Search Results (185)

Operations management personnel emphasize the maintenance of workforce empowerment on the shop floor. This is made possible by implementing effective operations and human resource management practices. However, organizations are adept at controlling the workforce empowerment domain within operational scenarios. In the current industry revolution scenario, industry personnel often face failure due to a laggard mindset in the face of industry revolutions. There are higher possibilities of failure because of standardized operations controlling the shop floor. Organizations utilize well-established human resource concepts, including McClelland’s acquired needs theory, Herzberg’s two-factor theory, and Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, in order to enhance the workforce’s performance on the shop floor. Current SME individuals require fast-paced approaches for tracking the performance and idleness of a workforce in order to control them more efficiently in both flexible and transformational stages. The present study focuses on investigating the parameters and factors that contribute to workforce empowerment in an industrial revolution scenario. The present research is used to develop a framework utilizing operations and human resource management approaches in order to identify and address the issues responsible for deteriorating workforce contributions. The framework includes HRM and operations management practices, including Herzberg’s two-factor theory, Maslow’s theory, and lean and smart approaches. The developed framework contains four phases for achieving desired outcomes on the shop floor. The developed framework is validated by implementing it in a real-life electric vehicle manufacturing organization, where the human resources and operations team were exhausted and looking to resolve employee-related issues instantly and establish a sustainable work environment. The current industry is transforming from Industry 3.0 to Industry 4.0, and seeks future-ready innovations in operations, control, and monitoring of shop floor setups. The operations management and human resource management practices teams reviewed the results over the next three months after the implementation of the developed framework. The results revealed an improvement in workforce empowerment within the existing work environment, as evidenced by reductions in the number of absentees, resignations, transfer requests, and medical issues, by 30.35%, 94.44%, 95.65%, and 93.33%, respectively. A few studies have been conducted on workforce empowerment by controlling shop floor scenarios through modifications in operations and human resource management strategies. The results of this study can be used to fulfil manufacturers’ needs within confined constraints and provide guidelines for efficiently controlling workforce performance on the shop floor. Constraints refer to barriers that have been decided, including production time, working time, asset availability, resource availability, and organizational policy. The study proposes a decision-making plan for enhancing shop floor performance by providing suitable guidelines and an action plan, taking into account both workforce and operational performance. Full article

Background: Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of intense nausea and vomiting. Despite increasing awareness, a standardized treatment approach remains lacking in pediatric populations. Lifestyle factors and anxiety are common triggers, yet their systematic management has not been fully incorporated into therapeutic strategies. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of lifestyle modifications and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the management of pediatric CVS and to compare their outcomes with standard cyproheptadine prophylaxis. Methods: This retrospective study included 119 patients aged 1.2–17.5 years who were diagnosed with CVS according to Rome IV criteria between September 2021 and January 2025. Clinical, psychiatric, and lifestyle data were retrieved from the university’s digital medical records. Patients were grouped according to treatment modality: cyproheptadine, SSRI, or acute attack management alone. Treatment success at 12 weeks was defined as complete cessation of vomiting episodes or absence of hospitalization, prolonged attacks, and school/work absenteeism. Results: Anxiety symptoms were present in 78.2% of patients. SSRIs were prescribed to 34 patients with moderate to severe anxiety, all of whom achieved treatment success. Lifestyle adherence was observed in 73.9% and was found to be a predictor of treatment success. Cyproheptadine was administered to 66 patients but did not provide additional benefit over effective lifestyle modification. Six patients discontinued cyproheptadine due to drowsiness or weight gain. Conclusions: Lifestyle interventions significantly improve outcomes in pediatric CVS. SSRIs represent a safe and effective prophylactic option for patients with comorbid anxiety or poor adherence to behavioral recommendations. These findings support the integration of psychosocial and lifestyle-based strategies into standard CVS treatment protocols. Full article

