More than half of the world's population works full time and spends about one-third of their weekdays at workplaces (International Labor Organization, 2022). Mental disorders are one of the health problems that have emerged among working populations (World Health Organization, 2022). Previous empirical research and theories demonstrated that nature exposure positively impacts human health and wellbeing (Kaplan and Kaplan 1989). Green roofs can be one of the most easily accessible nature places for office workers in city centers. This study examines the relationship between green roofs and work-related distress, mental fatigue, and restoration. An online survey of 179 employees was used to evaluate the relationship between exposure to six different green roofs and employee work-related distress, mental fatigue, and mental restoration. The results show that the average time spent on green roofs and the frequency of visits have statistically significant relationships with the mental restoration. / Doctor of Philosophy / More than half of the world's population works full time and spends about one-third of their weekdays at workplaces (International Labor Organization, 2022). Mental health issues are one of the health problems that have emerged among employees (World Health Organization, 2022). Previous research and theories demonstrated that nature contributes to human health and wellbeing in a very positive way (Kaplan and Kaplan 1989). This study investigates the relationship between green roofs and work-related stress and mental fatigue. This study evaluates employees' perceived stress and mental fatigue at work, their perception of onsite green roofs, and the restorative capacity of workplace green roofs using a 32-item online survey. 179 employees from four companies with at least one onsite green roof each answered the survey. The results showed that the average time spent on green roofs per visit, the frequency of visits, employees' attitudes and perceptions towards workplace green roofs, the organization's relevance with nature, the presence of diverse species on the green roof, and employees' knowledge about green roofs are related to the perceived restoration capacity of the green roof. The study contributes to understanding the relationship between the restorative capacity of green roofs and work-related psychosocial outcomes, employees' green roof use patterns, preferences, and green roof design attributes. Green roof designers, the green roof industry, and business owners can benefit from the study findings and implications to create more restorative green roofs, as well as happier and healthier workplaces.

Bakgrund: Muskuloskeletal smärta är vanligt förekommande bland postarbetare, ofta på grund av tunga lyft och repetitivt arbete. Tidigare forskning har främst fokuserat på att identifiera förekomsten och utbredningen av smärta bland postarbetare. Det råder dock brist på kvalitativ forskning som syftar till att förstå postarbetares upplevelser av smärta och deras erfarenheter av att hantera smärta på arbetet. Syfte: Syftet med studien var att utforska postarbetares upplevelser och erfarenheter av att arbeta med muskuloskeletal smärta. Metod: En kvalitativ design användes, där semistrukturerade intervjuer genomfördes med fem deltagare. Urvalet av deltagare skedde genom en kombination av bekvämlighetsurval och snöbollsurval. Databearbetningen utfördes med hjälp av kvalitativ innehållsanalys. Resultat: Deltagarna beskrev varierade upplevelser och erfarenheter av smärta på arbetet. Analysen ledde fram till tre teman och nio subteman. De teman som identifierades var: “Smärta har flera dimensioner”, “Arbetsmiljöfaktorer påverkar smärta” och “Möjliggörare för att arbeta med smärta”. Konklusion: Studien visade att muskuloskeletal smärta påverkade deltagarnas fysiska och psykiska välmående och att arbetsbelastningen var en betydande faktor bakom smärtan. Deltagarna använde strategier som pauser, stretching och massage för att hantera smärtan, men betonade även att besök hos fysioterapeut var viktigt för att kunna fortsätta arbeta. Trots att ergonomiska åtgärder ansågs viktiga för att minska smärtan, kunde hög arbetsbelastning och stress hindra implementeringen av ergonomiska åtgärder. Organisatoriskt stöd betonades som avgörande för att förbättra arbetsmiljön och minska smärta bland postarbetare. / Background: Musculoskeletal pain is common among postal workers, often due to heavy lifting and repetitive work. Previous research has focused primarily on identifying the prevalence of pain among postal workers. However, there is a lack of qualitative research aimed at understanding postal workers' experiences and management of pain at work. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore postal workers’ experiences and perceptions of working with musculoskeletal pain. Method: A qualitative design was used, where semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants. The selection of participants took place through a combination of convenience sampling and snowball sampling. The data processing was carried out using qualitative content analysis. Results: The participants described varied experiences of pain at work. The analysis led to three themes and nine subthemes. The themes identified were: “Pain has several dimensions”, “Work environment factors affect pain” and “Facilitators for working with pain”. Conclusion: The study revealed that musculoskeletal pain affected the participants' physical and psychological well-being, and that the workload was an important factor contributing to the pain. The participants used strategies such as breaks, stretching and massage to manage the pain, but also emphasized that visits to the physiotherapist were important to be able to continue working. Although ergonomic measures were considered important to reduce pain, high workload and stress could hinder the implementation of ergonomic measures. Organizational support was emphasized as critical to improve the work environment and reduce pain among postal workers.

