Exploring job demands and resources in psychotherapists treating displaced people-A scoping review.

Objective: Little is known about the occupational health of psychotherapists treating displaced people. Therefore, the literature was explored regarding job demands, job resources, as well as work- and health-related outcomes. The Job Demands-Job Resources model (JD-R model) according to Bakker and Demerouti served as theoretical framework. Method: This scoping review followed the methodological framework provided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). Six databases were searched for qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies. Results: Based on 15 included articles, the emotional impact of work, cultural or language barriers, and administrative obstacles were identified as major job demands. Important job resources were related to a politicized conceptualization of the professional identity. Health-related outcomes could mainly be ascribed to empathy-based strain, while work-related outcomes were associated with discrepancies between personal values and asylum regulations. Conclusion: Despite the emotional impact of work, psychotherapists seem to benefit from work engagement arising out of socio-political conviction and the ability to help suffering people. Practitioners need more environmental support like professional networks. Further research is required, as current findings are predominantly based on qualitative and cross-sectional studies.

Balancing social and economic factors - explorative qualitative analysis of working conditions of supervisors in German social firms.

BACKGROUND: Social firms are companies on the general labour market which provide employment to people with severe disabilities. In this setting different job resources are offered for its employees, including social support or flexibility in terms of working hours, tasks or pace of work. However, to date, only limited evidence exists on the work and health situation of supervisors in social firms. Therefore, the study aims to explore job demands and resources of supervisors in social firms to increase knowledge in a little researched field and to develop recommendations for action on workplace health promotion. METHODS: Sixteen semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with supervisors of social firms in the North of Germany within July and November 2020. Different sectors such as gastronomy or cleaning services as well as employment opportunities for people with different types of disabilities were included. The interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed following the qualitative content analysis according to Mayring (deductive-inductive approach). RESULTS: Overall, a heterogeneous composition was aimed for in terms of age and gender distribution (68.75% were male and between 32 and 60 years old). Supervisors reported various job demands in social firms, including for instance emotional demands, conflicts between social and economic objectives, conflict management, exposure to heat, heavy lifting or constant standing. In contrast, a high meaning of work, possibilities in shaping the structure of the social firm, social support of colleagues or the management and the provision of an ergonomic work environment were highlighted as job resources. Further person-related demands (e.g. own expectations) and resources (e.g. patience) were underlined as well. CONCLUSION: First exploratory insights were provided with reference to job demands and resources for supervisors in social firms. The overview on working conditions underlines the significance of a supportive work environment taking structural and behavioural-related implications into account to reduce demands and strengthen resources. Further interventional research is needed regarding the development, testing and evaluation of workplace health promotion interventions in social firms.

Employed and expecting in Germany: A qualitative investigation into pregnancy-related occupational stress and coping behavior.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies demonstrate a higher risk for pregnant women to experience stressors within the work context and therefore suggest a higher risk for occupational stress. However, the interaction between work and pregnancy in Germany is currently an area without much active research, even though it is a common occurrence. OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study explores stressors, coping behaviors and related consequences for pregnant employees in Germany. Furthermore, the study researches intervention possibilities for the purpose to prevent the target group from negative health outcomes. METHODS: Thirteen semi-standardized interviews with employed pregnant women living and working in Germany were conducted. The interviews were recorded and verbatim transcribed. Data was analyzed by Mayring's structuring qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Compounding the results, the interviewed women noted most frequently stressors in relation to their employer/line manager due to their pregnant condition. Even though the women showed various adaptive coping behaviors, the identified negative consequences, mainly on their emotional wellbeing. Various intervention possibilities to improve the pregnant employee's situation were mentioned. CONCLUSIONS: This study was able to explore broad insights into the topic of pregnant employees in Germany. Therefore, this study underlines the actuality and relevance of the topic and is able to contribute to a scientific discussion about pregnancy at the workplace.