The Supervisor’s Perceived Role in Employee Well-Being: Results From Mayo Clinic

2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 300-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kaisa C. Wieneke ◽  
Karen S. Schaepe ◽  
Jason S. Egginton ◽  
Sarah M. Jenkins ◽  
Nicole C. Block ◽  
...  

Purpose: Novel approaches are needed to enhance employee well-being and perhaps supervisors can be an effective agent for worksite health promotion. The aim of this study was to examine the supervisor’s perceived needs, barriers, and role for influencing employee well-being for incorporation into program development. Design: Semistructured, qualitative interviews of supervisors. Setting: Large, integrated academic health-care organization with over 30 000 employees and 2600 supervisors having access to comprehensive well-being programs and a successful well-being champion network comprised of 600 champions. Participants: Twenty supervisors representing clinical, research, and administrative units. Methods: Semistructured, one-on-one interviews were conducted and audio recorded. Analysis included content log development and open coding by a trained analyst to reveal key themes. More formalized content coding using specialized software for qualitative analyses was also conducted. Results: Supervisor responses were wide ranging regarding their perceived and desired role in promoting workplace well-being. Barriers from the supervisor perspective included high current workload, ambivalence about promoting wellness, lack of support from leadership, lack of flexibility and control at work, and difficulty accessing on-site resources. They perceived their potential role in well-being as remaining a positive role model and encouraging their staff in wellness activities. Conclusion: Although findings are generated from a small sample size, these qualitative data provide compelling and early insights into building a workplace well-being strategy leveraging an underutilized key stakeholder, the workplace supervisor.

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-41 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bharati Sethi ◽  
Allison Williams ◽  
Rachelle Ireson

Purpose There is a growing recognition that when employees who are caregivers lack the organizational support/resources to manage their paid work with care responsibilities, it could result in poor job performance, increase absenteeism, and have an impact on their well-being. Very little is known about managers’ perceptions in supporting their employees through workplace initiatives such as caregiver-friendly workplace policies (CFWPs). The purpose of this paper is: to examine managers’ experience(s) with employees that are engaged in formal paid care and informal care; to explore availability of CFWPs; and to explore managers’ standpoints on offering CFWPs to support their employees. Design/methodology/approach The authors draw on the findings from semi-structured qualitative interviews with 20 (n=20) managers working in the health care sector in an urban-rural region in Ontario, Canada. Findings Intersectionality analysis of participant interviews revealed three key themes: managers’ experiences with employees who are caregivers; knowledge and availability of CFWPs; and balancing business care with staff care. Practical implications Data were drawn from health care sectors in one community in Ontario, Canada and may not generalize to other settings. The small sample size and purposive sampling further limits the generalizability of the findings. Social implications Study findings can be applied to develop workplace policies and procedures that are responsive to workers who are providing unpaid care. Originality/value This study contributes to limited literature on manager’s perspectives in supporting employees through CFWPs.


2019 ◽  
Vol 129 (4) ◽  
pp. 127-131
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Parfin ◽  
Krystian Wdowiak ◽  
Marzena Furtak-Niczyporuk ◽  
Jolanta Herda

AbstractIntroduction. The COVID-19 is the name of an infectious disease caused by a new strain of coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2). It was first diagnosed in December 2019 in patients in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The symptoms are dominated by features of respiratory tract infections, in some patients with a very severe course leading to respiratory failure and, in extreme cases to death. Due to the spread of the infection worldwide, the WHO declared a pandemic in March 2020.Aim. An investigation of the impact of social isolation introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic on selected aspects of life. The researchers focused on observing changes in habits related to physical activity and their connections with people’s subjective well-being and emotional state.Material and methods. The study was carried out within the international project of the group „IRG on COVID and exercise”. The research tool was a standardized questionnaire.Results. Based on the data collected and the analysis of the percentage results, it can be observed that the overwhelming majority of people taking up physical activity reported a better mood during the pandemic. However, statistical tests do not confirm these relationships due to the small sample size.Conclusions. Isolation favours physical activity. Future, in-depth studies, by enlarging the population group, are necessary to confirm the above observations.


