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Mental Health at the Workplace
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Mental Health at the Workplace

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2022) | Viewed by 74408

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Els Clays

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
Interests: occupational health; psychosocial risks; physical activity at work; cardiovascular prevention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Mental health problems are a major concern as they are widely prevalent and involve high economic costs. We see a tremendous reduction in quality of life stemming from mental ill-health, and a related increase in workability problems and disability claims has been observed in most Western countries. The workplace has been examined as a potential source of stress-related ill health, while it also provides a useful setting for primary and secondary prevention of mental health problems. Several strategies have shown promising results when it comes to tackling mental health problems at the workplace. On the other hand, there is a lot of heterogeneity in the methodological quality of studies and mixed findings have been observed. Additionally, the factors that contribute to the successful implementation of an intervention remain unclear.

For this Special Issue, we welcome studies of different types that contribute to this broad subject of mental health at the workplace. The following topics are examples of research questions that could be addressed:

  • How big is the problem of mental ill-health and how does it affect quality of life in working populations?
  • What is the role of the work environment in the mental well-being of workers?
  • What is the (cost-)effectiveness of workplace interventions targeting mental health?
  • What is the significance of mental well-being for a sustainable working life?
  • How does the COVID-19 pandemic affect working life and related mental health aspects?

Prof. Dr. Els Clays
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • mental health
  • workplace health promotion
  • sustainable work
  • workability
  • psychosocial work environment
  • stress-related ill-health
  • work-related quality of life
  • mental health intervention.

Published Papers (21 papers)

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17 pages, 363 KiB  
Article
Engaging Employers in Apprentice Training: Focus Group Insights from Small-to-Medium-Sized Employers in Ontario, Canada
by Aaron S. Howe, Joyce Lo, Sharan Jaswal, Ali Bani-Fatemi, Vijay Kumar Chattu and Behdin Nowrouzi-Kia
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032527 - 31 Jan 2023
Viewed by 2507
Abstract
Several factors have been identified to influence the registration and retention of apprentices in the construction trades. Employer engagement is a key factor to promote growth in apprenticeships in the construction trades as participation rates continue to be low among small-to-medium-sized employers. In [...] Read more.
Several factors have been identified to influence the registration and retention of apprentices in the construction trades. Employer engagement is a key factor to promote growth in apprenticeships in the construction trades as participation rates continue to be low among small-to-medium-sized employers. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the Ontario Electrical League’s (OEL) employer mentorship program through the perspectives of small-to-medium-sized employers using a qualitative approach. Two focus groups were conducted virtually with 11 employers. Focus group audio transcripts were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis. Themes were generated using a data-driven approach to examine the relationships between mentorship program outcomes and perspectives on industry-related recruitment and retention barriers. Three themes were identified: (a) long-term apprentice recruitment and retention challenges; (b) equity and mental health in the workplace; and (c) industry challenges and mentorship program outcomes. Generally, this sample of employers appreciated the value of the OEL mentorship program through praise of the continued educational support, employer management expertise, hiring resources, and apprentice onboarding tools despite industry barriers in trade stigma, equity and mental health in the workplace, and recruitment and retention challenges. Industry partners should work with these small-to-medium-sized employers to develop workplace initiatives and engage external partners to provide ongoing apprenticeship mentorship support to address the recruitment and retention barriers identified in this study. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
30 pages, 973 KiB  
Article
Conceptual Framework of a Psychotherapeutic Consultation in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study
by Eva Rothermund, Tim Pößnecker, Andreas Antes, Reinhold Kilian, Franziska Kessemeier, Jörn von Wietersheim, Dorothea Mayer, Monika A. Rieger, Harald Gündel, Michael Hölzer, Elisabeth M. Balint and Kathrin Mörtl
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14894; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214894 - 12 Nov 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2868
Abstract
(1) Background: A new health care offer called ‘psychotherapeutic consultation in the workplace’ is an early and effective intervention for employees with common mental disorders. Although cost-effective, it lacks a broader roll-out. This might be attributable to undefined context, mechanisms of change, and [...] Read more.
