Social intelligence in health professions educationists: how it helps to deal with challenges at the workplace? a mixed-method study.

Objectives: To identify the social intelligence of medical educationists, and the coping strategies used to deal with workplace challenges. METHODS: The mixed-method study with an explanatory sequential design was conducted from March 15 to July 30, 2021, after approval from the ethics review committee of Riphah International University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, and comprised medical educationists working in medical and dental colleges and institutions across the country. Data was collected using Tromso social intelligence scale in the quantitative phase. The socially intelligent educationists were identified, and were interviewed. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis to identify predominant themes explaining the coping strategies used. RESULTS: In the quantitative phase, there were 80 participants; 51(63.7%) females and 29(36.3%) males, with 24(30%) having >10 years of professional experience. Of them, 11(13.8%) scored low, 54(67.5%) moderate and 15(18.8%) high on the social intelligence scale. In the qualitative phase, there were 13 subjects; 9(69.2%) females and 4(30.8%) males. There were 4 themes identified as coping strategies; inspire respect and trust, bringing readiness before a change, a collaborative and inclusive approach and use of soft skills. CONCLUSIONS: Variation was seen in the levels of social intelligence among medical educationists working in academic institutions. Those with high levels of social intelligence used their non-cognitive soft skills to manage workplace challenges.

Network analysis of occupational stress and job satisfaction among radiologists.

Background: Occupational stress and job satisfaction significantly impact the well-being and performance of healthcare professionals, including radiologists. Understanding the complex interplay between these factors through network analysis can provide valuable insights into intervention strategies to enhance workplace satisfaction and productivity. Method: In this study, a convenience sampling method was used to recruit 312 radiologists for participation. Data on socio-demographic characteristics, job satisfaction measured by the Minnesota job satisfaction questionnaire revised short version (MJSQ-RSV), and occupational stress assessed using the occupational stress scale. Network analysis was employed to analyze the data in this study. Results: The network analysis revealed intricate patterns of associations between occupational stress and job satisfaction symptoms among radiologists. Organizational management and occupational interests emerged as crucial nodes in the network, indicating strong relationships within these domains. Additionally, intrinsic satisfaction was identified as a central symptom with high connectivity in the network structure. The stability analysis demonstrated robustness in the network edges and centrality metrics, supporting the reliability of the findings. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the complex relationships between occupational stress and job satisfaction in radiologists, offering valuable insights for targeted interventions and support strategies to promote well-being and job satisfaction in healthcare settings.

Women's health at work: a qualitative study on women's health issues in relation to work participation. Experiences and perspectives from female teachers and managers in Norwegian high schools.

BACKGROUND: Public health and working life are closely related. Even though Norway is one of the world's most equality-oriented countries, working life is still divided by gender. Women have a lower rate of participation in working life than men, they work more part-time and they have a higher sickness absence. Research has mostly focused on structural and cultural reasons for gender differences, rather than on the fact that women and men have different biology and face different health challenges. The aim of this project was to explore experienced associations between women's health and female participation in working life. METHODS: Qualitative methods were chosen for investigating women's experiences. We carried out in-depth interviews with 11 female high school teachers and supplemented the material with a focus group with five managers from the same organisation. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. We used the six steps of reflexive thematic analysis for consistency in the analysis process. RESULTS: The teachers shared a variety of experienced health issues within the field of women's health and perceived barriers in the work environment. Four main themes were identified: (1) invisibility of women's health at work, (2) complexity and lack of recognition of women's health at work, (3) women's health in work environment and (4) women's health and role conflicts. There were few contradictions between the two informant groups. We found that health, work and total life intertwine and that complexity, lack of recognition and invisibility of women's health appear at different levels in a mutual influence: for the women themselves, in the organisation and in society. CONCLUSION: Lack of recognition and invisibility of women's health in the work environment is suggested to influence women's work participation. The complexity of female health is not captured by gender-neutral structures in the work environment meant to protect and promote employees' occupational health. Recognition of women's health in the work context can therefore contribute to a gender-equal, health-promoting and sustainable working life.

