scholarly journals ‘Stressed, uncomfortable, vulnerable, neglected’: a qualitative study of the psychological and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK frontline keyworkers.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tom May ◽  
Henry Aughterson ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Alexandra Burton
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
Psychosocial Concerns ◽  
Postal Services ◽  
Exposure Risks ◽  
The Impact

Aims: Non-healthcare keyworkers face distinct occupational vulnerabilities that have received little consideration within broader debates about ‘essential’ work and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the impact of the pandemic on the working lives and mental health and wellbeing of non-healthcare keyworkers in the UK.Methods: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants employed in a range of non-healthcare keyworker occupations, including transport, retail, education, postal services and the police force. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using a reflexive thematic approach. Results: Keyworkers experienced adverse psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fears of COVID-19 exposure, contagion and subsequent transmission to others, especially their families. These concerns were often experienced in the context of multiple exposure risks, including insufficient PPE and a lack of workplace mitigation practices. Keyworkers also described multiple work-related challenges, including increased workload, a lack of public and organisational recognition and feelings of disempowerment. Conclusion: In efforts to reduce psychosocial concerns among non-healthcare keyworkers, there is a need for appropriate support during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for other infections (e.g. seasonal influenza) in the future. This includes the provision of psychological and workplace measures attending to the intersections of personal vulnerability and work conditions that cause unique risks and challenges among those in frontline keyworker occupations.

scholarly journals ‘Stressed, uncomfortable, vulnerable, neglected’: a qualitative study of the psychological and social impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK frontline keyworkers

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. e050945
Author(s):  
Tom May ◽  
Henry Aughterson ◽  
Daisy Fancourt ◽  
Alexandra Burton
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Psychosocial Concerns ◽  
Postal Services ◽  
Exposure Risks ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

ObjectivesNon-healthcare keyworkers face distinct occupational vulnerabilities that have received little consideration within broader debates about ‘essential’ work and psychological distress during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the impact of the pandemic on the working lives and mental health and well-being of non-healthcare keyworkers in the UK.DesignIn-depth, qualitative interviews, analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis.SettingTelephone or video call interviews, conducted in the UK between September 2020 and January 2021.Participants23 participants aged 26–61 (mean age=47.2) years employed in a range of non-healthcare keyworker occupations, including transport, retail, education, postal services, the police and fire services, waste collection, finance and religious services.ResultsKeyworkers experienced adverse psychological effects during the COVID-19 pandemic, including fears of COVID-19 exposure, contagion and subsequent transmission to others, especially their families. These concerns were often experienced in the context of multiple exposure risks, including insufficient personal protective equipment and a lack of workplace mitigation practices. Keyworkers also described multiple work-related challenges, including increased workload, a lack of public and organisational recognition and feelings of disempowerment.ConclusionsIn efforts to reduce psychosocial concerns among non-healthcare keyworkers, there is a need for appropriate support during the COVID-19 pandemic and in preparation for other infections (eg, seasonal influenza) in the future. This includes the provision of psychological and workplace measures attending to the intersections of personal vulnerability and work conditions that cause unique risks and challenges among those in frontline keyworker occupations.

The impact of library associations: preliminary findings of a qualitative study

2014 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 122-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan Henczel
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Assessment Tool ◽  
Professional Associations ◽  
Qualitative Assessment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
National Library ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Associations ◽  
Evidence Of Impact ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview, including methodology and preliminary findings, of a current and ongoing doctoral research study of the impact of national library associations. The study uses the impact assessment framework provided by ISO16439:2014 Methods and procedures for assessing the impact of libraries. Design/methodology/approach – If the professional associations supporting the profession are to become sustainable we need to understand the difference they make to the individual members of the profession, to the employers of those individuals and to the profession of librarianship. This study applies the framework provided by ISO 16439:2014 to the national library association environment to explore and gather evidence of impact. To align with the ISO model, impact is differentiated into impact on individuals; social impact – institution (library or employing organization); and social impact – community (the profession). Preliminary findings show evidence of impact in all categories. Findings – Data were gathered through semi-structured interviews that were conducted with members of national library associations in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and the USA during the third quarter of 2013. Originality/value – This study contributes to research methodologies by testing the use of a qualitative assessment tool in a way that could be transferable to other associations both within and external to the library environment and to enable it to be adapted more broadly for other purposes within the library and information environment.

scholarly journals The social impact of the ‘Social solidarity income’ in Greece: A qualitative interpretation

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 5
Author(s):  
Theodoros Sakellaropoulos ◽  
Varvara Lalioti ◽  
Nikos Kourachanis
Keyword(s):  
Social Impact ◽  
Social Situation ◽  
Survival Strategies ◽  
Social Solidarity ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Minimum Income ◽  
Positive Elements ◽  
The Social ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Impact