(1) Background: A new health care offer called ‘psychotherapeutic consultation in the workplace’ is an early and effective intervention for employees with common mental disorders. Although cost-effective, it lacks a broader roll-out. This might be attributable to undefined context, mechanisms of change, and a lack of communication; therefore, this study explores how the new model works and where problems occur. (2) Methods: Semi-structured interviews on motivation, expectations and experiences with 20 involved experts. Experts were members of the company health promotion team, service users, and cooperating mental health specialists. Analysis was conducted with ATLAS.ti. (3) Results: The conceptual framework comprises three main topics: (a) structured implementation concept; (b) persons involved, shaping the concept’s processes; (c) and meaning and function of the offer within the given context. Concerning (c) we found three potential areas of conflict: (1) intra-corporate conflicts, (2) conflicts between company and employee, (3) and conflicts between the company health promotion and the health care system. Category (c) comprises the offer’s core characteristics which were described as low-threshold and preventive. Furthermore, the offer was perceived as convenient in handling, confidential, and having immediate impact on a person’s well-being. (4) Conclusions: Here we define structures, address the needs of the involved persons, and communicate foreseeable areas of conflict influences whether the implementation of the intervention succeeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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14 pages, 373 KiB  
Article
A Narrative Inquiry into the Practices of Healthcare Workers’ Wellness Program: The SEED Experience in New South Wales, Australia
by Katarzyna Olcoń, Julaine Allan, Mim Fox, Ruth Everingham, Padmini Pai, Lynne Keevers, Maria Mackay, Chris Degeling, Sue-Anne Cutmore, Summer Finlay and Kristine Falzon
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(20), 13204; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013204 - 13 Oct 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2332
Abstract
The 2019–2020 Australian bushfires followed by the COVID-19 pandemic brought the significant mental health implications of working in healthcare to the fore. The importance of appropriate support services to ensure the resilience and recovery of healthcare workers has been highlighted. In response to [...] Read more.
The 2019–2020 Australian bushfires followed by the COVID-19 pandemic brought the significant mental health implications of working in healthcare to the fore. The importance of appropriate support services to ensure the resilience and recovery of healthcare workers has been highlighted. In response to healthcare staff experiences during the bushfires, the SEED Wellness Program was created in 2020 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District in New South Wales, Australia. SEED used a participant-led design to engage healthcare staff in workplace-based restorative activities. Guided by practice theory, this study aimed to identify and describe SEED wellness practices that supported healthcare staff. Thirty-three healthcare workers participated in focus groups or individual interviews between June 2021 and March 2022. The analysis involved inductive thematic individual and collective exploration of SEED practices, including co-analysis with participants. Eight core practices that supported participants’ wellbeing were identified, including responsive and compassionate leading, engaging staff at every stage of the recovery process, creating a sense of connection with others, and collective caring. The study found that workplace wellness initiatives are optimised when they are place-based and grounded in local knowledge, needs, and resources incorporating a collective and supportive team approach. Moreover, to ensure engagement in, and sustainability of these initiatives, both bottom-up and top-down commitment is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
22 pages, 3516 KiB  
Article
Healthcare Workers’ Emotions, Perceived Stressors, and Coping Strategies at Workplace during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Palestine
by Muna Ahmead, Nuha El Sharif and Samer Asad
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11966; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911966 - 22 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2030
Abstract
Evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Palestinian healthcare professionals is lacking and has been disregarded during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe Palestinian healthcare workers (HCWs) emotions and factors causing stress, and factors used [...] Read more.
Evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of Palestinian healthcare professionals is lacking and has been disregarded during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to describe Palestinian healthcare workers (HCWs) emotions and factors causing stress, and factors used to reduce the stress experienced at the workplace and to examine the relationships between HCWs level of stress and their coping strategies and motivational factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A self-reported online survey was completed by 506 doctors and nurses working in healthcare facilities that provide COVID-19 care. Descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate regression models were developed to adjust for the association between HCWs coping and motivation factors with HCWs’ perceived stressors. The findings showed that 24.1% of the participants had a high-stress level, and 25.7% had a low level of stress. The participant’s main coping strategy was avoidance and the key emotional factor was the ethical and professional obligation to continue working. Additionally, a major cause of their stress was their personal safety and having the COVID-19 infection. Findings showed a positive association between stress and the younger age of participants, with physicians being less stressed than nurses. In addition, receiving no training on the treatment of COVID-19 was strongly associated with stress levels. Furthermore, there was a significant positive correlation between stress scoring and coping strategies scoring but not with motivation score. In conclusion, this study shows that Palestinian healthcare workers experienced emotional turmoil during the COVID-19 pandemic. These results indicate the necessity of providing supervision, psychological counseling and intervention to professional healthcare workers who work directly with COVID-19 patients in health settings during the current pandemic or in the event of future outbreaks. Policymakers and managers must also conduct training and provide interventions on how to cope with stress in pandemics, in order to assist HCWs in developing their adaptive coping strategies and increase their motivation Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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11 pages, 589 KiB  
Article
Multifaceted Work-to-Life Negative Spillover and Depressive Symptoms among Working Women: The Moderating Effect of Social Activities Satisfaction
by Jeong-Hyun Nam and Soo-Hyun Nam
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811572 - 14 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1288
Abstract
This study aims to examine how work-to-life negative spillover is associated with depressive symptoms among working women and to explore moderating effect of social activities satisfaction on the relationship between work-to-life spillover and depression. This was a secondary data analysis from a sample [...] Read more.
