Psychosocial Risks in Non-University Teachers: A Comparative Study between Spain and Mexico on Their Occupational Health

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

I congratulate the article authors. The article is original and can contribute to the academic field.

I couldn't see the Conclusions section in the article. Although the authors sprinkle it in certain places in the discussion section, a separate conclusions section should be written.

Besides, why are Spain and Mexico compared in the article's introduction? As is known, Spanish is used as an official language in a total of 21 countries.

Author Response

Comments 1: I couldn't see the Conclusions section in the article. Although the authors sprinkle it in certain places in the discussion section, a separate conclusions section should be written.

Response 1: Thank you for this suggestion. A Conclusions section has been added at the end of the manuscript, explicitly addressing objectives, main findings, implications and contributions. The authors believe that this enriched and added value to the manuscript.

 Comment 2: Besides, why are Spain and Mexico compared in the article's introduction? As is known, Spanish is used as an official language in a total of 21 countries.

Response 2: Authors have addressed the reasons for the comparison of these countries in p.3, and remind the unique comparison throughout the manuscript.

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Title

 

Psychosocial risks in non-university teachers: a comparative study between Spain and Mexico

 

The reviewer’s comments

 

This paper focuses on psychosocial risks, providing an in-depth yet accessible exploration of such research topic. However, to enhance the richness and completeness of the paper, the following suggestions are offered

for major revision:

 

1.     The introduction should include problem context, literature review and the hypothesis based on the gap analysis of the previously published research. Significance of the study should be elaborated in further depth. Justify

 

2.     Psychosocial risks refer to the types of occupational hazards that affect workers' psychological and social well-being. These risks can arise from poor work organization, unsatisfactory working conditions, or negative social interactions at the workplace. Addressing psychosocial risks is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring employees' mental and emotional health.

Common Types of Psychosocial Risks

1. Job Stress and High Workload
• Excessive work demands
• Tight deadlines
• Inadequate rest breaks
• High pressure to perform
2. Job Insecurity
• Fear of job loss
• Unstable employment contracts
• Lack of career development opportunities
3. Poor Work-Life Balance
• Long working hours
• Difficulty disconnecting from work
• Lack of flexibility in work schedules
4. Workplace Bullying and Harassment
• Verbal abuse
• Intimidation
• Discrimination
• Sexual harassment
5. Lack of Support
• Insufficient managerial support
• Poor communication with supervisors
• Lack of teamwork and collaboration
6. Role Ambiguity and Conflict
• Unclear job expectations
• Conflicting job demands
• Lack of role clarity
7. Monotonous or Unstimulating Work
• Repetitive tasks
• Lack of job variety
• Low job satisfaction

Consequences of Psychosocial Risks

• Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout.
• Physical Health Problems: Stress-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders.
• Reduced Productivity: Lower efficiency and higher absenteeism.
• Negative Work Attitudes: Decreased job satisfaction and motivation.
• Increased Turnover: Higher rates of employee turnover.

Strategies to Mitigate Psychosocial Risks

1. Organizational Interventions
• Implementing fair and transparent policies.
• Encouraging a supportive work culture.
• Ensuring job roles and expectations are clearly defined.
2. Work-Life Balance Initiatives
• Flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for remote work.
• Encouraging regular breaks and vacations.
3. Employee Support Programs
• Access to mental health resources.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
• Regular health and well-being workshops.
4. Training and Development
• Stress management training.
• Conflict resolution and communication skills workshops.
• Leadership and management training for supervisors.
5. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment
• Establishing zero-tolerance policies for bullying and harassment.
• Promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Facilitating open and honest communication channels.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Many countries have laws and regulations that address psychosocial risks at work. These regulations may include:

• Requirements for risk assessments to identify and mitigate psychosocial hazards.
• Obligations for employers to provide safe and healthy working conditions.
• Provisions for employee participation in developing workplace safety policies.

Conclusion

Addressing psychosocial risks in the workplace is essential for fostering a healthy, productive, and supportive work environment. By implementing comprehensive strategies to mitigate these risks, organizations can improve employee well-being, enhance job satisfaction, and boost overall organizational performance.

The above discussion provides the authors with the direction of thinking.

 

4. A detailed critique of recent studies should be in the Literature Review.

 

5. Add conclusion

Conclusion is elaborated as per requirement.