Workplace Resilience and Stress Among Certified Nursing Assistants in Long-Term Care Institutions During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To explore the relationship among resilience, stress, and demographic factors in certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who worked in long-term care institutions during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. METHOD: A cross-sectional correlation-based research design was used. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, and Occupational Stress Scale. CNAs from 21 long-term care institutions in Taiwan were recruited. RESULTS: This study included 118 female and 26 male CNAs (response rate = 80%). Mean age was 46.8 years. A moderately negative correlation was found between workplace resilience and stress. Overall, being a woman and parent were found to be significantly correlated with CNAs' resilience. Furthermore, resilience and shift work were important predictors of stress. CONCLUSION: We suggest that leadership and management pay more attention to CNAs' basic demographic background information. Furthermore, timely, relevant strategies can be provided to enhance resilience and reduce workplace stress. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 50(7), 19-26.].

Association of frailty with workplace social activity, physical activity, and well-being among older employees: a moderated mediation in two income-variant samples.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that frailty is associated with lower physical activity and well-being in old age, but social activities at work may facilitate physical activity and its positive effect on well-being among older employees with frailty. This study, therefore, ascertained whether there is a moderated mediation of the association of frailty, Workplace Social Activity (WSA), and well-being by Physical Activity (PA). METHODS: The study adopted a cross-sectional design with relevant sensitivity analyses for confounding. The participants were within two Ghanaian samples with different income levels (low-income, n = 897, and higher income, n = 530). The minimum samples were calculated, and the statistical models were tested with Haye's Process Model through structural equation modelling. RESULTS: Frailty was negatively associated with PA, and this relationship was moderated by WSA in both samples. Higher frailty was directly and indirectly associated with lower well-being in the higher-income sample but only indirectly associated with lower well-being in the low-income sample. The mediation of PA in the frailty-well-being relationship is partial in the higher-income sample but complete in the low-income sample. There was evidence of moderated mediation in both samples. CONCLUSION: WSA may reduce the strength of the negative association of frailty with PA and well-being among older employees in both samples. Workplace interventions aimed at enhancing WSA may encourage PA and enhance well-being among older employees with frailty.

Work addiction risk, stress and well-being at work: testing the mediating role of sleep quality.

Introduction: Attention to work addiction risk is growing; however, more studies are needed to explore the possible impact of work addiction risk on various aspects of employees' work and life domains. Although several studies have considered the antecedents or consequences of work addiction risk, this study particularly focuses on sleep quality as a potential explanatory underlying mechanism in the relation between work addition risk and three outcome variables including stress at home, stress at work and well-being. Method: The data was collected using an online platform and participants consisted of 188 French employees who were selected using simple random sampling method. Participants responded to the survey including the Work Addiction Risk Test (WART), stress at work, well-being, and sleep quality. The data was analyzed using JASP and SPSS-26 programs. Results: The results revealed that there are significant positive relationships between work addiction risk and both stress at home and at work and negative relationships between work addiction risk and both sleep quality and well-being. In addition, the analyses of the mediation paths suggest the significant mediation role of sleep quality for the link between work addition risk and stress at work as well as the link between work addiction risk and well-being. Discussion: Given the verified mediating role of sleep quality in the relationship between work addiction, stress and wellbeing, it is recommended that organizations and companies pay particular attention to their employees' sleep quality.

Pets at work: integrating pet-friendly initiatives into human resources for enhanced workplace harmony.