This study aims to examine how work-to-life negative spillover is associated with depressive symptoms among working women and to explore moderating effect of social activities satisfaction on the relationship between work-to-life spillover and depression. This was a secondary data analysis from a sample of 2869 employed women from the 7th Korean Longitudinal Survey of Women and Families. The results showed that work-to-life negative spillover was positively associated with depressive symptoms. Additionally, there was a significant moderating effect of social activities satisfaction on the relationship between work-to-life negative spillover and depressive symptoms (β = 0.176, p < 0.05). It was found that the low social activity group showed fewer depressive symptoms induced by the negative work-to-life spillover than the high social activity group. Based on the results of our study, effective strategies and policies for work-family compatibility and interventions aimed at reducing the work induced stress and depressive symptoms are recommended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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16 pages, 638 KiB  
Article
Promoting Psychological Well-Being at Workplace through Protean Career Attitude: Dual Mediating Effect of Career Satisfaction and Career Commitment
by Jun-Chul Ha and Jun-Woo Lee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11528; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811528 - 13 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2085
Abstract
The management paradigm of SMEs is changing due to the recent Fourth Industrial Revolution and the changing COVID-19 environment. To respond to these changes, companies are focusing on protean career attitude (PCA) and psychological well-being (PWB) of employees to improve corporate performance. Under [...] Read more.
The management paradigm of SMEs is changing due to the recent Fourth Industrial Revolution and the changing COVID-19 environment. To respond to these changes, companies are focusing on protean career attitude (PCA) and psychological well-being (PWB) of employees to improve corporate performance. Under these circumstances, this study investigated the structural relationship of the dual mediation effects of career commitment and career satisfaction in the relationship between PCA and PWB. To this end, this study targeted 307 employees of Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the results are as follows. First, PCA was found to have a positive effect on career satisfaction and PCA was found to have a positive effect on career commitment. Second, PCA was found to have a significant effect on PWB. Third, career satisfaction, a parameter of this study, was found to have a positive impact on career commitment; in the relationship between PCA and PWB, the dual mediation effects of career satisfaction and career commitment were found to be significant. Finally, this study provided discussions and theoretical and practical implications based on those results, as well as directions for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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20 pages, 1589 KiB  
Article
Associations of Work-Family Conflict with Family-Specific, Work-Specific, and Well-Being-Related Variables in a Sample of Polish and Ukrainian Adults during the Second Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Cezary Kuśnierz, Aleksandra M. Rogowska, Karolina Chilicka, Iuliia Pavlova and Dominika Ochnik
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10954; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710954 - 02 Sep 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2453
Abstract
The conflict between work and family demands increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in lifestyle related to the lockdown. This study examines the associations between work-family conflict (WFC) and family-work conflict (FWC) with work-specific, family-specific, and well-being-related variables during the second [...] Read more.
The conflict between work and family demands increased during the COVID-19 pandemic due to changes in lifestyle related to the lockdown. This study examines the associations between work-family conflict (WFC) and family-work conflict (FWC) with work-specific, family-specific, and well-being-related variables during the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results may be used in practice to improve the well-being of employees by adjusting home-based work and family areas of life to dynamic changes during the pandemic. The sample of 736 adults from Poland (53.26%) and Ukraine (46.74%), aged between 19 and 72 (M = 39.40; SD = 10.80), participated in the study. The cross-sectional study was performed using an online survey, including sociodemographic variables, measures of WFC, time pressure, remote work assessment (RWAS), physical health (GSRH), life satisfaction (SWLS), perceived stress (PSS-10), anxiety (GAD-7), and depression (PHQ-9). This study showed numerous inter-group differences in all variables across the country, gender, relationship status, parenthood, caring for children under 12, and remote working status. A high WFC is more likely among Polish workers (than Ukrainian workers), people with a low level of self-perceived time pressure, and high symptoms of stress. Caring for children under 12, low self-perceived time pressure, and high stress can predict FWC. Various paths lead from perceived stress via WFC and FWC, physical health, anxiety, and depression to life satisfaction, as suggested by the structural equation modeling analysis. Parents of children under 12 and women are the most vulnerable groups for increased WFC, FWC, and worse mental health and well-being. Prevention programs should focus on reducing stress, anxiety, and work demands in these adult populations. A unique contribution to the existing knowledge revealed patterns of associations between WFC and FWC in relation to well-being dimensions in a cross-cultural context during the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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16 pages, 2157 KiB  
Article
The North Italian Longitudinal Study Assessing the Mental Health Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Health Care Workers—Part II: Structural Validity of Scales Assessing Mental Health
by Emanuele Maria Giusti, Giovanni Veronesi, Camilla Callegari, Gianluca Castelnuovo, Licia Iacoviello and Marco Mario Ferrario
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9541; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159541 - 03 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2160
Abstract
It is unclear if the factor structure of the questionnaires that were employed by studies addressing the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Healthcare Workers (HCW) did not change due to the pandemic. The aim of this study is to assess [...] Read more.
