Anja Baethge

Just more of the same, or different? An integrative theoretical framework for the study of cumulative interruptions at work

We propose a theoretical framework that explores the accumulation of work interruptions and their effects. Most research studies have dealt with interruptions as isolated phenomena, ignoring the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of interruptions common in everyday life. We fill this gap and provide insight into the process of the accumulation of interruptions by mapping deep-level regulation onto an observable sequence of actions. Furthermore, we explain how cumulative interruptions can lead to qualitatively different effects because of the interaction and joint development of isolated effects, identifying some mediating and moderating factors. In doing so, we disclose the relationships between the effects of single interruptions found in laboratory studies and the impacts on health and well-being of multiple interruptions found in applied research.

Arbeitsunterbrechungen als tägliche Belastungsquelle

Arbeitsunterbrechungen haben in den letzten Jahren als Stressoren an Bedeutung gewonnen. In diesem Beitrag werden Ergebnisse aus einer Beobachtungsstudie sowie einer standardisierten Tagebuchstudie an Gesundheits- und Krankenpflegern berichtet. Getrennt nach verschiedenen Unterbrechungsquellen werden unterschiedliche Reaktionsmoglichkeiten betrachtet (sofort bearbeiten, ignorieren oder verschieben). Zudem werden Zusammenhange zwischen der Haufigkeit von Arbeitsunterbrechungen mit geistiger Anstrengung, erlebtem Zeitdruck und dem Frustrationserleben wahrend der Arbeit sowie zu emotionaler und kognitiver Irritation am Abend berichtet. Es zeigt sich, dass Arbeitsunterbrechungen unmittelbar zu einem hoheren Belastungserleben wahrend der Arbeit fuhren und an Tagen mit haufigen Arbeitsunterbrechungen auch am Abend noch eine hohere Beanspruchung angegeben wird. Ergebnisse aus Gesundheitszirkeln zeigen, dass Arbeitsunterbrechungen im Krankenhaus zwar nicht abgeschafft, aber reduziert werden konnen.

A matter of time? Challenging and hindering effects of time pressure on work engagement

ABSTRACT The aim of our research was to test time-exposure effects of time pressure as a stressor typically considered to be a challenge, rather than a hindrance stressor. We examined the within- and between-person effects of time pressure on work engagement in two diary/panel studies with employees using intervals of five days and three weeks, respectively (Study 1, n = 350, and n = 357, respectively) and six to eight weeks (Study 2, n = 238). We assumed that it is a matter of time whether time pressure acts as a challenge (under short-term exposure) or as a hindrance stressor (under long-term exposure). We found significant positive within-person effects of time pressure on work engagement when controlling for strain in the daily and weekly diary assessment (Study 1), but a significant negative within-person effect in the six to eight weeks’ assessment (Study 2). The between-person effects were significant and negative in all studies. Although a short-term increase can be beneficial for a certain time, stable and long-time exposure of time pressure does rather reduce work engagement. Thus, employers should not keep time pressure permanently high to motivate their employees. However, short-term increases of time pressure (e.g. before a deadline) may serve as a motivating factor.

Get even and feel good? Moderating effects of justice sensitivity and counterproductive work behavior on the relationship between illegitimate tasks and self-esteem.

We proposed that effects of illegitimate tasks, which comprise unreasonable and unnecessary tasks, on self-esteem and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) are enhanced among employees who are highly sensitive to injustice. CWB was further proposed to be a moderating coping strategy, which restores justice and buffers the detrimental effects of illegitimate tasks on self-esteem. In this study, 241 employees participated in a diary study over five workdays and a follow-up questionnaire one week later. Daily effects were determined in multilevel analyses: Unreasonable tasks decreased self-esteem and increased CWB the same day, especially among employees high in trait justice sensitivity. Unnecessary tasks only related to more CWB the same day, regardless of one’s justice sensitivity. Weekly effects were determined in cross-lagged panel analyses: Unreasonable and unnecessary tasks increased CWB, and justice sensitivity moderated the effect of unreasonable tasks on CWB and of unnecessary tasks on self-esteem. Moderating effects of CWB were split: In daily analyses, CWB buffered the negative effects of illegitimate tasks. In weekly analyses, CWB enhanced the negative effects of illegitimate tasks. Overall, illegitimate tasks rather affected CWB than self-esteem, with more consistent effects for unreasonable than for unnecessary tasks. Thus, we confirm illegitimate tasks as a relevant work stressor with issues of injustice being central to this concept and personality having an influence on what is perceived as (il)legitimate.

Risikofaktor Arbeitsunterbrechungen: Entschuldigung, Schwester, könnten Sie mal schnell …?

Arbeitsunterbrechungen gehören in den Pflegeberufen zum Alltag. Doch Studien belegen, dass Unterbrechungen zu vermehrten Fehlern und Stresserleben führen können. Um dies zu vermeiden gibt es Strategien, wie die einzelne Pflegekraft am besten damit umgehen kann. Die besten Lösungen können jedoch nur im Team gefunden werden. Dazu eignet sich die Methode des Gesundheitszirkels.