Background/Objectives: The economic impact of adverse events following COVID-19 immunisation (AEFIs) in Australia is underexplored. This study aimed to assess the economic burden of AEFIs on both healthcare systems and societal productivity. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Queensland residents aged ≥18 years who had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the preceding 12 months. Overall, 6964 participants were recruited from July to September 2022 via email and broad social media campaigns. The survey collected data on the incidence, type and duration of AEFIs; healthcare utilisation; and work-related absenteeism. Healthcare costs were estimated using national healthcare reimbursement data, and productivity costs were estimated using Australian Bureau of Statistics Average Weekly Earnings. Results: Of the 6797 eligible respondents (predominantly female [62%]; median age: 52 years), AEFIs were reported by 53.4%, 44.1%, 40.7%, and 40.9% following doses 1 to 4, respectively. Pain and tenderness were predominant local AEFIs, while tiredness and headaches were the most frequent systemic AEFIs, generally resolving within three days. Relatively few participants reporting AEFIs consulted medical professionals: 7.0%, 7.3%, 5.1%, and 1.9% following each dose, respectively. The mean healthcare cost per person reporting AEFIs was AUD 24, AUD 88, AUD 22, and AUD 4 following each respective dose. Work absenteeism was recorded in 16.5%, 18.2%, 15.2%, and 11.2% following each dose with mean absenteeism days per person of 4.7, 7.4, 3.6 and 2.1, respectively, and mean productivity costs per person reporting AEFIs amounting to AUD 1494, AUD 2388, AUD 1136, and AUD 690, respectively. Conclusions: Participants reported mostly mild AEFIs with only a small proportion of individuals seeking medical services. Productivity costs attributable to these AEFIs exceeded direct healthcare expenses incurred. Full article

Background/Objectives: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), whether affected by Crohn’s disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC), are burdened by disability and a reduced quality of life. The individual’s regular participation in daily working life is a key factor among its determinants. This work aims to quantify work absenteeism in patients with IBD, profiling it concerning specific demographic variables, the degree of disease activity, and the level of self-reported anxious symptoms. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study targeted patients with a known diagnosis of IBD with disease activity no greater than moderate who were either employed or engaged in regular student activities. Participants were administered the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) for the assessment of anxious symptoms, the Patient-Reported Outcome 2 (PRO-2) for evaluating IBD disease activity, and the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ) short form for the analysis of work absenteeism, measured both as absolute and relative over two time frames (the last 7 days and the last 4 weeks). Within the HPQ, Likert scale (0–10) questions were administered to assess self-perceived work productivity. Results: A total of 300 patients were included [median age 43.5 years, IBD (UC 55.7%, CD 44.3%, sex (males 54%, females 46%)], recording absolute absenteeism of 56 (36–76) and 2 (−8–20) hours lost over 4 weeks and 7 days, respectively. The factors associated with worse absolute and relative absenteeism (both at 7-days and 4-weeks) were having CD (p < 0.001), having previous surgery (p < 0.05), and, exclusively in the 4-week assessment, being female (p < 0.05) and a smoker (p < 0.05). The BAI demonstrated a moderate correlation with 4-week absolute absenteeism (ρ = 0.374, p < 0.001), progressively increasing with anxiety severity. Additionally, the BAI was an independent predictor of a 25% work productivity loss over 4 weeks (aOR: 1.1, 95% CI 1.06–1.142, β = 0.096, p < 0.001). Disease activity measured based on PRO-2 strongly correlated with 4-week (ρ = 0.53, p < 0.001) and 7-day (ρ = 0.47, p < 0.001) absolute absenteeism. Conclusions: In conclusion, work absenteeism in IBD patients may be driven by the IBD phenotype, sex, anxiety, and disease activity. Improving these parameters could enhance productivity. Full article

Teachers with mental illness are vulnerable to work-related triggers that can lead to relapse, affecting their mental health and ability to recover, stay employed, and deliver quality education. This empirical study explored such triggers among public school teachers in Limpopo Province, South Africa. Using Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, a qualitative phenomenological design was adopted. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 14 participants that were purposively selected across four hospitals. Data were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using Tesch’s eight-step open-coding method. Findings revealed being gossiped about by colleagues, excessive workload, limited leadership and parental support, classroom management challenges, high performance expectations without support, and inadequate teacher mental health policies in schools. These triggers can lead to frequent absenteeism and poor teaching outcomes. They will further increase the risk of medication resistance and long-term cognitive decline due to progressive structural brain damage as a result of multiple relapses. The study highlights the urgent need for multi-stakeholder collaboration, including clinicians, academic institutions, union representatives, and the Department of Basic Education, to co-develop effective, context-sensitive strategies to mitigate work-related triggers of mental illness relapse. These strategies are not only essential for enabling long-term workforce participation but also advancing sustainable mental health and well-being. Full article