It is unclear if the factor structure of the questionnaires that were employed by studies addressing the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of Healthcare Workers (HCW) did not change due to the pandemic. The aim of this study is to assess the factor structure and longitudinal measurement invariance of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and the factor structure of the General Health Questionnare-12 (GHQ-12), PTSD Checklist for DSM-5-Short Form (PCL-5-SF), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10 (CD-RISC-10) and Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory-Short Form (PTGI-SF). Out of n = 805 HCWs from a University hospital who responded to a pre-COVID-19 survey, n = 431 were re-assessed after the COVID-19 outbreak. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) on the MBI showed adequate fit and good internal consistency only after removal of items 2, 6, 12 and 16. The assumptions of configural and metric longitudinal invariance were met, whereas scalar longitudinal invariance did not hold. CFAs and exploratory bifactor analyses performed using data from the second wave confirmed that the GHQ-12, the PCL-5-SF, the PTGI-SF and the CD-RISC-10 were unidimensional. In conclusion, we found support for a refined version of the MBI. The comparison of mean MBI values in HCWs before and after the pandemic should be interpreted with caution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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12 pages, 794 KiB  
Article
The North Italian Longitudinal Study Assessing the Mental Health Effects of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Health Care Workers—Part I: Study Design and Psychometric Structural Validity of the HSE Indicator Tool and Work Satisfaction Scale
by Giovanni Veronesi, Emanuele Maria Giusti, Alessia D’Amato, Francesco Gianfagna, Rossana Borchini, Gianluca Castelnuovo, Licia Iacoviello and Marco Mario Ferrario
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9514; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159514 - 03 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2050
Abstract
Literature on the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the mental health of Health Care Workers (HCWs) is mostly based on cross-sectional surveys. We designed a longitudinal study to assess work-related stress and mental health before and after the pandemic onset in a [...] Read more.
Literature on the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the mental health of Health Care Workers (HCWs) is mostly based on cross-sectional surveys. We designed a longitudinal study to assess work-related stress and mental health before and after the pandemic onset in a university-hospital in Lombardia region, Italy. We report on sample representativeness and structural validity of questionnaires assessing work stress (HSE Indicator Tool, HSE-IT) and work satisfaction (WS), which were not validated in the HCWs population. n = 1287 HCWs from 67 hospital wards/offices were invited to an online survey in summer 2019 (pre-COVID-19 wave) and again during winter 2020 (COVID-19 wave). Selected hospital wards/offices did not differ from the remaining wards for turn-over and down-sizing rates, overload, sick leaves, and night shifts (Wilcoxon rank tests p-values > 0.05). Participation rates were 70% (n = 805) and 60% (n = 431) in the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 waves, respectively. Socio-demographic and work-related characteristics did not impact data completeness nor participation to the COVID-19 wave. While confirming a 7-component structure for HSE-IT, we identified a new factor related to participation in work organization. A one-factor model for WS had satisfactory fit. Our longitudinal study based on a representative sample and adopting validated questionnaires is well-suited to elucidate the role of work conditions on the development of mental health disorders in HCWs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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14 pages, 375 KiB  
Article
Mental Illness and Work-Related Limitations in Healthcare Workers: A Preliminary Retrospective Study
by Sara Gostoli, Laura Nicolucci, Carlotta Malaguti, Chiara Patierno, Danilo Carrozzino, Cristian Balducci, Sara Zaniboni, Vittorio Lodi, Carmine Petio and Chiara Rafanelli
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9098; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159098 - 26 Jul 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1352
Abstract
This retrospective observational study investigated hospital staff requests for job fitness visits, addressed to occupational medicine. Specific objectives were to analyze: (1) health workers’ requests, sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, assigned doctor’s fit notes, and (orthopedic, psychiatric) limitations; (2) associations between psychiatric diagnoses, sociodemographic [...] Read more.