AIMS: The representation of companion animals, or pets, has been changing recently. Research concerning how pets influence employees' work-related well-being has also started to take its first steps. This research aimed to analyze (1) how managers perceive pet-friendly practices and their main effects at work, and (2) the impact of such practices on employees' well-being and work engagement. Relying on the social exchange perspective and the self-determination theory it was hypothesized that pet-friendly practices would positively influence employees' well-being and work engagement by satisfying their three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness). METHODOLOGY: Two studies with mixed methods were conducted. The first and exploratory study resorted to semi-structured interviews with six managers. The second was a two-wave study conducted with a large sample of workers (N = 379). RESULTS: The first study highlighted the primary advantages and disadvantages of pet-friendly practices, along with the various obstacles and limitations, and proposed managerial strategies to overcome them. Managers generally expressed interest and enthusiasm about the topic but also pointed out challenges in implementing a pet-friendly strategy due to the limited number of empirical studies demonstrating its benefits. The second study's findings indicated that pet-friendly practices positively impacted employees' work engagement and well-being by fulfilling their needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness. ORIGINALITY: Overall, Portugal is seen as having a conservative culture, which slows the dissemination and implementation of these measures. To overcome these challenges, several managerial recommendations have been proposed. Raising awareness and fostering discussion on the topic are crucial steps toward integrating pet-friendly policies into human resources management.

A mixed-methods analysis of moral injury among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers faced grave responsibilities amidst rapidly changing policies and material and staffing shortages. Moral injury, psychological distress following events where actions transgress moral beliefs/ expectations, increased among healthcare workers. We used a sequential mixed methods approach to examine workplace and contextual factors related to moral injury early in the pandemic. Using a Total Worker Health® framework, we 1) examined factors associated with moral injury among active healthcare professionals (N = 14,145) surveyed between May-August 2020 and 2) qualitatively analyzed open-ended responses from 95 randomly selected participants who endorsed moral injury on the survey. Compared to inpatient hospital, outpatient (OR = 0.74 [0.65, 0.85]) or school clinic settings (OR = 0.37 [0.18, 0.75]) were associated with lower odds of moral injury; while group care settings increased odds (OR = 1.36 [1.07, 1.74]). Working with COVID+ patients (confirmed+ OR = 1.27 [1.03, 1.55]), PPE inadequacy (OR = 1.54 [1.27, 1.87]), and greater role conflict (OR = 1.57 [1.53, 1.62]) were associated with greater odds of moral injury. Qualitative findings illustrate how outside factors as well as organizational policies and working conditions influenced moral injury. Moral injury experiences affected staff turnover and patient care, potentially producing additional morally injurious effects. Worker- and patient-centered organizational policies are needed to prevent moral injury among healthcare workers. The generalizability of these findings may be limited by our predominantly white and female sample. Further research is indicated to replicate these findings in minoritized samples.

A facilitator's reflection on the democratizing potential of emancipatory practice development.

Emancipatory practice development (ePD) is a practitioner-led research methodology which enables workplace transformation. Underpinned by the critical paradigm, ePD works through facilitation and workplace learning, with people in their local context on practice issues that are significant to them. Its purpose is to embed safe, person-centred learning cultures which transform individuals and workplaces. In this article, we critically reflect on a year-long ePD study in an acute care hospital ward. We explore the challenges of practice change within systems, building collective strength with frontline collaborations and leadership to sustain new learning cultures. Our work advances practice development dialogue through working closely with the underpinning theories. Our critique analyses how ePD can enact and sustain change within a complex system. We argue that ePD works to strengthen safety cultures by challenging antidemocratic practices through communicative action. By opening communicative spaces, ePD enables staff to collectively deliberate and reach consensus. Their raised awareness supports staff to resist ways of working which conspire against safe patient care. Sustainability of practice change is fostered by the co-operative democracies created within the frontline team and meso level enablement. We conclude that the democratising potential of ePDt generates staff agency at the frontline.

First accredited Great Workplaces unveiled.

Two trailblazing veterinary workplaces have become the first to be accredited through Great Workplaces by BVA.

Gender-based violence and harassment at work and health and occupational outcomes. A systematic review of prospective studies.

