Natalie Skinner

National surveillance of psychosocial risk factors in the workplace: An international overview

Abstract National surveillance of psychosocial risk factors in the workplace is important to record the changing work environment and for the development (and monitoring) of policies and programs to prevent stress and promote mental and physical health and well-being at work. This paper overviews national surveillance systems for psychosocial risks and outcomes (35 national systems across 20 different countries, and an additional four multi-country systems), and then looks for convergence between the system, and the current research literature. This paper is the first to provide a compendium of current national surveillance systems on psychosocial risk. It describes the content of each system and gives an overview of sampling methodology, providing an evaluation of comprehensiveness rather than of quality of tools and methods. Recommendations include: (1) surveillance should be the priority for any national research agenda for psychosocial risk management; (2) stakeholders should cooperate with international systems operators to work towards the development of “state of the art” systems; (3) issues for priority inclusion in surveillance systems are emotional demands/emotional labour, workplace bullying, harassment, and violence, exposure to acute stressors, organizational justice, the occurrence and impact of global organizational change, and positive psychological states; (4) systems should be flexible to identify and assess emerging risk factors/groups; and (5) an international surveillance system should be implemented.

Conceptualizing Work, Family and Community: A Socio‐Ecological Systems Model, Taking Account of Power, Time, Space and Life Stage

A large body of empirical research now exists about ‘work and family’, much of it in agreement on critical issues. However, it is under‐conceptualized, it over‐researches professional and managerial workers and it under‐attends the larger terrain of work, family and community. This contribution argues the case for a stronger analytical framework around work, family and community and the ways in which they intersect, drawing on concepts commonly used in the field of employment relations. The article utilizes a body of empirical research about work, family and community in Australia to develop Voydanoffs ecological systems model of work, home and community, arguing that it is vital to unpack the ‘black box’ of ‘work’ in a multi‐layered way, to give appropriate weight to various sources of power, and to avoid an individualistic approach to the reconciliation of work, home and community life by locating analysis in a larger social and political context. The contribution proposes a ‘socio‐ecological systems’ model of work, home and community that delineates the four issues of power, time, space and life stage.

Flexibility and Work-Life Interference in Australia

This contribution examines the relationship between flexibility and work—life interference. It analyses requests for flexibility in Australia just prior to the enactment of a new ‘right to request’ such flexibility, utilizing a large employee survey that shows that around a fifth of employees requested flexibility, most requests were agreed, and work—life outcomes were much better amongst those whose requests were fully agreed. Women were twice as likely as men to have sought flexibility, with one in two mothers of preschoolers, one in three mothers of children under 16 and a quarter of women without children having made requests. Parenting made no difference to men’s rate of request-making. Findings suggest that the right may be particularly beneficial to the third of all workers who have not made requests for flexibility yet are not content with current arrangements. There is a case to extend the right beyond parents, and for stronger appeal rights.

Work-life balance and family friendly policies

This paper presents Australian and international research on work-life interaction. We review the work-life policies and practices that are likely...

Alcohol Consumption Patterns of Shiftworkers Compared With Dayworkers

The detrimental effects of excessive alcohol consumption are well documented. There is some evidence that shiftworkers consume more alcohol than dayworkers as a sleep aid to compensate for sleep difficulties associated with work schedules. This study investigated drinking patterns between shiftworkers and dayworkers using the 2006 and 2007 waves from the Household Income and Labour Dynamics Survey. A subset of workers who were not in full-time study and had a single job were selected; participants who did not drink alcohol (n = 2090) were excluded. Using the 2001 Australian Government alcohol guidelines, alcohol consumption for risk of short-term harm (7+ standard drinks for men, 5+ for women) was investigated. The number of workers who drank alcohol “nearly every day” or “every day” was also examined. Some 13% of shiftworkers and 10% of those on standard schedules reported consuming alcohol at levels risky for short-term harm. Having a child less than 17 yrs (odds ratio [OR] = .39, 95% confidence interval [CI] = .22–.69), higher job demands (OR = .71, 95% CI = .58–.86), being female (OR = .45, 95% CI=. 26–.79), and being older (OR = .89, 95% CI = .87–.92) significantly reduced, whereas being a shiftworker (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.08–4.12) significantly increased, the odds of drinking alcohol in short-term risky levels. Nearly 10% of shiftworkers and 8% of those on standard schedules reported consuming alcohol in short-term risky levels at least weekly. Having a child less than 17 yrs (OR = .40, 95% CI = .22–.74), higher job demands (OR = .69, 95% CI = .56–.86), being female (OR = .28, 95% CI = .15–.53), and being older (OR = .92, 95% CI = .89–.94) were associated with a significant reduction in the odds of consuming alcohol at risky levels at least weekly. Being a shiftworker was not associated with a significant increase in the odds of consuming alcohol at such risky levels at least weekly, but a trend was evident (OR = 1.47, 95% CI = .73–3.00). Some 13.5% of shiftworkers and 21% of those on standard schedules reported consuming alcohol in any amount “near daily” or “daily.” Working more hours than preferred (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.12–2.89) and being older (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.07–1.13) were associated with a significant increase, and being female (OR = .18, 95% CI = .10–.33), and being a shiftworker (OR = .20, 95% CI = .09–.45) were associated with a significant decrease in the odds of consuming alcohol “daily” or “near daily.” Overall, the results suggest that shiftworkers may be more likely to consume alcohol at levels considered to be risky for health in the short term. In contrast, they appear less likely to drink alcohol daily. This pattern is suggestive of “binge drinking” behavior. (Author correspondence: jill.dorrian@unisa.edu.au)

