Norashikin Mahmud

The Effects of Office Ergonomic Training on Musculoskeletal Complaints, Sickness Absence, and Psychological Well-Being A Cluster Randomized Control Trial

This study explored whether musculoskeletal complaints can be reduced by the provision of ergonomics education. A cluster randomized controlled trial study was conducted in which 3 units were randomized to intervention and received training and 3 units were given a leaflet. The effect of intervention on knowledge, workstation practices, musculoskeletal complaints, sickness absence, and psychological well-being were assessed at 6 and 12 months. Although there was no increment of knowledge among workers, significant improvements in workstation practices in the use of monitor, keyboard, and chair were observed. There were significant reductions in neck and upper and lower back complaints among workers but these did not translate into fewer days lost from work. Workers’ stress was found to be significantly reduced across the studies. In conclusion, office ergonomics training can be beneficial in reducing musculoskeletal risks and stress among workers.

Functional capacity evaluations for the prevention of occupational re-injuries in injured workers

Functional capacity evaluation (FCE) has been widely used to assess workers’ physical state of readiness to return to work (RTW) after an injury and to make recommendations for the time and capacity in which they might return. FCEs are also used to prevent re-injury after RTW. Despite being a commonly used tool, little is known about how effective FCE is in preventing occupational injuries.

When is an Islamic work ethic more likely to spur helping behavior? The roles of despotic leadership and gender

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate how employees’ Islamic work ethic might enhance their propensity to help their coworkers on a voluntary basis, as well as how this relationship might be invigorated by despotic leadership. It also considers how the invigorating role of despotic leadership might depend on employees’ gender. Design/methodology/approach Survey data were collected from employees and their supervisors in Pakistani organizations. Findings Islamic work values relate positively to helping behaviors, and this relationship is stronger when employees experience despotic leadership, because their values motivate them to protect their colleagues against the hardships created by such leadership. This triggering role of despotic leadership is particularly strong among female employees. Practical implications For organizations, the results demonstrate that Islamic work values may be important for creating a culture that promotes collegiality, to a greater extent when employees believe that their leaders act as despots who exploit their followers for personal gain. Originality/value This study elaborates how employees’ Islamic work ethic influences the likelihood that they help their coworkers, particularly in work contexts marked by stress-inducing leadership.

Despotic Leadership and job Outcome: Moderating Role of Islamic work Ethics

By using two wave study design, we examined the main effects of despotic leadership and Islamic work ethics (IWE) on job stress, supervisor rated job performance and turnover intention. We also exa...