Public safety personnel (PSP) are known to experience difficult and demanding occupational environments, which were further complicated by the COVID-19 crisis. While public safety research typically focuses on the impact of operational stressors on PSP functioning and wellbeing, relatively less is known about the types and impacts of organizational stressors and how all these affect social wellbeing during the pandemic. The current study surveyed Canadian firefighters (n = 123), paramedics (n = 246), and public safety communicators (n = 48) that continued to serve the public over the course of the pandemic. Participants responded to two open-ended survey questions about how COVID-19 affected their lives at work and home. Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, responses were coded to identify emergent, data-driven themes while drawing on existing theory for analysis. Across occupational groups, qualitative analyses revealed that the public safety measures imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated existing operational and organizational strains, including increased exposure to distressing calls, absenteeism and coping with alcohol, and a lack of support from management. Participants also identified financial strain and housing insecurity as stressors, as well as frustration and helplessness at others’ non-compliance with public health advisories and protocols. Communication surrounding the rationale behind government decision-making, the efficacy of serology tests, and rates of infection were also identified. Together, these findings offer a nuanced understanding of the interplay among operational, organizational, and social stressors experienced by Canadian PSP during the COVID-19 pandemic, illuminating their impact on mental health and wellbeing, and identifying targeted areas of focus for future planning and meaningful intervention to support PSP wellness. Full article

The spine is the most affected region, which compromises functionality and generates absenteeism, increased health care costs, and disability retirement rates. Based on the biopsychosocial model, it is believed that chronic back problems are the result of a complex network of factors, both individual and contextual. A cross-sectional study was developed with data from the 2013 National Health Survey, the United Nations Development Programme, and the National Register of Health Establishments (state level) for the second and third levels of aggregation, respectively. Multilevel Poisson regression was performed at three levels. The prevalence of chronic back problems was 18.5% (95% CI 17.8; 19.1), with a higher prevalence in females (RP = 1.23; 95% CI 1.15; 1.30), those aged above 49 years (RP = 1.75; 95% CI 1.61; 1.90), those performing heavy activities at work (RP = 1.37; 95% CI 1.28; 1.46), those with depressive days (RP = 1.70; 95% CI 1.50; 1.94), those who were smokers (RP = 1.37; 95% CI 1.27; 1.48), and those in states with a higher coefficient of Family Health Support Team per 100,000 inhabitants (PR = 1.28; 95% CI 1.07; 1.54). Chronic spine problems were associated with biological and behavioral factors and were more strongly associated with the coefficient of Family Health Support Team in Brazilian municipalities. Full article

In the business context, human resource management is essential to achieve maximum productivity, making it necessary to build high performance work systems. The aim of this study was to know the current state of human resources practices integrated into the high performance work systems of tourism companies and to understand the relationship between HPWSs and staff turnover, absenteeism, productivity and accident rate, as well as the black box variables that mediate this relationship. A systematic review of literature published between 2019 and 2024 (April) was carried out with PRISMA 2020 statement, based on a bibliographic search in databases and which, after applying eligibility criteria, allowed for the compilation of 18 studies. The academic interest of this review stands out because it is a novel topic, postulating it as a starting point for future theoretical and empirical research that would serve to develop a more robust theory and make visible a topic of great impact for companies in the tourism sector, many of them family businesses, as well as for their workers. Full article