Este estudo analisou o modelo atual de Vigilância em Saúde do Trabalhador no Estado de São Paulo e explorou desafios, possibilidades e obstáculos para a efetiva atuação dos Centros de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (CEREST). A Teoria da Atividade constituiu referencial para sistematização e análise dos dados, com o objetivo de compreender a atividade de Vigilância dos Acidentes de Trabalho em uma perspectiva sistêmica. As opiniões dos profissionais sobre o que fazem, seus problemas e contradições constituíram material privilegiado deste estudo, somado ao levantamento da literatura pertinente e análise documental de legislação e instrumentos de gestão do SUS. Foi possível constatar que a Vigilância dos Acidentes de Trabalho lida com a multiplicidade e complexidade de seu objeto e seus elementos divergem, se agrupam e se contradizem a todo momento. Verificou-se que o cotidiano dos serviços impõem modos de fazer que muitas vezes não são condizentes com as expectativas dos sujeitos. A informação e planejamento das ações foram identificados como peças fundamentais de organização da atividade. Críticas apresentadas ao modelo atual foram apontadas, para serem analisadas e repensadas, visando estruturar coletivamente ações que, ao mesmo tempo, apoie os serviços em sua atividade e resulte em melhoria das condições de trabalho. Muitas faces desta temática não se esgotaram neste estudo, ensejando encaminhamentos para futuras discussões. O estudo trouxe elementos que implicam na re-focalização do que está sendo realizado até o momento. A intervenção proposta no Laboratório de Mudanças parece ser um caminho a ser trilhado em relação ao desenvolvimento futuro da atividade de Vigilância dos Acidentes de Trabalho. Esta pesquisa iniciou um diagnóstico sobre a situação da atividade, as práticas atuais, os principais problemas enfrentados e os principais conceitos e ferramentas utilizados. Porém, para haver mudanças é necessário recolocar em cena os sujeitos para que analisem a estrutura do sistema da atividade, com a ajuda do intervencionista, a partir de uma gama de instrumentos, de modo a analisar com profundidade as contradições e seus impactos e buscar coletivamente na modelagem de novas soluções. / This study was interested in analyzing the current model in Workers\' Health Surveillance in the state of São Paulo and exploring the challenges, possibilities and obstacles for the effective performance of the Reference Centers for Workers\' Health. Based on the ideas of the Theory of Activity for systematization and data analysis, we sought to understand the Work Related Accidents Surveillance activity from a systemic perspective, allowing it to be conceived as a collective activity. This study was interested in analyzing the current model in Workers\' Health Surveillance in the state of São Paulo and exploring the challenges, possibilities and obstacles for the effective performance of the Reference Centers for Workers\' Health. The Theory of Activity was a reference for systematization and data analysis, aiming to understand the Work Related Accidents Surveillance activity from a systemic perspective. The opinions of the professionals about what they do, their problems and contradictions constitute privileged material of this study, together with the pertinent literature and documentary analysis of SUS management legislation and instruments. It was possible to verify that the Work Related Accidents Surveillance deals with the multiplicity and complexity of its object and its elements diverge, group and contradict each other at all times. It was found that the daily services impose modes of doing that are often not in keeping with the expectations of the subjects. The information and planning of the actions were identified as fundamental pieces of organization of the activity. Criticisms presented to the current model were pointed out, to be analyzed and rethought, aiming at collectively structuring actions that, at the same time, support services in their activity and result in improved working conditions. Many aspects of this theme have not been exhausted in this study, leading to future discussions. The study has brought elements that imply in the re-focusing of what is being done so far. The intervention proposed in the Changes Laboratory of seems to be a path to be followed in to the future development of the Work Related Accidents Surveillance activity. This research began a diagnosis about the activity situation, the current practices, the main problems faced and the main concepts and tools used. However, in order to make changes, it is necessary to bring it back the subjects to analyze the structure of the system of the activity, with the interventionist\'s help, from a range of instruments, in order to analyze in depth the contradictions and their impacts and to search collectively in modeling new solutions.