2018 ◽  
Vol 41 (06) ◽  
pp. 675-680 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandra Familiari ◽  
Caterina Neri ◽  
Chiara Vassallo ◽  
Giulia Di Marco ◽  
Serafina Garofalo ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The timing of delivery for women affected by gestational diabetes (GDM) is still controversial. Good clinical practice often suggests offering induction of labor at term in order to reduce the complications associated with this condition, while recent evidence supports expectant management. Fetal Doppler parameters represent a validated tool for testing fetal well-being at term and can select pregnancies that need increased surveillance. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of fetal Doppler parameters at term for the prediction of pregnancy outcomes in patients affected by GDM. Methods Prospective cohort study in a single center. Evaluation of umbilical artery (UA) PI, middle cerebral artery (MCA) PI, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) and umbilical-to-cerebral ratio (UCR) at > 37 weeks of gestation in singleton, morphologically normal pregnancies affected by GDM, was performed in order to estimate the association between ultrasound measurements at term and perinatal outcome. Regression linear analysis was used to estimate the association between fetal Doppler parameters and neonatal pH, neonatal Apgar score, neonatal weight and a composite adverse outcome. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to estimate the possible predictive value of the above association. Results Our results on 130 women showed MCA PI to be the best predictor of perinatal outcomes in terms of low Apgar score at the 1st minute (p = 0.00), pH (p = 0.02) and composite adverse outcome (p = 0.05). UCR showed a significant correlation with neonatal pH (p = 0.02). No significant correlations for UA PI and CPR MoMs have been demonstrated in our population. However, the small sample size is a limitation of the study. Conclusion Evaluation of MCA Doppler and eventually UCR at term can be a useful tool to discriminate pregnancies affected by GDM that can benefit from IOL before 41 weeks in order to reduce complications related to this condition.


Author(s):  
Marcella Caputi ◽  
Barbara Forresi ◽  
Ludovica Giani ◽  
Giovanni Michelini ◽  
Simona Scaini

The first Italian lockdown imposed to fight the spread of COVID-19 caused important disruptions in families’ everyday lives. The main aim of this research was to investigate the predictors of psychopathology in children aged 5–10 years, immediately after the national 2-month lockdown. A total of 158 Italian parents (148 mothers, 10 fathers, mean age = 41 years) were recruited and asked to complete an online research concerning their 158 children (76 boys, mean age = 7.4 years). Parents completed questionnaires on parent–child conflict, resilience, temperament, behavior, and previous adverse childhood experiences. Hierarchical regressions showed that children’s psychopathology was predicted by low child resilience, high novelty seeking and harm avoidance, adverse experiences, and high flooding levels. Moreover, girls exposed to adverse experiences appeared more vulnerable to psychopathology. The recruitment of a convenience sample, the small sample size, and the cross-sectional design of our study limit the generalizability and interpretation of the present findings. Nonetheless, this research extends our knowledge of children’s functioning in such an exceptional period. Shedding light on predictors of children’s psychopathology following prolonged quarantine can indeed guide effective psychological interventions now and in future similar situations.


2015 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mateja Lorber ◽  
Sonja Treven ◽  
Damijan Mumel

Introduction: Work is an important constituent of an individual’s life since the experience of work influences well-being and health. The well-being of employees is an important issue in the work environment. The aim was to examine the relationship between satisfaction in the workplace and the well-being of employees in nursing. Methods: Quantitative research based on a cross-sectional study was used, with 640 employees in nursing from eight Slovenian hospitals participating in the study. A structured survey questionnaire was administered. The relationship between psychological well-being and workplace satisfaction was analysed with correlation and linear regression analysis. Results: The workplace satisfaction (x = 3.69, s = 1.13) and well-being ( x=161.27, s = 55.19) of employees in nursing are at a middle level. With the correlation analysis we established that well-being statistically significantly correlates with workplace satisfaction (r = 0.611, p < 0.001). Workplace satisfaction explains 42 % of the total variability of well-being of employees in nursing. Discussion and conclusion: It is necessary for every health care organization to take care of its employees' workplace satisfaction and well-being. Health care organizations can be successful and achieve their organisational objectives if their employees are satisfied with their work and have a high level of well-being.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-26
Author(s):  
Michael James Buckland ◽  
Anthea Tinker

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore and compare the motivations and expectations that older people have when choosing to move into either a private or housing association (HA) extra care housing (ECH) scheme, and any effects this had on its residents. Design/methodology/approach This qualitative study is based on findings from four HA schemes in Tower Hamlets, London, and one private scheme in Warwickshire. Eight semi-structured interviews were conducted with five women and three men of varying backgrounds, from schemes managed by different associations and companies. Interview transcripts were coded and analysed thematically. Findings All residents moved into ECH in response to deteriorating health. However, almost all residents had felt obliged to move by others, generally their children. Few residents had any expectations of ECH on arrival, but many developed high expectations of an increased sense of independence and security and of an improved social life. ECH appeared to be beneficial for residents’ health and well-being. Research limitations/implications The inability to recruit an equal number of people from HA and private scheme, alongside the small sample size, may compromise the external validity of any conclusions drawn from any comparisons. Practical implications This research identifies a lack of knowledge about ECH among the general population and offers insight into areas of poor management within ECH schemes which could be improved. Social implications Inadequacies in the ECH model could be attributed to failures in the current health and social care system. Differences between expectations and perceptions of HA vs private schemes should be acknowledged and responded to. Originality/value This is a rare example of research exploring the relationships between ECH residents’ motivations and expectations (Hillcoat-Nallétamby and Sardani, 2019), and between those in HA vs private schemes.