This retrospective observational study investigated hospital staff requests for job fitness visits, addressed to occupational medicine. Specific objectives were to analyze: (1) health workers’ requests, sociodemographic characteristics, psychiatric diagnoses, assigned doctor’s fit notes, and (orthopedic, psychiatric) limitations; (2) associations between psychiatric diagnoses, sociodemographic (sex, age), and work-related (job, department) characteristics; (3) associations between the same psychiatric diagnoses/orthopedic limitations, fit notes, and/or psychiatric limitations. Data of St. Orsola-Malpighi Polyclinic health workers (N = 149; F = 73.8%; mean age = 48 ± 9.6 years), visited by both the occupational medicine physician and psychiatrist (January 2016–May 2019), were analyzed. 83.2% of the sample presented with at least one psychiatric diagnosis, including mood (47%), anxiety (13.4%), and anxious-depressive (10.7%) disorders. Significant differences between psychiatric diagnoses according to sex and fit notes (both p < 0.01) have been found, whereas no significant associations based on age and work-related characteristics have been observed. Analysis of frequencies of participants with the same psychiatric diagnosis (orthopedic limitation being equal), according to doctor’s fit notes and psychiatric work limitations, showed a high heterogeneity of assignments. The current occupational medicine procedure for fit notes/job limitations assignments does not allow taking into consideration clinical factors possibly associated with more specific assignments. To standardize the procedure and translate the psychiatrist’s clinical judgment into practice, further studies to test the usefulness of clinimetrics, which might represent a reliable approach in considering different fit notes and job limitations, are needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
30 pages, 1250 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the Implementation of Preventive Measures Due to COVID-19 on Work Design and Early Childhood Professionals’ Well-Being—A Qualitative Study
by Susan Gritzka, Peter Angerer, Reinhard Pietrowsky and Mathias Diebig
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031739 - 03 Feb 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6464
Abstract
The reopening of child-care programs during COVID-19 demanded comprehensive preventive measures. Research to date has overlooked this reopening process as well as early childhood professionals’ (ECPs) implementation efforts and resulting changes in their work practices and well-being. As a result, this study sought [...] Read more.
The reopening of child-care programs during COVID-19 demanded comprehensive preventive measures. Research to date has overlooked this reopening process as well as early childhood professionals’ (ECPs) implementation efforts and resulting changes in their work practices and well-being. As a result, this study sought insights into (1) the practical implementation of measures, (2) perceptions and evaluations of measures, (3) changes in work characteristics, and (4) its impact on well-being. Qualitative interviews were conducted with German child-care managers (N = 27) between June and August 2020. The semi-structured interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and content-analyzed using MAXQDA. ECPs, through a combination of high effort and engagement, ensured the feasibility of most preventive measures. This included practices which were perceived to be unreasonable or ones which were stricter than practices required for the public. This exacerbated the critical work characteristics (e.g., high workload, overtime, and multitasking) from pre-pandemic scenarios and led to new work demands (e.g., changes in work content and social interactions). ECPs maintained intensive work demands and consequently suffered from broad strain outcomes (e.g., worry, exhaustion, anger, fear of infection, and reduced psychological sense of community). This study highlights the adverse psychosocial work environment of ECPs despite the necessity of ensuring health and safety at work. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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18 pages, 357 KiB  
Article
Sources of Occupational Stress among Office Workers—A Focus Group Study
by Larissa Bolliger, Junoš Lukan, Elena Colman, Leen Boersma, Mitja Luštrek, Dirk De Bacquer and Els Clays
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1075; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031075 - 19 Jan 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4705
Abstract
Workplace stress remains a major interest of occupational health research, usually based on theoretical models and quantitative large-scale studies. Office workers are especially exposed to stressors such as high workload and time pressure. The aim of this qualitative research was to follow a [...] Read more.
Workplace stress remains a major interest of occupational health research, usually based on theoretical models and quantitative large-scale studies. Office workers are especially exposed to stressors such as high workload and time pressure. The aim of this qualitative research was to follow a phenomenological approach to identify work stressors as they are perceived by office workers. Six focus groups with office workers of different occupations were conducted in Belgium and Slovenia. A total of 39 participants were included in the study. We used the RQDA software for data processing and analysis and the seven job-quality indices of the European Working Conditions Survey (EWCS) to structure our findings. The results show that work intensity and social environment proved to be main stress categories, followed by skills and discretion, prospects, and working time quality. The physical environment and earnings were not covered in our results. We created organisational (structural/process-oriented and financial) stressors and office workers’ physical health as two additional categories since these topics did not fit into the EWCS. While our findings mainly confirm data from existing occupational stress literature and emphasise the multi-level complexity of work stress experiences, this paper suggests that there are relevant stressors experienced by office workers beyond existing quantitative frameworks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
12 pages, 876 KiB  
Article
Effort–Reward Imbalance at Work and Drug Misuse: Evidence from a National Survey in the U.S.
by Jian Li, Timothy A. Matthews, Liwei Chen, Marissa Seamans, Constanze Leineweber and Johannes Siegrist
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(24), 13334; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413334 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3413
Abstract
With the rise of drug misuse among workers in recent years, preliminary research on potential risk factors in the workplace of single-type of drug misuse has been reported. This is the first study to examine cross-sectional associations of work stress, in terms of [...] Read more.