Este estudo analisou o modelo atual de Vigilância em Saúde do Trabalhador no Estado de São Paulo e explorou desafios, possibilidades e obstáculos para a efetiva atuação dos Centros de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (CEREST). A Teoria da Atividade constituiu referencial para sistematização e análise dos dados, com o objetivo de compreender a atividade de Vigilância dos Acidentes de Trabalho em uma perspectiva sistêmica. As opiniões dos profissionais sobre o que fazem, seus problemas e contradições constituíram material privilegiado deste estudo, somado ao levantamento da literatura pertinente e análise documental de legislação e instrumentos de gestão do SUS. Foi possível constatar que a Vigilância dos Acidentes de Trabalho lida com a multiplicidade e complexidade de seu objeto e seus elementos divergem, se agrupam e se contradizem a todo momento. Verificou-se que o cotidiano dos serviços impõem modos de fazer que muitas vezes não são condizentes com as expectativas dos sujeitos. A informação e planejamento das ações foram identificados como peças fundamentais de organização da atividade. Críticas apresentadas ao modelo atual foram apontadas, para serem analisadas e repensadas, visando estruturar coletivamente ações que, ao mesmo tempo, apoie os serviços em sua atividade e resulte em melhoria das condições de trabalho. Muitas faces desta temática não se esgotaram neste estudo, ensejando encaminhamentos para futuras discussões. O estudo trouxe elementos que implicam na re-focalização do que está sendo realizado até o momento. A intervenção proposta no Laboratório de Mudanças parece ser um caminho a ser trilhado em relação ao desenvolvimento futuro da atividade de Vigilância dos Acidentes de Trabalho. Esta pesquisa iniciou um diagnóstico sobre a situação da atividade, as práticas atuais, os principais problemas enfrentados e os principais conceitos e ferramentas utilizados. Porém, para haver mudanças é necessário recolocar em cena os sujeitos para que analisem a estrutura do sistema da atividade, com a ajuda do intervencionista, a partir de uma gama de instrumentos, de modo a analisar com profundidade as contradições e seus impactos e buscar coletivamente na modelagem de novas soluções. / This study was interested in analyzing the current model in Workers\' Health Surveillance in the state of São Paulo and exploring the challenges, possibilities and obstacles for the effective performance of the Reference Centers for Workers\' Health. Based on the ideas of the Theory of Activity for systematization and data analysis, we sought to understand the Work Related Accidents Surveillance activity from a systemic perspective, allowing it to be conceived as a collective activity. This study was interested in analyzing the current model in Workers\' Health Surveillance in the state of São Paulo and exploring the challenges, possibilities and obstacles for the effective performance of the Reference Centers for Workers\' Health. The Theory of Activity was a reference for systematization and data analysis, aiming to understand the Work Related Accidents Surveillance activity from a systemic perspective. The opinions of the professionals about what they do, their problems and contradictions constitute privileged material of this study, together with the pertinent literature and documentary analysis of SUS management legislation and instruments. It was possible to verify that the Work Related Accidents Surveillance deals with the multiplicity and complexity of its object and its elements diverge, group and contradict each other at all times. It was found that the daily services impose modes of doing that are often not in keeping with the expectations of the subjects. The information and planning of the actions were identified as fundamental pieces of organization of the activity. Criticisms presented to the current model were pointed out, to be analyzed and rethought, aiming at collectively structuring actions that, at the same time, support services in their activity and result in improved working conditions. Many aspects of this theme have not been exhausted in this study, leading to future discussions. The study has brought elements that imply in the re-focusing of what is being done so far. The intervention proposed in the Changes Laboratory of seems to be a path to be followed in to the future development of the Work Related Accidents Surveillance activity. This research began a diagnosis about the activity situation, the current practices, the main problems faced and the main concepts and tools used. However, in order to make changes, it is necessary to bring it back the subjects to analyze the structure of the system of the activity, with the interventionist\'s help, from a range of instruments, in order to analyze in depth the contradictions and their impacts and to search collectively in modeling new solutions.