2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (5) ◽  
pp. 788-804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ricardo Wray ◽  
Nancy Weaver ◽  
Prajakta Adsul ◽  
Kanak Gautam ◽  
Keri Jupka ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evaluate a collaborative effort between a health care organization and academic institution to strengthen organizational health literacy. Design/methodology/approach The intervention took place at a rural, federally qualified health clinic in Missouri between May 2009 and April 2011. Qualitative interviews of key informants were conducted before (n=35) and after (n=23) the intervention to examine program implementation and success in effecting organizational change. Findings Intervention activities helped establish a comprehensive understanding of health literacy. The project achieved moderate, fundamental and sustainable organizational change. The program successfully integrated health literacy practices into clinic systems and garnered leadership and organizational commitment, helped the workforce improve interpersonal communication and embedded practices making health education materials more accessible. Originality/value The study points to programmatic, conceptual and methodological challenges that must be addressed for organizations to improve health literacy practices, and suggests change management strategies to advance organizational health literacy.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 225-237 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kia Ditlevsen ◽  
Annemette Nielsen

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide knowledge on barriers to preventive action on early childhood overweight in non-western migrant families. It investigates the underlying understandings of the parental role in relation to weight control present in health-care professionals and in families. Design/methodology/approach The study is based on qualitative interviews with parents who are engaged in interventions aimed at helping them and their children to adopt a healthier life style, and on interviews with health-care professionals. Findings This study shows that the participating parents, all low SES and living under different forms of insecurity, perceived their parental task for the present as creating well-being for their children, and they were, therefore, reluctant to enforce dietary changes. The health-care professionals, in contrast, considered the need for change through a perspective on future risks. Research limitations/implications The results are based on a rather small sample and the link between insecurity, family dynamics and health practice needs further research. Originality/value The participating parents represented a group that is rarely included in scientific research and the study, therefore, contributes valuable knowledge on health behavior in ethnic minority families. The empirical analysis provides new insights for health professionals regarding the suitability of the universal model of parental feeding styles. It illuminates the implications of implicitly applying this model in health interventions which involve vulnerable categories of parents such as refugees to western societies.


2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel J Bretland ◽  
Einar B Thorsteinsson

Objectives. With 43% of Australians experiencing occupational burnout therapies for burnout reduction are paramount to organisational efficiency. Exercise has potential to provide a multilevel and cost effective burnout intervention. The current study aims to extend the literature by comparing cardiovascular with resistance exercise to assess their relative effectiveness against well-being, perceived stress, and burnout. Design. Participants were 49 (36 females and 13 males) previously inactive volunteers ranging in age from 19 to 68 that completed a four week exercise program of either cardiovascular, resistance, or no exercise (control). Method. Participants were measured against the Subjective Exercise Experience Scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Results. After four weeks of exercise participants had greater positive well-being and personal accomplishment, and concomitantly less psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotional exhaustion. Cardiovascular exercise was found to increase well-being and decrease psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotional exhaustion. Resistance training was noticeably effective in increasing well-being and personal accomplishment and to reduce perceived stress. Our preliminary findings revealed large effect sizes suggesting that exercise may be an effective treatment for burnout. However, given a small sample size further research needs to be conducted. Conclusion. Different types of exercise may thus help protect against burnout as exercise seems to increase well-being and personal accomplishment while decreasing psychological distress, perceived stress, and emotional exhaustion. Organisations that want to address burnout can assist by improving their employees’ access to regular exercise programs.


SAGE Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824401989427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Hodgins ◽  
Patricia Mannix McNamara

This study explores the experiences of workplace ill-treatment of academic staff in the Irish Higher Education sector, with a focus on organizational response to experienced or witnessed workplace bullying and/or incivility. Workplace bullying is a significant problem, affecting approximately 15% of the workforce, with considerable variation by sector. Educational workplaces typically display prevalence rates that exceed average workplace bullying rates. The negative impacts on health and well-being are well documented and evidence is also emerging to show that organizational responses are less than optimal. The data collected comprise 11 qualitative in-depth interviews with academic staff in three of Ireland’s seven Universities. Applying a phenomenological analysis approach, data revealed that participants’ experiences were overwhelmingly negative in respect of organizational response, despite the fact that each University had an anti-bullying policy. This is explored and discussed in the context of failure to address the complex power relations, which are particularly relevant in professional organizations, intensified by current changes in the higher educational sector. Study limitations include the small number of Universities and small sample size, thus limiting generalizability.


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