With the rise of drug misuse among workers in recent years, preliminary research on potential risk factors in the workplace of single-type of drug misuse has been reported. This is the first study to examine cross-sectional associations of work stress, in terms of effort–reward imbalance, with multiple drug misuse (including any drug misuse, opioid misuse, sedatives misuse, cannabis misuse, and other drug misuse) during the past 12 months in a national sample of U.S. workers. Data of 2211 workers were derived from the nationally representative and population-based Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study. Internal consistency reliability and factorial validity of a 17-item effort–reward imbalance measure were robust and satisfactory. After adjustment for relevant covariates, logistic regression analyses showed that workers experiencing effort–reward imbalance at work had significantly higher odds of any drug misuse (OR and 95% CI = 1.18 (1.03, 1.37)), especially opioid misuse (OR and 95% CI = 1.35 (1.07, 1.69)) and other drug misuse (OR and 95% CI = 1.36 (1.01, 1.83)). The findings suggest that a stressful work environment may act as a determinant of drug misuse, and further prospective evidence is needed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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15 pages, 2798 KiB  
Article
Job Demands, Resources, and Burnout in Social Workers in China: Mediation Effect of Mindfulness
by Chienchung Huang, Xiaoxia Xie, Shannon P. Cheung, Yuqing Zhou and Ganghui Ying
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910526 - 07 Oct 2021
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3861
Abstract
Internationally, human service professionals, including social workers, experience high burnout and turnover rates. Despite the recent and rapid development of contemporary social work in China, Chinese social workers similarly experience significant rates of burnout. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the factors [...] Read more.
Internationally, human service professionals, including social workers, experience high burnout and turnover rates. Despite the recent and rapid development of contemporary social work in China, Chinese social workers similarly experience significant rates of burnout. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the factors that contribute to social work burnout. This study applied the job demands and resources (JD-R) model to examine the effects of JD-R on burnout in social workers (n = 897) from Chengdu, China, and whether these relations are mediated by state mindfulness. Structural equation modeling results supported the previously hypothesized dual process by which JD-R affect burnout, specifically in a sample of social workers in China. Job demands (JD) were positively associated with burnout, while job resources (JR) were negatively associated with burnout. These relations were partially mediated by state mindfulness. JR had a strong, positive direct effect on mindfulness (β = 0.38), and its total effect on burnout was high (β = −0.56). Meanwhile, JD had a slight negative direct effect on mindfulness (β = −0.09), and its total effect on burnout was 0.42. The results suggest that the implementation of mindfulness-based interventions for social workers can potentially mitigate the effect of JD on burnout, as well as increase the effect of JR on burnout. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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15 pages, 342 KiB  
Article
Qualitative Investigation into Therapists’ Experiences of Online Therapy: Implications for Working Clients
by Yasuhiro Kotera, Greta Kaluzeviciute, Christopher Lloyd, Ann-Marie Edwards and Akihiko Ozaki
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(19), 10295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph181910295 - 29 Sep 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5478
Abstract
Online therapy has increasingly been utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic by many, including working populations. However, few qualitative studies have explored how online therapy is experienced in practice and discussed its implications for those working clients. Semi-structured interviews attended by nine integrative psychotherapists [...] Read more.
Online therapy has increasingly been utilised during the COVID-19 pandemic by many, including working populations. However, few qualitative studies have explored how online therapy is experienced in practice and discussed its implications for those working clients. Semi-structured interviews attended by nine integrative psychotherapists practising in California, the United States, were conducted. Thematic analysis of the transcripts identified three themes: (i) ‘Positive experiences of online therapy’, (ii) ‘Challenges experienced by therapists and clients in online therapy’, and (iii) ‘Preparation and training for online therapy’. Online therapy was assessed as being helpful, particularly in terms of mitigating against previous geographical and temporal barriers to uptake. However, due to technological disruptions and potential blurring of professional boundaries, online therapy may detract from the emotional salience of therapy, negatively impacting the therapeutic relationship and containment. Considering these positive experiences, participants expected that the demand for online therapy would continue to increase. Particularly in the occupational context, online therapy can offer interventions without fostering shame regarding mental health. The findings provide preliminary qualitative evidence that online therapy can be a useful adjunct to traditional forms of face-to-face therapy. However, therapists require more explicit training in implementing online therapy. Results are discussed in particular regarding the utility of this therapy for working clients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
9 pages, 308 KiB  
Article
Stress and Associated Factors among Frontline Healthcare Workers in the COVID-19 Epicenter of Da Nang City, Vietnam
by Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen, Duong Dinh Le, Robert Colebunders, Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo, Trung Dinh Tran and Thang Van Vo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(14), 7378; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147378 - 10 Jul 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3791
Abstract
Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in the COVID-19 response have a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial distress amidst the pandemic. Between July and September 2020, a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in Vietnam with Da Nang city being the epicenter. During [...] Read more.
Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in the COVID-19 response have a higher risk of experiencing psychosocial distress amidst the pandemic. Between July and September 2020, a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic appeared in Vietnam with Da Nang city being the epicenter. During the outbreak, HCWs were quarantined within the health facilities in a bid to limit the spread of COVID-19 to their respective communities. Using the stress component of the 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21), we assessed the level of stress among HCWs in Da Nang city. Between 30 August and 15 September 2020, 746 frontline HCWs were recruited to fill in an online structured questionnaire. Overall, 44.6% of participants experienced increased stress and 18.9% severe or extremely severe stress. In multivariable analysis, increased stress was associated with longer working hours (OR = 1.012; 95% CI: 1.004–1.019), working in health facilities providing COVID-19 treatment (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04–2.39), having direct contact with patients or their bio-samples (physicians, nurses and laboratory workers; OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.02–1.99), low confidence in the available personal protective equipment (OR = 0.846; 95% CI: 0.744–0.962) and low knowledge on COVID-19 prevention and treatment (OR = 0.853; 95% CI: 0.739–0.986). In conclusion, many frontline HCWs experienced increased stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Da Nang city. Reducing working time, providing essential personal protective equipment and enhancing the knowledge on COVID-19 will help to reduce this stress. Moreover, extra support is needed for HCWs who are directly exposed to COVID-19 patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
18 pages, 402 KiB  
Article
A Threat of Customer Incivility and Job Stress to Hotel Employee Retention: Do Supervisor and Co-Worker Supports Reduce Turnover Rates?
by Hyunah Chung, Wei Quan, Bonhak Koo, Antonio Ariza-Montes, Alejandro Vega-Muñoz, Gabriele Giorgi and Heesup Han
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(12), 6616; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18126616 - 19 Jun 2021
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5044
Abstract
The study investigates the impact of customer incivility, job stress, perceived supervisor support, and perceived co-worker support on the turnover intention of frontline employees. A survey-questionnaire approach was used to collect the point of view of frontline employees that work in five-star hotels [...] Read more.
The study investigates the impact of customer incivility, job stress, perceived supervisor support, and perceived co-worker support on the turnover intention of frontline employees. A survey-questionnaire approach was used to collect the point of view of frontline employees that work in five-star hotels in a metropolitan city of Korea. Four independent variables that were extracted from valid theoretical backgrounds along with four demographic variables were used in the study. The regression analysis was conducted to test the hypotheses, which revealed that job stress directly affected the employees’ desires to leave their organization. It also showed that perceived supervisor support mitigates employee turnover, and there were significant correlations between turnover intention with the employees’ marital status and job position. Gender and years of service did not affect the employees’ thinking of quitting their job. Our findings help hotel entrepreneurs better understand how to deal with customer incivility and employee job stress, and better comprehend the factors that minimize employees’ negative behaviors for the organization. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)

Other

Jump to: Research

10 pages, 313 KiB  
Protocol
Using EMA and Physiological Data to Explore the Relationship between Day-to-Day Occupational Stress, Musculoskeletal Pain and Mental Health among University Staff: A Study Protocol
by Victoria Weale, Jasmine Love, Els Clays and Jodi Oakman
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3526; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043526 - 16 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1559
Abstract
Exposure to work-related stressors is associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes for workers. The role of chronic stressors on health outcomes has been explored, but less is known about the potential role of exposure to day-to-day stressors on health. This paper [...] Read more.
Exposure to work-related stressors is associated with poor physical and mental health outcomes for workers. The role of chronic stressors on health outcomes has been explored, but less is known about the potential role of exposure to day-to-day stressors on health. This paper describes the protocol for a study that aims to collect and analyze day-to-day data on work-related stressors and health outcomes. Participants will be workers engaged in predominantly sedentary work at a university. Self-report data on work-related stressors, musculoskeletal pain, and mental health will be collected three times per day for 10 work days through ecological momentary assessment via online questionnaires. These data will be combined with physiological data collected continuously via a wristband throughout the working day. The feasibility and acceptability of the protocol will be assessed via semi-structured interviews with participants and adherence to the study protocol. These data will inform the feasibility of using the protocol in a larger study to investigate the relationship between exposure to work-related stressors and health outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
22 pages, 869 KiB  
Systematic Review
Prevalence, Predictors, and Experience of Moral Suffering in Nursing and Care Home Staff during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
by Zainab Laher, Noelle Robertson, Fawn Harrad-Hyde and Ceri R. Jones
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9593; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159593 - 04 Aug 2022
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2623
Abstract
