorer outcomes on RTW, WA, and SL. Furthermore, the clinical recovery associated with treatment completion did not necessarily equate to a functional recovery in WA that facilitated a successful RTW. Thus, it is necessary to explore in depth the impact of cancer treatments on WA, alongside psychosocial variables, to design multidisciplinary interventions that enable sustainable occupational reintegration. REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2026 (CRD420261322638).

Breast cancer survivors↗

PubMed2001

Nature of work and future of the social work profession.

Social work practice and education long have been influenced by trends in the U.S. economy, particularly as these trends affected patterns of employment and unemployment. This article assesses the implications of recent changes in patterns of economic production and the nature of work for the social work profession. The authors conclude with recommendations on how schools of social work can address these implications in their curricula and their relationships with the communities in which they are located.

Community-Institutional Relations↗

PubMed2006

Sleep deprivation of working adolescents--a hidden work hazard.

This manuscript discusses the sleep deprivation of adolescents and young workers and its impact on their work and learning. Several studies have shown that working adolescents wake up earlier, have a shorter nocturnal sleep duration and a higher level of sleepiness during wake time during the week than nonworking students do. These studies indicate that working students may have their learning ability negatively affected by being tired and sleepy. Therefore, on the basis of these results, the authors recommend that educational programs geared to sleep hygiene should be one of the priorities of the curriculum. At the same time, the workhours of teenagers should be shortened in order to allow them to work and study during daytime and to have enough time at night for leisure and rest. These recommendations would improve the quality of life of the population that already is or will soon be participating in the job market.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

[The social hygiene problems in the operator work of hydroelectric power station workers and the means for enhancing work capacity].

Weight, tension and harmfulness of professional activity, peculiarities of labour conditions and characteristics of work, shift dynamics of operative personnel's working capacity were studied in the course of 8-hour working day currently accepted at hydroelectric power stations (HEPS) and experimental 12-hour schedule. Working conditions classified as "admissible", positive dynamics of operators' state, their social and material contentment were a basis for 12-hour two-shift schedule to be recommended as more appropriate. At the same time, problem of optimal shift schedules for operative personnel of HEPS remains unsolved and needs to be further explored.

Adult↗

PubMed1993

Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment work simulator: energy expenditure of work activities in cardiac patients.

The energy expenditure and hemodynamic responses to tasks performed on the Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment (BTE) work simulator were evaluated in men with coronary artery disease and compared to tasks performed at a laboratory workstation in which actual tools and equipment were used. Met units for the BTE work simulator and corresponding workstation tasks, respectively, were drill press operation, 1.5 +/- 0.1 and 1.5 +/- 0.3Mets; hammering, 2.3 +/- 0.3 and 3.4 +/- 0.8Mets (p < 0.05); repetitive lifting a 22.7kg weight load, 3.8 +/- 0.6 and 4.5 +/- 0.9Mets (p < 0.05); mechanic work in a supine position, 2.0 +/- 0.5 and 1.7 +/- 0.2Mets; sanding wood, 2.0 +/- 0.3 and 2.5 +/- 0.7Mets; sawing wood, 3.2 +/- 0.6 and 4.3 +/- 0.7Mets (p < 0.05); screwdriving, 2.2 +/- 0.3 and 2.5 +/- 0.5Mets (p < 0.05); shoveling, 5.45kg load 4.6 +/- 1.0 and 4.2 +/- 0.7Mets; sweeping, 1.7 +/- 0.2 and 3.0 +/- 0.4Mets (p < 0.05); and vacuuming, 2.7 +/- 0.7 and 2.9 +/- 0.5Mets. The results indicate that there is a tendency for the metabolic and hemodynamic responses to BTE work simulator tasks to be lower than that of the actual activity.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1996

Effects of work stressors and work climate on long-term care staff's job morale and functioning.

Relationships between work stressors and work climate, and job morale and functioning were examined. Initial and 8-month follow-up data were obtained from 405 staff in 14 long-term care facilities. Relationship and workload stressors were related to less job satisfaction and intent to stay in the job, and more job-related distress, depression, and physical symptoms. Patient care task stressors were associated with better outcomes. More positive work climates were linked to higher job morale. Initial work stressors predicted poorer functioning, and coworker cohesion predicted more intent to stay in the job at follow-up.

Adult↗

PubMed1994

VDT-related musculoskeletal symptoms: interactions between work posture and psychosocial work factors.