The present article sheds light on the implementation of the ‘Social Solidarity Income’ (SSI) in Greece, an example of a guaranteed minimum income (GMI). Drawing on the findings of 40 semi-structured interviews carried out in five selected municipalities, the article focuses on the ‘social impact’ of the SSI. More specifically, it investigates two inter-related themes: a) the social situation of beneficiaries and the survival strategies they used before and after receiving the SSI; and b) aspects of the SSI that should be improved at the implementation stage. It is argued that, despite certain positive elements of the SSI, such as the monetary allowance, which is a key component of the SSI and assists beneficiaries in covering their basic needs, the impact of the SSI on the lives of individuals is relatively small and a large proportion of the beneficiaries continue to rely on the survival strategies they used before implementation of the SSI

Does participatory ergonomics reduce musculoskeletal pain in sonographers? A mixed methods study

Ultrasound ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1742271X2110239
Author(s):  
Kristie Sweeney ◽  
Karen Ginn ◽  
Jacqueline Spurway ◽  
Jillian Clarke ◽  
Martin Mackey
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Work Conditions ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Participatory Ergonomics ◽  
Pain Prevalence ◽  
The Impact

Introduction Sonographers in the Western New South Wales Local Health District (WNSWLHD) reported a musculoskeletal pain prevalence rate of 95%. Participatory ergonomics, where workers are consulted about improving work conditions, was utilised to identify work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) risks and potential solutions. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of WMSD in a cohort of sonographers before and after implementation of ergonomic changes that were driven by recommendations from a participatory ergonomics approach. Methods This observational mixed methods study analysed the impact of participatory ergonomic-driven interventions on changes on musculoskeletal pain in a cohort of sonographers employed within the WNSWLHD. A retrospective analysis of 10 sonographer WMSD pain surveys over five sites was completed, along with semi-structured interviews regarding which interventions were perceived as useful, which interventions were not implemented and any barriers to implementation. Results Installation of patient monitors, use of ergonomic scanning techniques and job rotation were perceived as responsible for decreased musculoskeletal pain. Taking lunch breaks and microbreaks, use of antifatigue mats and having two sonographers perform mobile exams were not fully implemented. No interventions were perceived as responsible for increased pain. Conclusion This small study provides preliminary evidence that a participatory ergonomics approach facilitated identification of occupation and site-specific risks for WMSD in the WNSWLHD, allowing implementation of ergonomic changes to be tailored to the workplace, resulting in a safer work environment for sonographers.

scholarly journals Monitoring Implementation Impact of the EU-Indonesia’s VPA on SME Livelihood

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Rahmanta Setiahadi ◽  
S. R. Kartika Sari ◽  
Ahmad Maryudi ◽  
Julia Kalmirah ◽  
Liliana Baskorowati
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Wood Products ◽  
Theory Of Change ◽  
Vulnerable Groups ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Marginalised Groups ◽  
The Impact

The Europe Union (E.U.) has agreed to grant the Forest Law Enforcement, Governance and Trade (FLEGT) license to Indonesia as the first country in the world to receive it. FLEGT VPA (Voluntary Partnership Agreement) is a bilateral agreement between the European Union (E.U.) and wood exporting countries, to improve forest governance sector and ensure that timber and wood products imported into the E.U. are produced by the laws and regulation of partner countries. The Indonesian government has obliged to implement Article 12 relating to social safeguards. Indonesia has to periodically monitor to see the extent to which the VPA has an environmental and social impact that affect the lives and welfare of vulnerable and marginalised groups. The purpose of this study is to analyse how the effect of implementation of the Sistem Verifikasi Legalitas Kayu (SVLK) as part of VPA in the small and medium forestry industry sector. Methodology survey with focus group discussions, structured interviews, and semistructured interviews to find out the response and opinion of SME’s owner and employee addressed the effect of SVLK in East Java and Central Java, Indonesia. The theory of change (ToC) was used to consider the implications of SVLK implementation on the sustainable livelihood of small and medium enterprises (SME’s). The results of this study showed that SVLK had a more significant impact on livelihoods, as follows. First, the vulnerable and marginalised groups need to be supported by stakeholders to encourage readiness in faces of SVLK impact. Second, SVLK is susceptible to the effects and at risk of losing livelihoods for women and disabled groups in a short time. This group includes vulnerable groups of aspects of adaptability and sensitivity to the effect. Third, SME’s worker groups who do not have a labour organisation are sensitive to the impact on the workplace company. This group is classified as a group that is quite vulnerable if the effect lasts long enough and on a large scale of impact.

scholarly journals Sexual assault: women’s voices on the health impacts of not being believed by police