<p>This study aimed at identifying the factors contributing towards work related neck pain amongst university administrative staff, its impact on everyday life activities and in turn its prevalence. A quantitative descriptive cross sectional study design was used amongst the administrative staff at the University of The Western Cape, South Africa. Data collection was carried out with the help of a questionnaire which was administered by the researcher in person. Data was analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and SAS for windows. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was done. The results of this study revealed a very high prevalence of work related neck pain amongst university administrative staff. </p>

Extensive changes are taking place in working life and creating new and important areas for research. New knowledge is needed in order for individuals and organizations to be able to maintain long-term development. The aim of this thesis is to increase our understanding of how change and (im)mobility in the labor market are related to employees’ health, wellbeing, and work-related attitudes. The thesis comprises three studies, based on questionnaire data from different samples. Study I examined the potential consequences of downsizing in two organizations that had implemented change in two different ways (proactively and reactively). A proactive approach seems to lessen change-related demands and provide an opportunity for increased participation, which helps lessen the negative effects on employee work attitudes and wellbeing. The descriptive data from a representative sample in Study II revealed that 28 percent of the permanent and 50 percent of the temporary employees did not work in their preferred occupations. The results indicate that those individuals who were involuntarily embedded (locked-in position), especially among the permanent employees, had more health problems and less development at work. Study III utilizes a newly developed construct (work-related health attributions) that focuses on the individual’s perception of the relation between work and health. The results indicate that it seems to be a promising construct for predicting job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and turnover intention. For employees to have the opportunity to participate in organizational change, as well as the opportunity to exercise mobility and alter their circumstances when the organization, occupation, or job is not contributing to their better health appear to be factors that help improve health and sustainability for both employees and organizations.

<p>This study aimed at identifying the factors contributing towards work related neck pain amongst university administrative staff, its impact on everyday life activities and in turn its prevalence. A quantitative descriptive cross sectional study design was used amongst the administrative staff at the University of The Western Cape, South Africa. Data collection was carried out with the help of a questionnaire which was administered by the researcher in person. Data was analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and SAS for windows. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was done. The results of this study revealed a very high prevalence of work related neck pain amongst university administrative staff. </p>

Magister Scientiae (Physiotherapy) - MSc(Physio) / This study aimed at identifying the factors contributing towards work related neck pain amongst university administrative staff, its impact on everyday life activities and in turn its prevalence. A quantitative descriptive cross sectional study design was used amongst the administrative staff at the University of The Western Cape, South Africa. Data collection was carried out with the help of a questionnaire which was administered by the researcher in person. Data was analysed with both descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS and SAS for windows. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was done. The results of this study revealed a very high prevalence of work related neck pain amongst university administrative staff. / South Africa

