Fears during the Covid-19 pandemics and their influence on physical health: A cross-sectional study on the general population in Spain

Background/objective: This study examines the paths through which Covid-19 can negatively impact health and lead to somatic symptoms. Based on the dual process theory, fears can impair health in two ways: through psychological distress, which is an automatic reaction to fear, and through a more conscious and deliberative rumination process. Method: Data from a representative sample of the Spanish population (N = 3083 subjects,18 years or older) were obtained from a Survey by the Sociological Research Center (CIS). The dual path model was tested, and a longer sequence was included where the two mediators act sequentially to produce an impact on somatic symptoms. Results: The results showed how Covid-19 fears translate into somatic problems. Beyond the direct relations, and after comparing with other possible alternative models, our findings support a process where rumination mediates between fears and psychological distress, and psychological distress in turn leads to somatic problems. Conclusions: This process reveals a plausible mechanism that explains the somatization of health problems during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it provides theoretical and practical inputs to better understand the role of fears in health in crisis contexts. (AU)

Self-perceived Transformational Leadership Decreases Employee Sick Leave, but Context Matters / [El liderazgo transformacional autopercibido reduce el absentismo por enfermedad, pero el contexto importa]

Purpose: Employee sickness absence increased steadily in recent years posing an important challenge for organizations and research. The present study addresses this need by analysing the causal link of transformational leadership and sickness absence, while also taking into consideration the context of leadership by studying the moderation effect of a leader’s perceived organizational support (POS) in that association. Design/Method: 57 middle managers of two Spanish companies were randomly assigned to either the control (n = 22) or intervention (n = 35) condition. Multigroup linear regression in MPlus was carried out to compare the effect of transformational leadership on follower sick leave during a 6 months pre and post-test period for both groups, while also taking into account the moderation effect of a leader’s POS. Findings: The analysis confirmed the association between transformational leadership and sick leave days due to short-term spells, moderated by the leader’s levels of POS. Moreover, this relationship was stronger within the intervention as compared to the control group. Conclusion: The present research provides causal evidence for the link between transformational leadership and sickness absence, and offers an evidence-based and actionable leadership training method for organizations seeking to reduce employee sick leave.(AU)

Objetivo: El absentismo laboral por enfermedad ha aumentado de forma constante en los últimos años, planteando un importante reto para las organizaciones y la investigación. El presente estudio aborda esta necesidad analizando la relación causal entre el liderazgo transformacional y el absentismo por enfermedad, a la vez que toma en consideración el contexto del liderazgo estudiando el efecto moderador del apoyo organizativo percibido (AOP) del líder en dicha asociación. Método: Se asignó aleatoriamente a 57 mandos intermedios de dos empresas españolas a la condición de control (n = 22) o a la de intervención (n = 35). Se llevó a cabo una regresión lineal multigrupo en MPlus para comparar el efecto del liderazgo transformacional sobre la baja por enfermedad de los subordinados durante un periodo de 6 meses antes y después de la prueba para ambos grupos, teniendo también en cuenta el efecto moderador del AOP del líder. Resultados: El análisis confirmó la asociación entre el liderazgo transformacional y los días de baja por enfermedad debidos a periodos de corta duración, moderada por los niveles de AOP del líder. Además, la relación era más fuerte en el grupo de intervención que en el de control. Conclusión: La investigación aporta pruebas causales de la relación entre el liderazgo transformacional y la baja por enfermedad y ofrece un método empírico de formación en liderazgo aplicable a las organizaciones que pretendan reducir la baja por enfermedad de sus empleados.(AU)

Fears during the Covid-19 pandemics and their influence on physical health: A cross-sectional study on the general population in Spain.

Background/objective: This study examines the paths through which Covid-19 can negatively impact health and lead to somatic symptoms. Based on the dual process theory, fears can impair health in two ways: through psychological distress, which is an automatic reaction to fear, and through a more conscious and deliberative rumination process. Method: Data from a representative sample of the Spanish population (N = 3083 subjects,18 years or older) were obtained from a Survey by the Sociological Research Center (CIS). The dual path model was tested, and a longer sequence was included where the two mediators act sequentially to produce an impact on somatic symptoms. Results: The results showed how Covid-19 fears translate into somatic problems. Beyond the direct relations, and after comparing with other possible alternative models, our findings support a process where rumination mediates between fears and psychological distress, and psychological distress in turn leads to somatic problems. Conclusions: This process reveals a plausible mechanism that explains the somatization of health problems during the Covid-19 pandemic, and it provides theoretical and practical inputs to better understand the role of fears in health in crisis contexts.

