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.