 

6. Please strengthen the conclusion and implications. Good finding suggestions for future practitioners and researchers.

 

7. Review again after major revision

 

 

 

 

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Author Response

Comment 1. The introduction should include problem context, literature review and the hypothesis based on the gap analysis of the previously published research. Significance of the study should be elaborated in further depth. Justify

 Response 1: A more thorough explanation and justification of the study problem has been provided as per the reviewer request, as well as the significance of the study and emphasis on gap analysis of the previous research.

Comment 2.     Psychosocial risks refer to the types of occupational hazards that affect workers' psychological and social well-being. These risks can arise from poor work organization, unsatisfactory working conditions, or negative social interactions at the workplace. Addressing psychosocial risks is crucial for maintaining a healthy work environment and ensuring employees' mental and emotional health.

Common Types of Psychosocial Risks

1. Job Stress and High Workload
• Excessive work demands
• Tight deadlines
• Inadequate rest breaks
• High pressure to perform
2. Job Insecurity
• Fear of job loss
• Unstable employment contracts
• Lack of career development opportunities
3. Poor Work-Life Balance
• Long working hours
• Difficulty disconnecting from work
• Lack of flexibility in work schedules
4. Workplace Bullying and Harassment
• Verbal abuse
• Intimidation
• Discrimination
• Sexual harassment
5. Lack of Support
• Insufficient managerial support
• Poor communication with supervisors
• Lack of teamwork and collaboration
6. Role Ambiguity and Conflict
• Unclear job expectations
• Conflicting job demands
• Lack of role clarity
7. Monotonous or Unstimulating Work
• Repetitive tasks
• Lack of job variety
• Low job satisfaction

Consequences of Psychosocial Risks

• Mental Health Issues: Increased risk of depression, anxiety, and burnout.
• Physical Health Problems: Stress-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders.
• Reduced Productivity: Lower efficiency and higher absenteeism.
• Negative Work Attitudes: Decreased job satisfaction and motivation.
• Increased Turnover: Higher rates of employee turnover.

Strategies to Mitigate Psychosocial Risks

1. Organizational Interventions
• Implementing fair and transparent policies.
• Encouraging a supportive work culture.
• Ensuring job roles and expectations are clearly defined.
2. Work-Life Balance Initiatives
• Flexible working hours.
• Opportunities for remote work.
• Encouraging regular breaks and vacations.
3. Employee Support Programs
• Access to mental health resources.
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs).
• Regular health and well-being workshops.
4. Training and Development
• Stress management training.
• Conflict resolution and communication skills workshops.
• Leadership and management training for supervisors.
5. Creating a Safe and Inclusive Work Environment
• Establishing zero-tolerance policies for bullying and harassment.
• Promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Facilitating open and honest communication channels.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Many countries have laws and regulations that address psychosocial risks at work. These regulations may include:

• Requirements for risk assessments to identify and mitigate psychosocial hazards.
• Obligations for employers to provide safe and healthy working conditions.
• Provisions for employee participation in developing workplace safety policies.

Conclusion

Addressing psychosocial risks in the workplace is essential for fostering a healthy, productive, and supportive work environment. By implementing comprehensive strategies to mitigate these risks, organizations can improve employee well-being, enhance job satisfaction, and boost overall organizational performance.

The above discussion provides the authors with the direction of thinking.

 Response 2: Thank you for the explanation provided, the authors have followed this rationale in revisions of the manuscript.

Comment 3. A detailed critique of recent studies should be in the Literature Review.

 Response 3: Studies from the last 5 years on the current topic have been cited, detailed and critiqued in the introduction section.

 Comment 4. Add conclusion. Conclusion is elaborated as per requirement.

Response 4: A conclusion has been added, adding value to the manuscript.

Comment 5. Please strengthen the conclusion and implications. Good finding suggestions for future practitioners and researchers.

Response 5: Conclusion and implications have been strengthened, which the authors believe has added depth and richness to the manuscript.

Comment 6. Review again after major revision

Response 6: The authors thank the reviewer for their second review.

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Many thanks for your submission to the Sustainability journal.

I believe that it is an interesting submission.

 

However, please note my comments below, towards strengthening the manuscript further.

 

This relates to the structure, content, theoretical development, and revisiting of aim and objectives towards concluding on the findings, establishing the paper's value and distinct contribution(s):

·       I would suggest, from the outset, that your title more closely aligns to the scope of the journal and highlights relevant social sustainability issues more explicitly. This will clarify journal relevancy to the reader.