Can activity worthwhileness explain OCB-I change? The mediating role of positive emotions / Puede la valía de la actividad explicar el cambio de OCB-I? El papel mediador de las emociones positivas

The competitiveness of today's markets requires employees to do more than is formally expected from them by collaborating with others to benefit the organization (e.g., organizational citizenship behavior focused on individuals, OCB-I). Based on the idea that eudaimonic wellbeing positively influences OCB-I, and considering that positive emotions lead to optimal functioning and important work outcomes, this study analyzes the mediating role of positive emotions in the relationship between activity worthwhileness and OCB-I. Results of hierarchical regressions in a two-wave longitudinal study with a sample of 108 white collar employees show that activity worthwhileness indirectly (but not directly) explains change in OCB-I through positive emotions. Therefore, when it comes to improving performance in the workplace, investment in both hedonic and eudaimonic wellbeing contributes to more effectively benefitting both employees and organizations.(AU)

La competitividad de los mercados actuales requiere que los empleados hagan más de lo que formalmente se espera de ellos colaborando con otros para favorecer a la organización (por ejemplo, comportamiento de ciudadanía organizacional centrado en las personas, OCB-I). Partiendo de la idea de que el bienestar eudaimónico influye positivamente en el OCB-I, y considerando que las emociones positivas conducen a un funcionamiento óptimo y a importantes resultados laborales, el presente estudio analiza el papel mediador de las emociones positivas en la relación entre la valía de la actividad y el OCB-I. Los resultados de regresiones jerárquicas en el presente estudio longitudinal con una muestra de 108 trabajadores administrativos muestran que la valía de la actividad explica indirecta, pero no directamente, el cambio en OCB-I a través de las emociones positivas. Por lo tanto, cuando se trata de mejorar el desempeño en el lugar de trabajo, la inversión en bienestar, tanto hedónico como eudaimónico, contribuye a favorecer tanto a los empleados como a las organizaciones.(AU)

Longitudinal relationships between job satisfaction and creative performance: a three-wave cross-lagged panel design / Relações longitudinais entre satisfação no trabalho e desempenho criativo: um projeto de painel com três ondas cruzadas / Relaciones longitudinales entre la satisfacción laboral y el desempeño creativo: diseño de panel de correlaciones cruzadas, con tres momentos temporales

Despite the assumption about the positive relationship between wellbeing and performance within the happy and productive worker thesis (HPWT), the matter is still under discussion due to inconclusive results. To better understand the link between wellbeing and performance and delineate their possible causal relationships, it is necessary to conduct longitudinal studies with data collection at different moments, as well as broaden the focus by considering different types of wellbeing and performance. To achieve this, the authors of this study analyzed the relationship between intrinsic (IJS) and extrinsic job satisfaction (EJS) with creative performance. The design consisted of a three-time cross-lagged panel design since it permits analyzation of the reciprocal and longitudinal relationship between two or more variables. Our sample was composed of 209 employees from nine different organizations in Spain. The results demonstrated that only IJS predicted creative performance at one of the time intervals. The conclusions were: 1) the relationship between IJS and creative performance might be spurious, 2) it is important to consider IJS and EJS separately because they yield differential results, 3) the relationship between IJS and creative performance is not reciprocal, and 4) it is necessary to increase longitudinal studies in the field.

Apesar do pressuposto sobre a relação positiva entre bem-estar e desempenho dentro da Tese do Trabalhador Feliz e Produtivo (happy and productive worker thesis - HPWT), o assunto ainda está em discussão devido aos resultados inconclusivos. Para melhor compreender a relação entre bem-estar e desempenho e delinear suas possíveis relações causais, é necessário realizar estudos longitudinais com coleta de dados em diferentes momentos, bem como ampliar o foco considerando diferentes tipos de bem-estar e desempenho. Para alcançar este objetivo, os autores deste estudo analisaram a relação entre satisfação intrínseca (intrinsic job satisfaction - IJS) e extrínseca no trabalho (extrinsic job satisfaction - EJS) com o desempenho criativo. O desenho consistiu em um projeto de painel com retardo cruzado de três ondas, uma vez que permite a análise da relação recíproca e longitudinal entre duas ou mais variáveis. Nossa amostra foi composta por 209 funcionários de nove organizações diferentes na Espanha. Os resultados demonstraram que apenas IJS previu desempenho criativo em um dos intervalos de tempo. As conclusões foram: 1) a relação entre IJS e desempenho criativo pode ser espuria, 2) é importante considerar IJS e EJS separadamente porque eles produzem resultados diferenciais, 3) a relação entre IJS e desempenho criativo não é recíproca e 4) é necessário aumentar os estudos longitudinais na área.