Video display terminal (VDT) operators (n = 150) in the editorial department of a large metropolitan newspaper participated in a study of day-to-day musculoskeletal symptoms. Work posture related to the VDT workstation and psychosocial work factors were also investigated for their contributions to the severity of upper body pain, numbness, and stiffness using a representative subsample (n = 70). Self-report measures included Karasek's Job Content Instrument and the author-designed Work Interpersonal Relationships Inventory. Independent observations of work posture were performed using techniques similar to those reported by Sauter et al. [1991]. Pain during the last week was reported by 59% (n = 88) of the respondents, and 28% (n = 42) were categorized by symptom criteria potentially to have musculoskeletal disorders. More hours per day of VDT use and less decision latitude on the job were significant risk factors for potential musculoskeletal CTDs. Head rotation and relative keyboard height were significantly related to more severe pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and upper back. Lower levels of co-worker support were associated with more severe hand and arm numbness. For both the region of the shoulders, neck, and upper back and the hand and arm region, however, the contributions of relative keyboard and seat back heights to symptom severity were modified by psychological workload, decision latitude, and employee relationship with the supervisor. Alternative explanations for these findings are discussed.

Adult↗

PubMed1995

The Atlas of Health and Working Conditions by Occupation. 2. A comparison with the "Atlas of Health and Working Conditions in the Construction Industry".

The results of the general Atlas of Health and Working Conditions by Occupation were compared with the results of the Atlas of Health and Working Conditions in the Construction Industry. Both are based on questionnaire data from periodical occupational health surveys [POHSs]. The scores on most of the items showed considerable differences between the two atlases, partly due to differences in the regional origin of the data. Therefore, direct comparisons between the atlases are biased by regional differences. To study the reliability and the generalizability of the results of both atlases, similarities between the data files with respect to occupations in the construction industry were studied. Most of the items on working conditions, especially those with a widespread distribution, showed a close resemblance between the data files in terms of the relative position of an occupation compared to other occupations in the construction industry. The items on health showed less resemblance, except for the items on musculoskeletal complaints, which showed results similar to those of the work items. These results indicate the reliability and generalizability of the judgements based on both atlases outside the regions of origin, as far as items with a widespread distribution are concerned. Therefore, we recommend the aggregation of POHS data on a national scale, taking regional differences into account. In that way, a greater number of occupations will be described and the reliability of the results will be enhanced.

Adult↗

PubMed1989

Work performance by persons with multiple sclerosis: conditions that impede or enable the performance of work.

This study queried 508 persons diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) regarding what conditions made performing their work or tasks 'difficult' and 'easier'. The subjects represented four groups: employed outside the home, homemakers, unemployed, and retired. Their written responses were content analysed. Conditions reported to impede the performance of work and tasks were related to three categories: physical restrictions, person-environment interaction, and MS-related symptoms. Conditions reported to enhance the performance of work and tasks were related to five categories: assistive devices, human support, personal attributes, health promotion behaviors, and person-environment adjustment. Study findings provide useful information for families, health service providers and employers of persons with MS in assisting them enhance their ability to perform work or tasks.

Activities of Daily Living↗

PubMed1982

Endocrine activity in air traffic controllers at work. II. Biological, psychological and work correlates.

This is the second in a series of three papers describing cortisol and growth hormone secretion in air traffic controllers at work. Comparing controllers' average hormone levels across a large number of biological, psychological and occupational characteristics yielded few replicable differences. Comparing men with themselves across three repeated endocrine studies showed a consistent but modest relationship between increases in workload and increases in cortisol. For a subgroup of men classified as 'responders', who had significant increases in cortisol parallel with workload, significantly higher scores were found for peer ratings of their work competency, self-reported job satisfaction and their perception of freedom at work provided them by their supervisors. The modest relationships between workload and endocrine secretion were interpreted as evidence for adaptation by the controllers to their working environment. Cortisol responsiveness to large increases in workload was interpreted as reflecting high levels of job investment.

Adult↗

PubMed1999

Predicting work stress compensation claims and return to work in welfare workers.

Occupational stress is prevalent in work areas in which there is high contact with distressed or dependent members of the public. However, little is known about the prediction and management of stress-related compensation claims, which can be expensive for employers. The authors interviewed all staff members of a large public sector welfare agency who had made a compensation claim for work-related stress during a 12-month period (N = 19) and obtained in-depth information from 16 of the 17 who were still available. A clear relationship was found between type of stress precipitant and length of stress-related leave, suggesting that the organizational response to specific stressful incidents was much more effective than its response to chronic work stressors. Demographic data for all 19 claimants showed that they had taken twice as many days of sick leave as the organizational average in the year preceding their claim. There are important implications for personnel management practices that may reduce and prevent work stress for vulnerable workers.

Australia↗