BACKGROUND: Many people experience forms of gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the context of their work. This includes a wide range of experiences, from subtle expressions of hostility to physical assault, that can also be of a sexual nature (e.g., sexual harassment or assault). This systematic review aimed to summarize findings about the prospective associations of work-related GBVH with people's health and occupational situation. METHODS: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for prospective studies in English from 1990 to May 24, 2023. Studies were included if they concerned a working population, exposure to any form of GBVH in the work context, and a health outcome or manifest occupational outcome. Quality was assessed with a modified version of the Cochrane 'Tool to Assess Risk of Bias in Cohort Studies', and studies assessed as low quality were excluded from the narrative synthesis. For the narrative synthesis, we grouped the results by similar exposures and outcomes and reported the strength and statistical significance of the associations. RESULTS: Of the 1 937 screened records, 29 studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Studies were mainly conducted in the USA and northern Europe and investigated exposure to sexual violence or harassment (SVH). Only two included studies investigated non-sexual kinds of GBVH. Consistently, studies showed associations of work-related SVH with poor mental health and there were indications of an association with hazardous substance use. There was no consistent evidence for an association of SVH with subsequent sickness absence, and there were too few studies concerning physical health and occupational outcomes to synthesize the results. CONCLUSIONS: There is consistent evidence of work-related SVH as a risk factor for subsequent poor mental health. There is no indication that the health consequences of SVH differ between women and men, although women are more often affected. There is a need for conceptual consistency, the consideration of non-sexual behaviors and prospective studies that test clear hypotheses about the temporal sequence of events.

[Status of occupational exposure limits of air toxic substances in the GESTIS Substances Database].

Objective: In order to understand the current situation of air toxic substances without occupational exposure limits (OELs) in the workplace in the Germany GESTIS Substance Database, and to provide an effective reference for formulating OELs of corresponding toxic substances and improving health standards. Methods: From March 2022 to May 2023, based on the standard of GBZ 2.1-2019 Occupational Exposure Limits for Hazardous Agents in the Workplace-Part 1: Chemical Hazardous Agents, air toxic substances without OELs in the standard of GBZ/T 300.1-2017 Determination of Toxic Substances in Workplace Air-Part 1: General Principles were screened out, then corresponding OELs in other countrie/regions were queried through the Germany GESTIS Substance Database. Results: Among the 333 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances in 160 parts of GBZ/T 300.1-2017 standard, 48 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances were screened out and had not yet been formulated OELs in GBZ 2.1-2019 standard. By querying the Germany GESTIS Substance Database, it was found that among the 48 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances, 35 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances had both 8-hour occupational exposure limit and short-term occupational exposure limit, 4 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances had 8-hour occupational exposure limit but no short-term occupational exposure limit, 9 kinds (classes) of air toxic substances hadn't been retrieved any OELs. In addition, standard test methods of 7 kinds of air toxic substances hadn't been published in the present, including trimethylchlorosilane, trimethylbenzenes, cumene, chloroethane, chloropropane, dibromoethane and acetophenone. Conclusion: In the process of formulating or revising the standards of GBZ 2.1-2019 and GBZ/T 300, the latest published OELs in the Germany GESTIS Substance Database could be used as a reference basis.

[A study on the hearing protection and intervention effects of silicone earplug usage among manufacturing workers].

Objective: To assess the efficacy of silicone earplugs in protecting workers exposed to noise in a typical manufacturing environment, and to provide training interventions for workers who do not achieve the anticipated noise reduction levels, as well as examining the spectral characteristics of earplug attenuation. Methods: From June to August 2022, a total of 294 noise-exposed workers in two manufacturing enterprises equipped with the same type of earplug were studied by cluster sampling method, by conducting questionnaire surveys, collecting data, fitting tests, and providing trainings, the current noise exposure levels of workers in the industry as well as the perception about the earplug were understood. Additionally, the attenuation before and after intervention in workplace were measured, the spectral characteristics of noise reduction were were described and compared. Results: The percentage of workers with Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) of 0 is 32.7% (96/294), and the baseline pass rates are all below 60%. There were no significant differences in pass rates based on gender, age, noise exposure, education level, or cognition of earplug effectiveness. After adjusting the way that earplugs are worn or changing the type of earplugs, all workers were able to meet their noise reduction requirements. The median PAR improvement for both companies is above 10 dB. The noise attenuation of the earplug vary with frequency, with lower attenuation at 4 000 Hz and higher attenuation at 8 000 Hz, showing some deviation from the nominal values. Conclusion: The difference between the actual sound attenuation value of earplugs and the nominal value is related to the noise frequency. When using silicone earplugs, attention should be paid to the spectral composition of the noise in the workplace.