(1) Background: Nursing and care home staff experienced high death rates of older residents and increased occupational and psychosocial pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature has previously found this group to be at risk of developing mental health conditions, moral injury (MI), [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Nursing and care home staff experienced high death rates of older residents and increased occupational and psychosocial pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic. The literature has previously found this group to be at risk of developing mental health conditions, moral injury (MI), and moral distress (MD). The latter two terms refer to the perceived ethical wrongdoing which contravenes an individual’s moral beliefs and elicits adverse emotional responses. (2) Method: A systematic review was conducted to explore the prevalence, predictors, and psychological experience of MI and MD in the aforementioned population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The databases CINAHL, APA PsychINFO, APA PsychArticles, Web of Science, Medline, and Scopus were systematically searched for original research studies of all designs, published in English, with no geographical restrictions, and dating from when COVID-19 was declared a public health emergency on the 30 January 2020 to the 3 January 2022. Out of 531 studies screened for eligibility, 8 studies were selected for review. A thematic analysis was undertaken to examine the major underpinning themes. (3) Results: MI, MD, and related constructs (notably secondary traumatic stress) were evidenced to be present in staff, although most studies did not explore the prevalence or predictors. The elicited major themes were resource deficits, role challenges, communication and leadership, and emotional and psychosocial consequences. (4) Conclusions: Our findings suggest that moral injury and moral distress were likely to be present prior to COVID-19 but have been exacerbated by the pandemic. Whilst studies were generally of high quality, the dearth of quantitative studies assessing prevalence and predictors suggests a research need, enabling the exploration of causal relationships between variables. However, the implied presence of MI and MD warrants intervention developments and workplace support for nursing and care home staff. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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13 pages, 766 KiB  
Concept Paper
Occupational Health and Safety Receptivity towards Clinical Innovations That Can Benefit Workplace Mental Health Programs: Anxiety and Hypnotherapy Trends
by Petrina Coventry
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7735; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19137735 - 24 Jun 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1924
Abstract
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions experienced by people in Australia during their working years according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and employers recognising that mental health impacts their organisation’s bottom line are increasingly interested in programs [...] Read more.
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions experienced by people in Australia during their working years according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and employers recognising that mental health impacts their organisation’s bottom line are increasingly interested in programs to promote better mental health, well-being, and productivity. Beyond management concern for productivity, statutory protection is necessary to safeguard mental health, under the Australian Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, organisations have a duty to eliminate or minimise risks to psychological (mental) health by designing effective workplace systems and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practitioners are central to the design and responsibility in managing these systems. Despite literature indicating the benefits of OHS workplace mental health initiatives, such as improved overall health, reduced absenteeism, increased job satisfaction and morale, there remains a lack of empirical research around program measurement, and their effectiveness in this area has been brought into question. The OHS function is interested in improving research around the relationship and connection between work performance and mental health but: there are few studies regarding performance outcomes of mental health OHS services within management journals and insufficient information around the prevalence of psychological morbidity in the workplace and its impact. The purpose of this study was to assess OHS perception regarding anxiety and reveal perceptions and receptivity towards alternative therapies and solutions being used in clinical practice to deal with anxiety such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) with a focus on Hypnotherapy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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35 pages, 712 KiB  
Systematic Review
The Impact of Epidemics and Pandemics on the Mental Health of Healthcare Workers: A Systematic Review
by Ottilia Cassandra Chigwedere, Anvar Sadath, Zubair Kabir and Ella Arensman
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(13), 6695; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18136695 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 81 | Viewed by 10151
Abstract
Background: There is increasing evidence that healthcare workers (HCWs) experience significant psychological distress during an epidemic or pandemic. Considering the increase in emerging infectious diseases and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is timely to review and synthesize the available evidence on the psychological [...] Read more.
Background: There is increasing evidence that healthcare workers (HCWs) experience significant psychological distress during an epidemic or pandemic. Considering the increase in emerging infectious diseases and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is timely to review and synthesize the available evidence on the psychological impact of disease outbreaks on HCWs. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to examine the impact of epidemics and pandemics on the mental health of HCWs. Method: PubMed, PsycInfo, and PsycArticles databases were systematically searched from inception to June-end 2020 for studies reporting the impact of a pandemic/epidemic on the mental health of HCWs. Results: Seventy-six studies were included in this review. Of these, 34 (45%) focused on SARS, 28 (37%) on COVID-19, seven (9%) on MERS, four (5%) on Ebola, two (3%) on H1N1, and one (1%) on H7N9. Most studies were cross-sectional (93%) and were conducted in a hospital setting (95%). Common mental health symptoms identified by this review were acute stress disorder, depression, anxiety, insomnia, burnout, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The associated risk factors were working in high-risk environments (frontline), being female, being a nurse, lack of adequate personal protective equipment, longer shifts, lack of knowledge of the virus, inadequate training, less years of experience in healthcare, lack of social support, and a history of quarantine. Conclusion: HCWs working in the frontline during epidemics and pandemics experience a wide range of mental health symptoms. It is imperative that adequate psychological support be provided to HCWs during and after these extraordinary distressful events. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health at the Workplace)
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