A pesar de la suposición sobre la relación positiva entre el bienestar y el desempeño dentro de la tesis del trabajador feliz y productivo (happy and productive worker thesis - HPWT), el tema aún está en discusión debido a resultados no concluyentes. Para comprender mejor el vínculo entre bienestar y desempeño y delinear sus posibles relaciones causales, es necesario realizar estudios longitudinales con recolección de datos en diferentes momentos, así como ampliar el enfoque considerando diferentes tipos de bienestar y desempeño. Para lograrlo, los autores de este estudio analizaron la relación entre la satisfacción laboral intrínseca (intrinsic job satisfaction - IJS) y extrínseca (extrinsic job satisfaction - EJS) con el desempeño creativo. Se utilizó un diseño de panel de correlaciones cruzadas, con tres momentos temporales, ya que permite el análisis de la relación recíproca y longitudinal entre dos o más variables. Nuestra muestra estuvo compuesta por 209 empleados de nueve organizaciones diferentes en España. Los resultados demostraron que solo IJS predijo el rendimiento creativo en uno de los intervalos de tiempo. Las conclusiones fueron: 1) la relación entre IJS y el desempeño creativo podría ser espuria, 2) es importante considerar IJS y EJS por separado porque producen resultados diferenciales, 3) la relación entre IJS y el desempeño creativo no es recíproca, y 4) es necesario incrementar los estudios longitudinales en el campo.

Nursing Education in Catalonia: Novice Professionals' Appraisal of Its Quality and Usefulness. Does Mobility Play a Role?

The present study aimed to examine the relationship between the quality of undergraduate education perceived by novice nurses and their retrospective satisfaction with their education. It also studied the relationships between the perceived usefulness of their education for their current jobs and the quality of the jobs held by novice nursing professionals. The moderator role of mobility in this relationship was also analyzed, as it reflects a boundary condition in which additional preparation or job opportunities may occur. The study used data from the graduates' survey carried out by the Agència per a la Qualitat del Sistema Universitari de Catalunya (AQU) in 2017. The analysis of data from 644 graduates of Catalan Universities in 2014 highlights different functions of two types of knowledge and skills; those directly related to science and the practice of nursing are stronger predictors of retrospective satisfaction with nursing education. In turn, the perception of the usefulness of horizontal skills, such as transversal and communication skills, plays a stronger role in predicting job quality. The results about the role of mobility were not conclusive, and more research is needed to clarify its influence on nursing education and subsequent professional practice.

From Happiness Orientations to Work Performance: The Mediating Role of Hedonic and Eudaimonic Experiences.

In organizations, psychologists have often tried to promote employees' well-being and performance, and this can be achieved through different pathways. The happy-productive worker thesis states that 'happy' workers perform better than 'unhappy' ones. However, most studies have focused on hedonic well-being at the expense of the person's eudaimonic experience. This study examines whether orientations to happiness (i.e., life of pleasure/meaning) are related to hedonic (i.e., perception of comfort) and eudaimonic (i.e., activity worthwhileness) experiences that, in turn, improve performance. We applied multilevel structural equation modeling to diary data (68 office workers; n = 471 timepoints). We obtained significant effects of: life of pleasure on self-rated performance through activity worthwhileness, life of meaning on performance (self-rated, rated by the supervisor) through activity worthwhileness, and life of meaning on performance rated by the supervisor through perception of comfort. Results show more significant paths from/or through eudaimonia to performance than from/or through hedonia. The results suggest that the pursuit and/or experience of eudaimonic happiness is more beneficial for work performance than the pursuit and/or experience of hedonic happiness. Theoretical and practical implications for organizations are discussed.

Daily eudaimonic well-being as a predictor of daily performance: A dynamic lens.

Sustaining employees' well-being and high performance at work is a challenge for organizations in today's highly competitive environment. This study examines the dynamic reciprocal relationship between the variability in office workers' eudaimonic well-being (i.e., activity worthwhileness) and their extra-role performance. Eighty-three white-collar employees filled in a diary questionnaire twice a day, once in the morning and once in the afternoon, on four consecutive working days. The results show that eudaimonic well-being displays clear variability in a short time frame. In addition, Bayesian Multilevel Structural Equation Models (MSEMs) reveal a significant positive relationship between the levels of state eudaimonic well-being in the afternoon and the increase in the levels of state extra-role performance from that afternoon to the next morning. Moreover, the overall levels of self-reported state eudaimonic well-being across the diary measurements are significantly and positively related to the overall levels of extra-role performance assessed by the supervisor during the diary measurement. Finally, there is a significant negative relationship between the amount of intra-individual variability in state eudaimonic well-being during the week and the overall levels of self-rated state extra-role performance during the same week. These findings shed light on the dynamic nature of both the eudaimonic component of well-being and performance, highlighting the importance of eudaimonic well-being for extra-role performance and expanding the happy-productive worker thesis. The results suggest that the daily eudaimonic experience of meaning at work should complement the experience of hedonic well-being because it is an important factor in achieving better and more sustainable employee performance on a daily basis.

Decoupling Office Energy Efficiency From Employees' Well-Being and Performance: A Systematic Review.