When implementing a managed healthcare intervention among a working population, evidence-based healthcare is critical. In the current study, the change of work posture of sewing-machine operators from seated to stand-up (the intervention) was managed within a physiotherapy and ergonomics programme (programme) in Johnson Controls Automotive S.A. (Pty) Ltd (company) without local evidence to guide the postural transition. The management of the intervention, implemented over a period of 4.5 years, presented the opportunity for a retrospective longitudinal study. The study determined the impact of the change in work posture on the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) from June 2004 to January 2009 (period). The role of the physiotherapist in the programme was to deliver manual therapy to all sewing-machine operators with WRMSDs, and to provide a clinical - ergonomics service, as a member of a multidisciplinary team, to the company. The population of sewing-machine operators (n=123) was described in terms of personal factors (e.g. age, medical history, musculoskeletal history, and body mass index (BMI)), ergonomic risk factors (e.g. work posture, force and duration) and overall incidence of WRMSDs. The associations of risk factors (personal and ergonomic) with WRMSDs, and work posture with WRMSDs among sewing-machine operators were statistically determined. The majority of the population (97.6%) was female, with mean age 42.3± 8 years. At baseline, 17.9% were hypertensive, 3.3% had arthritis, 6.5% were diabetic, and the mean BMI was 29.7 kg/m² (22% of BMIs was normal). The largest proportion of the sewing-machine operators were sewing cloth and leather (79.7%) (compared to sewing cloth and vinyl), and the remainder performed forceful precision stitching (20.3%), including headrest covers, airbags and top stitching on the final product. Job rotation took place between forceful precision stitching and straight stitching (for 36.6% of the sewing-machine operators).p> The intervention was implemented within the study period. At baseline 100% of sewing machine operators were sewing in the seated work posture. Early in the study, 17.9% of them changed their work posture from seated to stand-up, 30.1% changed to the stand-up work posture in January 2007, and 34.9% a year later. The last 17.1% remained seated till the last year of the study period. From July 2008, 100% of the sewing-machine operators were sewing in the stand-up work posture. The results indicated two strong associations of risk factors and a change in work posture with WRMSDs. Obesity (specifically morbid obesity) was a personal risk factor for upper limb disorders and working in the stand-up work posture was protective for spinal disorders, compared to working in the seated work posture. Furthermore, the results indicated a high incidence of disorders (specifically of the spinal area and upper limb) during the first three months of the programme, as well as an increased incidence of lower leg disorders for the first and consecutive month of the change in work posture from seated to standing up. Lower limb disorders were specifically associated with obesity. The increase of lower limb disorders during the postural adaptation phase was temporary, and was addressed within the programme with proper shoe wear, silicone innersoles, supportive stockings and exercises. The combination proved to be effective in preventing and/or managing lower limb disorders. The outcome of the current study provided evidence on the incidence of WRMSDs, and associations between risk factors and work posture, and WRMSDs among sewing machine operators managed within the programme. / Dissertation (MPhysT)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Physiotherapy / unrestricted

The diploma thesis is devoted to the analysis of the connection between mindfulness, work engegament and authentic behavior. The theoretical part of the diploma thesis is divided into three chapters. The first chapter describes the sources of work motivation. The second chapter deals with the relationships between employees and personal resources that lead to engaged behavior. In the third chapter, I describe the appropriate interventions and impacts that lead to increased engagement and work related well-being. The work thus evaluates a specific theory of personal, work and motivational resources that affect further work engagement and satisfaction. The research part of the work consists of quantitative research, in which we have verified the mediation analysis of the relationships between mindfulness and engagement, where authenticity is considered a mediator of these relationships. Based on the results of the mediation analysis, it was proved that the relationship between mindfulness and engagement is fully mediated by authenticity. While the direct relationship between mindfulness and engagement ceased to be significant (β = -.0632, p = .543), the indirect relationship was significant (β = -.2196, p < .001). Key words Engagement, authenticity, mindfulness, work-related motivation, proactivity,...