Stress among reference library staff in academic and public libraries

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 128-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marija Petek
Keyword(s):  
Information Needs ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Reference Library ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Library Staff ◽  
Related Stress

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore stress among reference library staff in academic and public libraries in one of the European countries. The study has been conducted to ascertain whether members of the reference staff undergo stress, whether they consider the reference work stressful, how often they are exposed to stress, which situations are most stressful and how they cope with stress in the workplace and in their private lives. Design/methodology/approach A semi-structured interview is applied as a data collection technique so that interviewees are able to express their opinions on stress and to describe stress as an individual experience. A convenience sample of members of the reference library staff in ten academic and ten public libraries is prepared. Findings The reference library staff in the academic and public libraries is aware of stress causing damage to one’s health and work performance. The reference staff in the public libraries is more frequently exposed to stress than those in the academic libraries. The users are considered the main stressor owing to their complex reference questions, vague information needs and requests, wanting information and materials immediately, not following the library rules, etc. Research limitations/implications The sample is small and not representative, including only two types of libraries. The research may serve as a preliminary study, as it offers insights into the work-related stress among the reference staff in the academic and public libraries. Originality/value This is the first research on the stress of the reference library staff in the academic and public libraries in the country. It contributes to the understanding of the work-related stress in the libraries. Identifying stressful situations can help the reference staff and employers take appropriate strategies to cope with stress.

Relationships between psychological contract violation, stress and well-being in firefighters

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 120-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazeelat Duran ◽  
Darren Bishopp ◽  
Jessica Woodhams
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Contract ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multiple Mediation ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress

Purpose Negative emotions resulting from the broken promises by the organisation or employers, as perceived by an employee are called psychological contract (PC) violation. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships between perceived feelings of violation, work-related stress, anxiety and depression. Fairness and self-efficacy are used as mediators to understand the underlying mechanism of associations. Design/methodology/approach In total, 97 firefighters completed an online-survey and structural equation modelling was used to examine the multiple mediation models. Findings PC violation was positively associated with occupational stress and job-related well-being. Together, fairness and self-efficacy mediated the relationship between feelings of violation and job-related depression. Therefore, the results partially supported the hypotheses. Originality/value As the first quantitative study of its kind, this study makes an important contribution to the firefighters literature by investigating the potential influence of PC violation on their work-related stress and well-being. Also, previous studies have failed to identify fairness and self-efficacy as potential mediators of the PC violation.

Stemming the tide of work-related stress: it’s not rocket science, it’s neuroscience

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 16-19
Author(s):  
Maria Alexis Chase
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Work Place ◽  
Cultural Perceptions ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Global Work

Purpose This paper aims to illuminate how the findings from neuroscience, translate into simple, elegant, and easily applied tools which offer highly effective strategies to help stem the rising tide of stress in global work-forces. Design/methodology/approach Focusing on how current working practices inadvertently activate the brains primal survival mechanism, this paper details the brain’s main organizing principle and the negative effect this has on performance and productivity. Findings Exemplifying why, how, and when this automated stress response is triggered, the paper suggests practical, real-world solutions to overcome the primal fight, flight, and freeze mechanism. As this mechanism is responsible for the majority of work-related stress, it discusses the brains capacity to re-wire and change behavioral responses to stress at an individual and organizational level Originality/value This study seeks to introduce the concept of aligning work place practices with biological processes. Hoping to open a debate around shifting cultural perceptions of what constitutes the real well-being of work forces, it offers a unique and fresh perspective into the machinery of the mind.

scholarly journals Directors' stress in day care centers: related factors and coping strategies

2020 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 1079-1091
Author(s):  
Mailis Elomaa ◽  
Eija Pakarinen ◽  
Sirpa Eskelä-Haapanen ◽  
Leena Halttunen ◽  
Antje Von Suchodoletz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Day Care ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Day Care Center ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
And Coping

PurposeThis study aims to explore what causes stress to day care center directors and what their coping strategies are. In addition, the study examined the extent to which directors experience work-related stress and burnout, and the factors associated with their work-related stress, engagement and recovery from work.Design/methodology/approachA mixed method approach was used.FindingsThe results showed that the main sources of directors' stress were connected to leading oneself, leading others, managing change and lack of social support. Moreover, the main coping strategies with stress were leading oneself, social support and leading others. In addition, both pre- and in-service leadership training played a significant role in the experience of stress. The nature of factors causing stress and coping strategies with stress may imply that directors need further support in self-management and developing their internal competences.Research limitations/implicationsThe present study has limitations that need to be considered when making generalizations. First, a small sample size limits the generalization of the findings. Second, the study relied solely on one source of information, i.e. directors' self-reports. Third, data were collected only at one time point at the end of the year when stress levels might have accumulated. Finally, the study has been done in the Finnish educational context where day care center directors' job description varies depending on municipality.Practical implicationsThe findings provide important information about the causes of directors' work-related stress as well as their coping strategies and about factors that might be related to those.Social implicationsBecause directors' stress impact on children’s development and well-being through teachers' well-being, it is crucial to pay attention on directors' well-being and provide more support for them.Originality/valueThe current study is among the few ones focusing on the stress of directors at early childhood education (ECE) settings.