Energy efficiency (i.e., the ratio of output of performance to input of energy) in office buildings can reduce energy costs and CO2 emissions, but there are barriers to widespread adoption of energy efficient solutions in offices because they are often perceived as a potential threat to perceived comfort, well-being, and performance of office users. However, the links between offices' energy efficiency and users' performance and well-being through their moderators are neither necessary nor empirically confirmed. The purpose of this study is to carry out a systematic review to identify the existing empirical evidence regarding the relationships between energy-efficient solutions in sustainable office buildings and the perceptions of employees' productivity and well-being. Additionally, we aim to identify relevant boundary conditions for these relationships to occur. A systematic literature search of online databases for energy efficiency literature (e.g., Environment Complete, GreenFILE), employee literature (e.g., PsycINFO, Business Source Complete) and general social science literature (e.g., Academic Search Complete) yielded 34 empirical studies. Also, inclusion and exclusion criteria were set. The results suggest that it is possible to decouple energy costs from organizational outcomes such as employee well-being and performance. Also, they indicate the existence of moderators and mediators in the relationship between green office building solutions and well-being/performance. Directions for future research and the implications for practice considering different stakeholders interested in implementing green building solutions, adopting energy-saving measures in offices, and improving employees' functioning are suggested.

Mediating role of job satisfaction, affective well-being, and health in the relationship between indoor environment and absenteeism: Work patterns matter!

BACKGROUND: Office workers spend long hours in their workplace, and these environments impact their well-being and performance. This relationship can involve different mediation chains. The degree of complexity of this relationship can vary depending on different types of office work (work patterns) employees carry out. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the relationship between indoor environment and absenteeism, and the mediating role of job satisfaction, affective well-being, and health, in different work patterns. METHOD: 1306 office workers from different European countries were classified into work patterns depending on: task complexity and interactivity. RESULTS: Job satisfaction, affective well-being, and health mediate the relationship between indoor environment and absenteeism. However, differences in the mediation paths were found for different work patterns. The paths through which indoor environment can affect absenteeism increased as the work patterns increased in complexity and interactivity. CONCLUSION: Work patterns play a role in the relationship between indoor environment, health, well-being, and absenteeism. This study highlights the mechanisms through which an improved indoor environment can protect employees' well-being, and decrease absenteeism in different work patterns. It also points out workers especially at risk of a detrimental impact of poor indoor environment and it suggests ways to prevent them.

From Office Environmental Stressors to Work Performance: The Role of Work Patterns.

Background: Different studies have shown a relationship between office environmental stressors and performance. However, studying environmental stress in the workplace requires analyzing more specific patterns to generate knowledge about the type of employees who are more or less vulnerable to environmental stressors. The present study analyzes the mediating role of health symptoms and negative emotions in the relationship between stressors and performance in different work patterns (task complexity and interactivity). Methods: There were 83 office workers (n = 603 time points) that took part in a diary study with multilevel design. Results: The appraisal of the environmental stressors is positively related to health-related symptoms, which in turn increase negative emotions, and then decrease the performance of workers who perform complex tasks and interact frequently with other people at work. This mediation is not significant when office workers do not interact frequently with other people at work and/or perform simple, rather than complex tasks. Conclusions: Work patterns play an important role when studying the mediating role of health-related symptoms and negative emotions in the relationship between the appraisal of environmental stressors and performance in office workers. In other words, employees in the 'interactive and complex' pattern are more vulnerable to the negative effects of office stressors on performance.

Reinnervation of the paralyzed diaphragm: application of nerve surgery techniques following unilateral phrenic nerve injury.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral phrenic nerve injury often results in symptomatic hemidiaphragm paralysis, and currently few treatment options exist. Reported etiologies include cardiac surgery, neck surgery, chiropractic manipulation, and interscalene nerve blocks. Although diaphragmatic plication has been an option for treatment, the ideal treatment would be restoration of function to the paralyzed hemidiaphragm. The application of peripheral nerve surgery techniques for phrenic nerve injuries has not been adequately evaluated. METHODS: Twelve patients presenting with long-term, symptomatic, unilateral phrenic nerve injuries following surgery, chiropractic manipulation, trauma, or anesthetic blocks underwent a comprehensive evaluation, including radiographic and electrophysiologic assessments. Surgical treatment was offered following a minimum of 6 months of conservative management. Operative planning was based on preoperative and intraoperative testing using one or more established nerve reconstruction techniques (neurolysis, interpositional grafting, or neurotization). RESULTS: Measures of postoperative improvement included pulmonary function testing, fluoroscopic sniff testing, and a standardized quality-of-life survey, from which it was determined that eight of nine patients who could be completely evaluated experienced improvements in diaphragmatic function. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the favorable results in this small series, we suggest expanding nerve reconstruction techniques to phrenic nerve injury treatment and propose an algorithm for treatment of unilateral phrenic nerve injury that may expand the current limitations in therapy.