·       I believe that the abstract could further emphasise the value and contributions of the research undertaken.

·       Please ensure that more sources are included to highlight general, opening statements in the first sentences of key sections, including the introduction. This evidences wider reading and a base of knowledge from which the research discusses from, and builds a methodological approach.

·       Ensure that a section-by-section outline of the paper is provided at the end of the introduction.

·       The paper should make clear the approach adopted here. As, given the paper moves from the introduction to the methodology, where is it important to first include a literature review section? Is this paper following an inductive approach? Ensure this is made clear.

·       If this is in fact a deductive study, what questions were developed from the literature? What are they key theories here? A new section after the introduction, discussing the literature concerning psychosocial risks, relevant theory within education, and the non-university context, must all be visited.

·       The objectives should be kept separate in the introduction, and revisited in a conclusion section.

·       The hypotheses should be introduced at the end of a literature review section, and justified strongly with sources.

·       The discussion section requires multiple sub-sections to highlight key themes for further explanation.

·       Provide a conclusion section, revisiting the aim and objectives, and what value can be taken from this research. This section should close with sub-sections of the implications of this study, as well as recommendations for future research and practice.

 

Good luck with your ongoing research and amendments.

Author Response

Comment 1: I would suggest, from the outset, that your title more closely aligns to the scope of the journal and highlights relevant social sustainability issues more explicitly. This will clarify journal relevancy to the reader.

Response 1: Changes have been applied to the title to emphasise more explicitly its connection to occupational health, crucial to social sustainability.

Comment 2:  I believe that the abstract could further emphasise the value and contributions of the research undertaken.

Response 2: Thank you for this revision. The authors have edited the abstract so it emphasises the implications and contributions of this research.

Comment 3:  Please ensure that more sources are included to highlight general, opening statements in the first sentences of key sections, including the introduction. This evidences wider reading and a base of knowledge from which the research discusses from, and builds a methodological approach.

Response 3: Thank you for this suggestion. More sources have been added, which the authors believe enriched the manuscript and added rigor.

Comment 4:  Ensure that a section-by-section outline of the paper is provided at the end of the introduction.

Response 4: A section-by-section outline of the paper was provided at the end of the introduction

Comment 5:  The paper should make clear the approach adopted here. As, given the paper moves from the introduction to the methodology, where is it important to first include a literature review section? Is this paper following an inductive approach? Ensure this is made clear.

Comment 6: If this is in fact a deductive study, what questions were developed from the literature? What are they key theories here? A new section after the introduction, discussing the literature concerning psychosocial risks, relevant theory within education, and the non-university context, must all be visited.

Response 5 and 6: The study follows a deductive approach, as it examines existing theories and models related to psychosocial risks and tests these within the contexts of Spain and Mexico. This was made clear by following a rationale through literature review (where relevant theoretical frameworks and key theories to the educational sector are discussed), to providing the research questions, formulating objectives and hypotheses and proceeding with explaining the methodology used for data analyses.

Comment 7:  The objectives should be kept separate in the introduction, and revisited in a conclusion section.

Response 7: The objectives were kept separated in the introduction and were revisited in the conclusion section.

Comment 8:  The hypotheses should be introduced at the end of a literature review section, and justified strongly with sources.

Response 8: The hypotheses were introduced at the end of the introduction in the form of research questions, strongly justified with sources.

Comment 9:       The discussion section requires multiple sub-sections to highlight key themes for further explanation.

Response 9: The discussion section was adequately sectioned, following a comprehensive structure that facilitates understanding.

Comment 10:       Provide a conclusion section, revisiting the aim and objectives, and what value can be taken from this research. This section should close with sub-sections of the implications of this study, as well as recommendations for future research and practice.

 Response 10: Thank you for this suggestion. A conclusion section was provided, revisiting objectives, main findings and emphasising contributions to literature. Implications and future research were highlighted in a sub-section, providing impact and value to the manuscript.

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

 Accept in present form

Comments on the Quality of English Language

Minor editing of English language required

Reviewer 3 Report

Comments and Suggestions for Authors

Thank you for your resubmission to the Sustainability journal.

I believe that adequate changes have been made to the manuscript, and these amendments respond well and carefully to the feedback previously given.

I would therefore be happy to recommend an accept decision here.