[Establishment of collection methods and laboratory testing methods for active pharmaceutical ingredient in the workplace air].

Objective: To establish collection methods and laboratory testing methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of 9 typical active pharmaceutical ingredient in the workplace air. Methods: In December 2021, a mixed solution of nine analytes was prepared and then dispersed in aerosol state to simulate sampling. Glass fiber filter membrane was selected as air collector and collected active pharmaceutical ingredient in the air at a rate of 2.0 L/min for 15 minutes. Then, the obtained filter membrane samples were eluted with 25%ACN/75%MeOH. Finally, the eluent was qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed with liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer. Results: This method could effectively collect active pharmaceutical ingredient in the air, with an average sampling efficiency of more than 98.5%. The linear correlation coefficient r was greater than 0.9990. The lower limit of quantification for each analyte ranged from 0.6~500.0 ng/ml, and the average recovery rate ranged from 97.6%~102.5%. Conclusion: This method could simultaneously collect 9 active pharmaceutical ingredient in the workplace air, and could provide accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis in subsequent laboratory tests.

[The current situation of occupational health in the Internet industry and countermeasures].

As an important force in promoting the transformation and upgrading of the national economy, the occupational health of the Internet industry's employees has received widespread attention. This paper examines the current situation of occupational health risks and management in the Internet industry at home and abroad, and on this basis reveals the physical and mental health problems of Internet industry employees. Combining the existing regulations, policies and standard documents at home and abroad, countermeasures are proposed to improve the relevant laws and regulations and their guidelines, implement relevant job design requirements, build a healthy working environment, optimise the work management system and carry out workplace health promotion, in order to provide ideas to accelerate the improvement of occupational health issues in the Internet industry.

Designing a Workplace-Based Learning Environment for Learning Health Promotion: A Design-Based Research.

Introduction: The healthcare landscape has a growing emphasis on health promotion (HP), which makes HP important in the training of future physicians. This study employed design-based research to develop a clerkship focused on HP and to outline design principles for shaping workplace learning environments to promote HP learning. Methods: We evaluated a nursing-home clerkship designed at Radboud University Medical Center in the Netherlands, and refined it over three rounds. Data collection involved individual and group interviews with students and supervisors, as well as observations during clerkship-related meetings and activities. These interactions also facilitated the exchange of perspectives between participants and generation of new design ideas, fostering co-creation of the clerkship design. Data were analyzed through iterative thematic inquiry to inform new design choices and develop design principles. Results: Evolved clerkship designs included an app for capturing practice experiences to discuss in relation to students' professional roles, loosening the strict assessment structure, and collaborative creation of a practice assignment about 'Positive Health'. We constructed four design principles, including: to question and discuss students' professional identity, provide concrete and meaningful assignments, aim for a peer-learner role for supervisors, and foster co-creation of the workplace learning environment. Discussion: Our design principles support the design of workplace-based learning for HP, a subject that is novel within healthcare practice. We find that co-creation of workplace-based learning, which requires embracing uncertainty, is pivotal in this context, for students, practitioners, and educational institutions.

Optimizing Work Relationships for Well-Being.

This article discusses the importance of workplace relationships and its intricate dynamics within the Cardiothoracic Surgery field. It focuses on the demanding nature of the specialty and the significant stressors involved. The article outlines the goals of identifying themes within the workplace to strengthen camaraderie, minimize burnout, and enhance patient care. Key points highlighted include the vital role of teamwork and communication in providing safe and effective patient care. Various studies and initiatives underline the impact of improved teamwork and communication on reducing errors in health care settings.