Are acceptance and commitment therapy-based interventions effective for reducing burnout in direct-care staff? A systematic review and meta-analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 131-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andy Reeve ◽  
Anna Tickle ◽  
Nima Moghaddam
Keyword(s):  
Acceptance And Commitment Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Psychological Flexibility ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Commitment Therapy ◽  
Acceptance And Commitment ◽  
Related Stress

Purpose Work-related stress amongst staff working in direct care roles in mental health and intellectual disability settings is associated with a range of problematic outcomes. There has been a proliferation of research into the use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-based interventions in this staff population. The purpose of this paper is to review the extant literature. Design/methodology/approach A systematic search of the literature was conducted, and seven studies identified which met the criteria for inclusion in the review, of which four were eligible for meta-analysis. Findings Results of the meta-analysis were most convincing for the effectiveness of ACT-interventions to reduce psychological distress within a subgroup of those with higher distress at baseline. There was no statistically significant effect for the amelioration of burnout, nor for an increase in psychological flexibility (a key ACT construct). Research limitations/implications Conceptual issues are considered including the purpose and treatment targets of ACT interventions, such as supporting valued living rather than diminishing stress per se. Methodological issues are discussed around the measurement of psychological flexibility. Originality/value This review makes recommendations for future research and for the implementation of ACT-interventions for work-related stress in these settings.

“God is my doctor”: mindfulness meditation/prayer as a spiritual well-being coping strategy for Jamaican school principals to manage their work-related stress and anxiety

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (4) ◽  
pp. 467-480
Author(s):  
Annette Rosemarie Walker
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategy ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Secondary School Principals ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Spiritual Well Being ◽  
Related Stress

PurposeThis article explores Jamaican secondary school principals' use of mindfulness meditation as a spiritual well-being strategy to manage their work-related stress and anxiety.Design/methodology/approachThe author used qualitative semi-structured interviews to collect the data from 12 Jamaican secondary school principals working in schools supporting rural, urban and inner-city school communities. Thematic coding of the analyzed data was used to understand how principals deal with their work-related stress and anxiety.FindingsThe findings indicate that Jamaican school principals are experiencing work-related stress and anxiety as a result of work intensification, and use mindfulness meditation/prayer as a spiritual coping strategy. The data indicate that principals' primary source of support is their spiritual belief – faith in God and mindfulness meditation/prayer – when dealing with issues related to well-being.Originality/valueThis article explores the use of mindfulness meditation as a non-secular coping strategy, and focuses on an understudied area of educational administration research: Jamaican school principals' well-being. The findings can help inform future education and health policy around occupational health and well-being for professionals, and lay the foundation for greater studies on principal well-being in Jamaican and the Caribbean more generally.

Public sector managers and work stress

2014 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 105-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann-Kristina Løkke ◽  
Henning Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Public Sector ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Specific Information ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Public Sector Managers ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
Managerial Level ◽  
At Home

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify the determinants of perceived work-related stress among public sector managers. Design/methodology/approach – A general questionnaire-based survey of managers at all managerial levels in Danish organizations concerning the content of their job and the way it is practiced (n=1,500, response rate 72 per cent) are applied. For the purpose of this paper only specific information related to the perception of work stress among public sector managers is analyzed (n=400). Findings – The perception of stress are influenced by factors like gender, managerial level, work load, the influence on own job situation, if they have children living at home as well as the percentage of work-at-home. Research limitations/implications – In a general survey work stress is one among a larger number of issues. This fact may influence the validity of the information – in a positive as well as a negative way. However, the findings point to issues which call for more in-depth analyses. Practical implications – The identified significant determinants influencing the perception of stress point to issues where preventive initiatives can be taken. Social implications – Since work-related stress may cause absence from work it may influence production and the health system. If preventive measures can be taken a positive impact on the economy may be the result. Originality/value – Work-related stress has been studied before. But little focus has been given to the public sector and especially managers. Furthermore, including a variety of potential explanatory determinants such a work-life balance, psycho-social work characteristics, gender and managerial level – as well as the potential interaction between them – give a detailed platform for the analyses.