Understanding and managing work–life interaction across the life course: a qualitative study

This study investigated work–life interaction across the life course within one industry sector, healthcare. This workforce closely mirrors larger labour force trends such as womens increasing participation in paid work, an ageing workforce and working carers of children and elders. This qualitative study of 105 health professionals provides insight into the work–life challenges and needs of a modern diverse workforce, including the policies and practices that are likely to maximise employee well-being and retention. Indeed, significant differences in work–life perspectives and needs were observed with workers at different life stages. Similarities were also apparent, particularly with regard to work demands and flexibility. It was clear that existing organisational policies (and culture) do not meet the needs of workers across the life course, and led to reduced work hours and turnover intentions. Implications for organisational policies and practices are discussed, with a focus on access to part-time and flexible work.

Drivers and barriers to heat stress resilience

Heatwaves are the most dangerous natural hazard to health in Australia. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves will increase due to climate change and urban heat island effects in cities, aggravating the negative impacts of heatwaves. Two approaches exist to develop population heat stress resilience. Firstly, the most vulnerable social groups can be identified and public health services can prepare for the increased morbidity. Secondly, the population level of adaptation and the heat stress resistance of the built environment can be increased. The evaluation of these measures and their efficiencies has been fragmented across research disciplines. This study explored the relationships between the elements of heat stress resilience and their potential demographic and housing drivers and barriers. The responses of a representative online survey (N=393) about heat stress resilience at home and work from Adelaide, South Australia were analysed. The empirical findings demonstrate that heat stress resistant buildings increased adaptation capacity and decreased the number of health problems. Air-conditioning increased dependence upon it, limited passive adaptation and only people living in homes with whole-house air-conditioning had less health problems during heatwaves. Tenants and respondents with pre-existing health conditions were the most vulnerable, particularly as those with health conditions were not aware of their vulnerability. The introduction of an Energy Performance Certificate is proposed and discussed as an effective incentive to increase the heat stress resistance of and the general knowledge about the built environment.

Clarifying the effect of work hours on health through work–life conflict

Previous research on the relationship between work hours and health has produced inconclusive findings, which may be related to the use of predominantly male samples. This paper examines the relationship between work hours and health in a national Australian sample (Australian Work + Life Index) of men and women. We examine total work hours across major occupational groups and find differences in health outcomes related to gender. In addition, our findings provide important insights into the pathway through which work hours impact health. Specifically, we offer compelling evidence that work–life conflict functions as a pathway through which total work hours impact health outcomes. The results of this study suggest that human resource management practitioners pay further attention to interventions that enable workers to more successfully manage the energy exchange between work and non-work domains. We also review several related pathways by which human resource managers may reduce employee work–life conflict.

Mothers caring for children and young people with developmental disabilities: intent to work, patterns of participation in paid employment and the experience of workplace flexibility

Caring alters plans to return to work and changes career trajectories for many primary caregivers of children with disabilities, most of whom are mothers. The Juggling Work & Care study was a South Australian cross-sectional mail-out and online survey for carers of children and young adults with developmental disabilities aged 0–25 years, which investigated work participation, work–life balance and psychological well-being. This study shows that mothers who were in a couple relationship and primary caregivers for their child (n = 287) were less likely to be in paid employment and worked fewer hours than mothers in the general population, regardless of age of child. Work participation was shown to be strongly related to the severity of child disability. Impacts of caring for mothers were significant. Over a quarter of mothers who had intended to work after the birth of their child had not done so. As well, many mothers who had returned to work reported reduced job opportunities and career progression. Of concern, 9 out of 10 mothers were unaware of their right to request a change in working arrangements to assist them to care. Changes in workplace support for carers, for example, awareness of legislation and flexible leave entitlements, as well as increased community supports such as appropriate and accessible (child)care, could improve the financial and social circumstances of families and result in significant benefits to Australias economy.

Dads care too! Participation in paid employment and experiences of workplace flexibility for Australian fathers caring for children and young adults with disabilities

This study uses Australian survey data to explore whether caring for children and young people with disabilities affects paid employment participation of fathers who identify as the secondary caregiver. More fathers in the study were in full-time employment than those in the general Australian population, but they worked fewer hours, often in jobs they did not enjoy or roles with less responsibility. Over one third of fathers reported that caring had impacted on their job opportunities or career progression, particularly those whose children had more severe disabilities. The financial costs of raising a child with disabilities and their caring obligations informed many of the decisions fathers made in relation to employment. Fixed hours of work, lack of understanding from their employer, an income tied to hours worked and staff resources were cited as reasons why almost half of the fathers felt they were unable to access flexible working conditions to assist with their child’s care. Self-employment was seen by many fathers as desirable, but the perceived increase in flexibility may be accompanied by an increase in work hours. Implications for paternal well-being are discussed, along with the lifelong implications of caring on employment and financial security for families in the Australian context.