Public safety personnel and frontline healthcare professionals are at increased risk of exposure to potentially psychologically traumatic events (PPTEs) and developing post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSIs, e.g., depression, anxiety) by the nature of their work. PTSI is also connected to increased absenteeism, suicidality, and performance decrements, which compromise occupational and public health and safety in trauma-exposed workers. There is limited evidence on the cost effectiveness of proactive “prevention” programs aimed at reducing the risk of PTSIs. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to measure the economic effectiveness of proactive PTSI mitigation programs among occupational groups exposed to frequent occupational PPTEs, focusing on the outcomes related to PTSI symptoms, absenteeism, and psychological wellness. Findings from 15 included studies demonstrate that proactive interventions can yield substantial economic and health benefits, with Return On Investment (ROI) values ranging widely from −20% to 3560%. Shorter interventions (≤6 months) often produced higher returns, while longer interventions (>12 months) showed more moderate or negative returns. Notably, the level at which an intervention is targeted significantly affects outcomes—programs aimed at managers, such as the 4 h RESPECT training course, demonstrated a high ROI and broad organizational impact by enhancing leadership support for employee mental health. Sensitivity analyses highlighted significant variability based on the organizational context, program design, and participant characteristics. The majority of proactive interventions successfully reduced psychological distress and enhanced workplace outcomes, although thoughtful consideration of program design and implementation context is essential. Full article

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is a critical component of sustainable work practices, guaranteeing employee well-being in parallel with minimizing business operation threats. The integration of ethics in OHS practices, however, poses a major obstacle, given that most businesses prefer complying with regulations rather than adopting proactive, ethically directed risk avoidance. This study employs a systemic process in assessing business ethics integration in practices of OHS, emphasizing leadership, employee engagement, and precautionary safety. This quantitative survey research sought to gauge the utilization of OHS practices among firms in the construction industry. This study examined critical factors such as employee training, absenteeism patterns, wellness programs, and usage of safety practices. Our study outcomes identify a reduction in accidents in workplaces, lower absenteeism, and improved monitoring of employee well-being when a blend of systemic safety programs and ethically directed strategies is utilized. This study emphasizes the imperative of a proactive, ethically comprehensive strategy in practices of OHS, which calls for improved leadership, constant safety learning, and enhanced wellness programs. The findings contribute to the development of sustainable risk management frameworks, offering practical insights for businesses, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to improve workplace safety culture. Full article

Introduction: Vaccinations are one of the most impactful public health interventions, saving millions of lives annually and reducing the spread of infectious diseases. Numerous vaccines are expected to become available in the future. Decision-makers will have to thoroughly evaluate them. It is essential to fully comprehend the value of vaccinations to effectively and efficiently guide decisions. Methods: This work aims to highlight the multifaceted benefits of vaccination, extending beyond clinical outcomes to encompass profound economic and societal advantages. Results: Vaccinations should be considered an investment, not a cost. In comparison to other health expenditures, the vaccine costs can be considered moderate. Vaccinations can also reduce the fiscal burden by avoiding diseases, minimizing lost workdays and absenteeism, lowering disability claims, and increasing workforce productivity. The costs of non-vaccination represent a relevant issue. Vaccination also plays a key role in addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance. Apart from quantifiable economic parameters, vaccines also have intangible benefits reducing pain and avoiding quality of life lost and deaths. Conclusions: Comprehensive Health Technology Assessments are required to understand the overall value of vaccinations. Full article

Objectives: A dentist may assume incorrect working positions throughout their professional career, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This study aimed to quantify the prevalence of self-reported MSDs in dentists and the body region most affected, as well as to evaluate the most frequent working position, the area of work and the age group most frequently associated with MSDs. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study adhering to the STROBE and CHERRIES guidelines, approved by the local Ethics Committee. An online questionnaire (including the Nordic Musculoskeletal Symptoms Questionnaire) was applied to a convenience sample of Portuguese and Italian dentists. Data analysis was conducted with non-parametric comparisons (IBM© SPSS^® Statistics vs. 28.0, p < 0.05). Results: A total of 341 dentists (170 Portuguese, 171 Italian) aged 18–75 years participated. The prevalence of self-reported MSDs in Portugal and Italy was 78.8% and 81.9%, respectively. The most affected self-reported MSD body regions were the neck (65.3% Portuguese and 61.4% Italian dentists), shoulder (49.4% Portuguese and 39.2% Italian) and lumbar region (52.4% and 39.2%, respectively). The neck region was the one reported to cause the highest work absenteeism. The higher age group (41–50 years and higher) has a higher risk for self-reported MSD. Multivariate analysis highlighted increased practice time as a significant risk factor for MSDs in the previous year in both countries. Age group, practice duration and work position relative to the patient were significantly linked to MSD occurrence and work avoidance. Conclusions: Dentists showed a high prevalence of self-reported MSD despite performing clinical activity mostly seated. It was concluded that dentists older than 40 years and those who have been working for more than 20 years have a higher risk of MSD, and that endodontics is the area where they report feeling more discomfort. Dentists should be encouraged to take more breaks between appointments and regular exercise to prevent the development/progression of MSDs. Full article