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen McQueen ◽  
Jodie Murphy-Oikonen ◽  
Ainsley Miller ◽  
Lori Chambers
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Analysis Data ◽  
Health Impacts ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Secondary Victimization ◽  
Sexually Assaulted ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Background Sexual assault is a prevalent crime against women globally with known negative effects on health. Recent media reports in Canada indicate that many sexual assault reports are not believed by police. Negative reporting experiences of sexual assault have been associated with secondary victimization and trauma among survivors. However, little is known about the impact that being sexually assaulted and not believed by police has on a survivor’s health and well-being. The purpose of this study was to explore women’s experiences of not being believed by police after sexual assault and their perceived impact on health. Methods We conducted open-ended and semi-structured interviews with 23 sexual assault survivors who were sexually assaulted and not believed by police. The interviews explored the self-reported health impacts of not being believed by police and were conducted from April to July, 2019. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and entered into NVIVO for analysis. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s analytic method. Results Analysis revealed three salient themes regarding the health and social impact of not being believed by police on survivors of sexual assault: (1) Broken Expectations which resulted in loss of trust and secondary victimization, (2) Loss of Self, and (3) Cumulative Health and Social Effects. The findings showed that not being believed by police resulted in additional mental and social burdens beyond that of the sexual assault. Many survivors felt further victimized by police at a time when they needed support, leading to the use taking of alcohol and/or drugs as a coping strategy. Conclusion Reporting a sexual assault and not being believed by police has negative health outcomes for survivors. Improving the disclosure experience is needed to mitigate the negative health and social impacts and promote healing. This is important for police, health, and social service providers who receive sexual assault disclosures and may be able to positively influence the reporting experience and overall health effects.

scholarly journals Understanding the impact of systemic lupus erythematosus on work amongst South Asian people in the UK: An explorative qualitative study

Lupus ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 096120332110228
Author(s):  
Mandeep Ubhi ◽  
Shirish Dubey ◽  
Caroline Gordon ◽  
Tochukwu Adizie ◽  
Tom Sheeran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Asian ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Cultural Barriers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ability To Work ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact

SLE has a range of fluctuating symptoms affecting individuals and their ability to work. Although South Asian (SA) patients are at increased risk of developing SLE there is limited knowledge of the impact on employment for these patients in the UK. Understanding ethnicity and disease-specific issues are important to ensure patients are adequately supported at work. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients of SA origin to explore how SLE impacted on their employment. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data which are reported following COREQ guidelines. Ten patients (8 female; 2 male) were recruited from three rheumatology centres in the UK and interviewed between November 2019 and March 2020. Patients were from Indian (n = 8) or Pakistani (n = 2) origin and worked in a range of employment sectors. Four themes emerged from the data: (1) Disease related factors; (2) Employment related factors; (3) Cultural and interpersonal factors impacting on work ability; (4) Recommendations for improvement. Patients’ ability to work was affected by variable work-related support from their hospital clinicians, low awareness of SLE and variable support from their employers, and cultural barriers in their communities that could affect levels of family support received. These findings highlight the need for additional support for SA patients with SLE in the workplace.

scholarly journals El impacto de un evento deportivo mediano: percepción de los residentes de la comunidad de acogida (The impact of a medium-size sporting event: The host community perceptions)

Retos ◽  
2015 ◽  
pp. 88-93
Author(s):  
David Parra Camacho ◽  
Ferran Calabuig Moreno ◽  
Vicente Añó Sanz ◽  
Daniel Ayora Pérez ◽  
Juan Manuel Núñez Pomar
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Host Community ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Medium Scale ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Sports Events ◽  
Sporting Event ◽  
Socio Economic Impact ◽  
The Impact

