The association between leisure-time physical activity and cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness and job strain-Study with a Northern Finland birth cohort of 1966.

Job strain is a major concern in the workplace. Work-related stress is an increasing challenge worldwide as it is the leading cause of long-term sickness absences, disability pensions and lower productivity. Rarely studied simultaneously, both leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and physical fitness (PF), which comprises cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and muscular fitness (MF), may have potential in preventing and managing job strain. The current study aimed to investigate whether LTPA, CRF and MF predict perceived job strain. In addition, the study examines reverse associations, that is, whether job strain predicts LTPA, CRF and MF. We used longitudinal population-based data from a Northern Finland birth cohort of 1966 (n = 5363) to analyse LTPA, CRF and MF as well as job strain and its components, job demands and job control, at age 31 years (1997) and 46 years (2012). Leisure-time physical activity was measured with a self-reported questionnaire whereas CRF and MF were measured as part of clinical examination. Linear regression analyses were used to analyse the data. In both men (n = 2548) and women (n = 2815), higher baseline MF predicted lower job strain and job demands 15 years later. In women, higher baseline total LTPA predicted higher job demands, whereas in men, higher CRF predicted lower job strain and higher job control. These associations remained significant, also when adjusted for education and occupational status. In the analyses on reverse associations, higher job control and higher job demands were linked to higher leisure-time moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and total LTPA 15 years later among both men and women, except for the association between job demands and total LTPA among women. These associations remained significant after adjustment for education and occupational status, except for the association of job control with MVPA and total LTPA among men. The association of higher job demands and total LTPA became significant in women. We conclude that LTPA and PF seem beneficial in preventing and managing job strain.

Associations of Chronotype, Work Schedule, and Sleep Problems With Work Engagement Experiences in Middle Age-The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to investigate the role of chronotype for work engagement in middle age. METHODS: We used data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study ( N = 5341) to analyze associations of self-reported chronotype (morning, intermediate, and evening type) with work engagement and its dimensions (vigor, dedication, absorption). We conducted multivariate analyses of variance to examine whether work schedule or sleep problems moderate these associations. RESULTS: Evening types showed lower scores in work engagement and its dimensions than intermediate and morning types, even when work schedule and sleep problems were controlled. Sleep problems emphasized the chronotype-work engagement and chronotype-dedication linkages. CONCLUSIONS: Chronotype may play a role in employees' work engagement. In addition, sleep problems seem relevant in terms of chronotype-work engagement linkage.

More Physical Activity, More Work Engagement? A Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the role of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SED) for work engagement. METHODS: We used data from Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study ( n = 3046 to 4356) to analyze self-reported weekly leisure-time physical activity (LTPA), daily leisure-time sitting time (LTST) and work engagement. PA and SED 24-hour were also measured with accelerometer for 14 days. The data were analyzed using linear regression analyses. RESULTS: High self-reported LTPA and sports participation were associated with higher work engagement and its subdimensions. High self-reported ST was associated with lower work engagement, vigor, and absorption. Accelerometer-measured light PA was associated with higher work engagement and vigor, and accelerometermeasured steps were linked to higher vigor. Accelerometer-measured SED was associated with lower work engagement, vigor, and dedication. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported and accelerometer-measured PA and SED may play a role in people's work engagement.

Dimensions of social support in the experience of work engagement in middle age: A Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 Study.

So far, the relationship between the various dimensions of social support and work engagement has not been widely examined in the literature. In this study, we examined the relationship of social support at work (from a colleague or supervisor) and social support in one's private life (from a spouse, relative or friend) with various dimensions of work engagement (vigor, dedication and absorption). The participants (N = 5,259-5,376, 46 years-old, 52.7% women) came from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 study. Social support was evaluated with the Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ), and work engagement was assessed with a short version of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9). The data were analyzed using linear regression analyses. The results showed that high social support at work (p < 0.001) and in one's private life (p < 0.001) were associated with higher total work engagement, higher vigor, higher dedication, and higher absorption. These findings were adjusted for gender, marital status, education and occupational status. The results were essentially unchanged when they were additionally adjusted for job strain and effort-reward imbalance. To conclude, our findings indicate that the experience of overall social support may play a role in the experience of work engagement.