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common occupational health issue among nurses, significantly affecting quality of life and work productivity. Despite awareness, it remains a major cause of absenteeism and presenteeism, highlighting the need for targeted interventions. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of LBP among Italian nurses and its impact on quality of life and work productivity. Methods: A cross-sectional, multicenter observational study was conducted from May to October 2024 using an online questionnaire distributed to members of the Provincial Orders of Nursing Professions across Italy. The questionnaire included sociodemographic variables and three validated instruments: the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS), the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire (WPAI). Results: A total of 318 nurses participated, with the majority from Southern Italy (57.1%) and female (74.6%). LBP was reported by 57.5% of respondents. Nurses working in Critical Care and those with 30–40 years of experience had significantly higher QBPDS and ODI scores, indicating moderate disability. Nurses working 12 h shifts and those with job restrictions or medical prescriptions reported significantly higher disability levels (ODI > 29, p < 0.001). Nurses on pharmacological therapy reported moderate pain levels, while those engaging in regular physical activity had significantly lower pain symptoms (<20, p < 0.001). The WPAI results showed that 67.0% of nurses reported impaired work productivity due to LBP. Conclusions: LBP is extremely prevalent among Italian nurses, especially affecting physical well-being and, accordingly, the health care quality provided by them. Factors exacerbating this problem are wrong manual handling of loads, not exercising, poor nutrition, and smoking, as well as wrong posture. Fundamental in order to avoid the occurrence of this problem are preventive programs and ergonomic training. Full article

Background: This study examined the effects of psychosocial and ergonomic risk perceptions in the hospital environment on employee health, job performance, and absenteeism. In fast-paced hospital settings, the cumulative physical and psychological demands of patient care, exacerbated by poor ergonomic conditions, can jeopardize employee well-being and compromise service quality. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among healthcare professionals in Istanbul using a multimethod approach with a quantitative emphasis. To analyze the interrelationships among these variables while controlling for demographic factors, including age and sex, structural equation modeling was employed. Results: The findings indicated that both psychological safety and favorable ergonomic conditions significantly enhanced job satisfaction, which in turn positively influenced mental health and overall job performance. Moreover, better physical health was associated with reduced absenteeism, further contributing to improved job performance. These results highlight the significance of developing supportive and ergonomically sound work environments for enhancing employee well-being, reducing absenteeism, and optimizing performance in hospital settings. Conclusions: This study offers valuable insights for hospital administrators and policymakers seeking to implement effective interventions that address psychosocial and ergonomic challenges, thereby ensuring higher quality healthcare services. Full article

Research has established that relatively higher levels of educational achievement are associated with better health outcomes. Thus, while providing every student with a high-quality education is always a public health concern, this matter garnered exceptional attention following the COVID-19 pandemic. It disrupted schooling across the globe, requiring elementary and secondary schools to address many resulting issues, including their students’ learning loss, interrupted learning of grade-level curricula, the need for accelerated learning, increased absenteeism, and staffing shortages. Consequently, this paper reports the many circumstances surrounding one approach employed widely in the United States to address the learning issues resulting from the pandemic: tutoring. First, the extent of students’ academic declines following the pandemic is documented, as is the association between educational attainment and health outcomes. Next, several facets of tutoring are explained, including (a) an operational definition, (b) research support of its effectiveness before and after the pandemic, (c) the characteristics of two types of effective tutoring germane to this paper, and (d) its fit within a school’s systems of interventions for all students. The paper concludes with a case report about relevant work performed at a high-needs school in the southeastern United States to establish a sustainable tutoring program resulting from the pandemic. It is one example of how K-12 schooling in the United States has improved in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article