El objetivo de este estudio es conocer las percepciones de los residentes de una ciudad sede sobre un evento deportivo de mediana escala, como es el Open 500 de tenis de Valencia, a través de la identificación de grupos cuya actitud hacia este evento sea similar. Después de la realización de la encuesta se aplicó un análisis factorial exploratorio que permitió agrupar la escala de 23 ítems en cuatro factores: impacto socio-cultural y deportivo, impacto en el desarrollo urbano y las infraestructuras, impacto socio-económico e impacto en la imagen y la promoción. En segundo lugar, se realizó un análisis clúster combinando métodos jerárquicos y no jerárquicos, que permitió encontrar tres grupos de residentes: Favorables, Moderados y Desfavorables. Finalmente se observaron las características del perfil y las diferencias entre los grupos de residentes. Los resultados mostraron que el grupo de ciudadanos favorable al evento era bastante reducido en comparación con los otros dos colectivos. También, se encontraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en las variables relacionadas con el interés por el deporte, la asistencia al acontecimiento, el grado de afición por el tenis, el respaldo a la celebración del evento, el trabajo vinculado al sector del turismo o los eventos y la identificación con la política de eventos deportivos. Los resultados de este estudio proporcionan una información útil a los organizadores de eventos deportivos y autoridades para comprender y atender mejor las necesidades y demandas de los ciudadanos.Palabras clave: evento deportivo mediano, percepción de los residentes, impacto social, análisis clúster.Abstract: The aim of this study was to determine the residents perceptions of a city based on a medium-scale sporting event, such as tennis Open 500 Valencia, through the identification of groups whose attitude toward this event is similar. After completing the survey, an exploratory factor analysis was performed grouping the 23-item scale in four factors: socio-cultural and sports impact, infrastructure and urban impact, socio- economic impact and impact on the image and promotion. Second, cluster analysis was performed combining hierarchical and non-hierarchical methods, which allowed finding three groups of residents: Favorable, Moderate and Unfavorable. Finally, profile observed characteristics and differences between groups of residents. The results showed that the group of citizens with a favorable attitude towards the event was relatively small compared to the other two groups. Also, statistically significant differences were found in the variables related to the interest in the sport, event attendance, degree of fondness for tennis, supporting the event, the work related to tourism or events and the identification with sports events policy. The results of this study provide useful information for sports event organizers and authorities to understand and better meet the needs and demands of citizens.Key words: medium-scale sporting event, residents’ perceptions, social impact, cluster analysis.

Managing new social procurement imperatives in the Australian construction industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 3075-3093
Author(s):  
Martin Loosemore ◽  
David Higgon ◽  
Joanne Osborne
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Construction Project ◽  
Job Seekers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Potential Value ◽  
Knowledge Competencies ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThis paper responds to the need for more construction project management research in the emerging field of social procurement. It contributes by exploring the potential value of cross-sector collaboration and project-based intermediation in meeting new social procurement imperatives.Design/methodology/approachA thematic exploratory case study analysis is presented of seventy-three interviews undertaken with stakeholders involved in a unique project-based intermediary developed by a major Australian construction company to leverage the power of cross-sector collaboration in response to social procurement imperatives on its projects, based on semi-structured interviews with 33 disadvantaged job seekers, 40 organisational stakeholders (employment agencies; not-for-profits, Indigenous, disability and refugee support organisations; training organisations; subcontractors; government agencies and departments; community organisations) and observational and documentary data over the duration of a unique project-based intermediary called a Connectivity Centre, developed by a major Australian contractor to deliver on its emerging social procurement requirements.FindingsThe results show that cross-sector collaboration within the construction industry can produce highlight numerous cognitive, behavioural, health, situational and affective social impacts for the project community and shared-value benefits for the range of organisations involved. However, it is found that cross-sector collaboration through project-based intermediation in a construction context is challenging due to the fragmented and dynamic nature of construction project teams and the communities they have to engage with. Encouraging people and organisations to collaborate who operate in industries and organisations with different and sometimes competing institutional logics and objectives (even if they are linked by common values) requires a set of knowledge, competencies and relationships not recognised in current global project management competency frameworks.Originality/valueThis research contributes new insights to the emerging but embryonic body of research into construction social procurement by demonstrating the value of emerging theories of social procurement, social value, cross-sector collaboration and intermediation in enhancing our currently limited understanding of the complex challenges involved in responding to new social procurement requirements in the construction industry. It explores and documents the potential value of project-based intermediaries in developing and managing the new cross-sector relationships, roles, relational competencies and practices, which are required to effectively respond to and measure the impact of emerging social procurement policies in the construction industry. These findings have a potentially significant social impact by providing new insights for policymakers and the construction industry, to optimise the industry’s response to emerging social procurement policies.

scholarly journals Workplace fiddles in the shipping industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (4) ◽  
pp. 933-948
Author(s):  
Helen Devereux ◽  
Emma Wadsworth ◽  
Syamantak Bhattacharya
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Work Hours ◽  
Shipping Industry ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Rule Breaking ◽  
Senior Officers ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the ways in which workers employ rule breaking, rule bending and deviations from management defined norms in the workplace and the impact this has on their occupational health and safety (OHS) experiences.Design/methodology/approachThe paper uses qualitative semi-structured interviews conducted with 37 seafarers working on board four vessels engaged in international trade. The data were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed using NVivo software.FindingsThe findings indicate that seafarers utilised workplace fiddles – which included rule breaking, rule bending and deviating from management defined norms – in order to engender a workable system in which they could remain safe but also profitable to those who controlled their labour. Moreover, the findings suggest that shore-side management deflected the responsibility for rule violations by deferring many of the decisions regarding features of life on board – such as the scheduling of work hours – to the senior officers on board.Originality/valueThe paper sheds light on where, in practice, responsibility for OHS lies in the international shipping industry, an industry in which workers experience relatively high rates of work-related fatalities, injuries and mental health conditions.

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