Environmental Congruence and Work-Related Stress in Acute Care Hospital Medical/Surgical Units: A Descriptive, Correlational Study

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 23-42 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nancy Dendaas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Environment ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Physical Work ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Surgical Units ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Related Stress

Objective: To describe the degree to which Environmental Congruence (EC) is present in sampled units and considered important/desirable by staff RNs; staff RNs' reported level of work-related stress (WRS); the perceived contribution of the physical environment to WRS; and the relationship between existing levels of EC and WRS. Background: Few studies have focused on how the physical environment might contribute to nurses' WRS and chronic nursing shortages. The construct of EC can be used, within a Person Environment (PE)-Fit framework, to assess the fit among nurses, nursing work, the physical work environment, and WRS. Methods: EC was measured using investigator-developed, literature/criterion-based survey instruments. Staff RNs reported WRS variables by using two single-item self-report measures. The final convenience sample consisted of 471 staff RNs from 39 medical/surgical units from 12 hospitals in the upper Midwest. Data were collected over a 7-month period. Results: The mean level of existing EC in the sample was roughly 70% percent of highest capacity and that of important/desired EC in the sample was 93%. Staff RNs' mean level of WRS was 6.7; the mean contribution of the physical environment to WRS was 5.8. Moderate negative correlations were found between EC and WRS ( r = −.41, p < .05), and between physical environment contribution to WRS and EC ( r = −.55, p <.001). Conclusions: Staff RNs in the sampled units wanted a significantly higher level of EC. They rated their WRS moderately high and the contribution of the physical environment to it as moderate. A moderately negative relationship was found between EC and WRS. EC may be a useful construct in research that attempts to improve hospital nursing work environments.

Factors affecting employment retention among older workers in South Korea

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 14-22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sanghee Kim
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
South Korea ◽  
Older Workers ◽  
Employee Retention ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Employment Retention ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Related Stress

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine employee retention rates and describe factors affecting employee retention among older workers. Design/methodology/approach – This study conducts a secondary data analysis using data from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing (KLoSA) of Korea Employment Information Service. The authors use data on 1,264 newly employed older workers from the 2010 KLoSA and determine their employment retention status based on data from the 2012 KLoSA. Findings – The employee turnover rate of older workers was 37.1 per cent between 2010 and 2012, indicating that one-third of older workers stopped work within the two years under study. The factors affecting the employment retention of older workers were education level, job position, job type, work-related stress, health status, and activity limitation due to health status. Research limitations/implications – This study concentrated on the South Korea context. Given the particular circumstances facing South Korea (as outlined in the study) it is unlikely that the findings would provide a base for informing employment retention strategies for older workers in other societies. Practical implications – The South Korean government could use this study’s findings in formulating a policy for improving welfare in workplaces to increase the employment retention rate among older workers. Employers employing or intending to hire older workers would have a better understanding about factors affecting their retention. To reduce their work-related stress, older workers require a safe and healthy work environment that considers their health status. Originality/value – This study is the first one to look at the factors affecting the retention of older workers in South Korea.

scholarly journals Effects of nature-based mindfulness training on resilience/symptom load in professionals with high work-related stress-levels: findings from the WIN-Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 20-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Lücke ◽  
Sylvia Braumandl ◽  
Bernhard Becker ◽  
Sebastian Moeller ◽  
Christina Custal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sense Of Coherence ◽  
Mindfulness Training ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Work Related Stress ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Symptom Load ◽  
Related Stress ◽  
High Work

Purpose The levels of work-related stress and the incidence rates of subsequent related illnesses are increasing in our society, leading to high individual and socioeconomic burdens. Mindfulness training has been shown to be an effective method of improving stress resilience. This paper aims to investigate the efficacy of nature-based mindfulness training in professionals with high levels of work-related stress. Design/methodology/approach In this controlled pilot study, a total of 56 volunteers completed a nature-based mindfulness training progam and were compared to 8 participants (waitlist controls). Psychometric assessments were performed at baseline and after two and four months of training. Findings After two months of training, the scores for self-efficacy, sense of coherence, level of mindfulness and overall psychiatric symptom load had significantly improved in the intervention group, while the control group did not show any significant improvements. A comparison between the intervention and control groups showed a significant difference regarding the sense of coherence only. Research limitations/implications Since this was an exploratory study with a small control group, further studies are needed to verify our findings. Practical implications In conclusion, nature-based mindfulness training seems to be a promising tool for the improvement of resilience and overall psychological health in professionals. Originality/value This was the first study to systematically investigate effects of nature-based mindfulness training in people with high work-related stress.

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