scholarly journals Understanding Workplace Adaptation as an Acculturation Process: A Qualitative Examination of South Korean Highly Skilled Workers in Japan

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 107
Author(s):  
Geonsil Lee ◽  
Joonha Park ◽  
Lauren Ban
Keyword(s):  
Job Stress ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Cultural Difference ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Stress Factors ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Highly Skilled

<p>Although study on job stress and coping among Highly Skilled Migrants (HSMs) has been increasing around Anglo European countries, little is known about Asian migrants working in Asian countries. The present study examined stress factors among South Korean HSMs in Japan and explored their coping strategies in relation to acculturation processes. Semi-structured interviews with eight participants found three main domains affecting work adaptation-related stress: acculturation and adjustment, life events, and job stress. Job demand, relationship formation, and company climate were identified as major job stress factors. HSMs tended to perceive job stress factors as being related to a cultural difference or unique characteristics of Japanese organizations. This qualitative study addresses an initial step towards researching Asian migrant workers in Japan society, suggesting importance of incorporating culture-specific issues in acculturation processes with their job adjustment issues. It is necessary for immigration policy makers to encourage reciprocal understandings between migrants and local colleagues for improving mental health and well-being of both groups in organizations.</p>

“God, why?”: The Experience of Mothers from the Israeli Ultra-Orthodox Sector after their Child’s Disclosure of Sexual Abuse

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110219
Author(s):  
Aiala Szyfer Lipinsky ◽  
Limor Goldner
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Abuse ◽  
Minority Groups ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Initial Step ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Drawing Task ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological ◽  
Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Studies dealing with the experiences of non-offending mothers from the general population and minority groups after their child’s disclosure of sexual abuse are scarce, and studies on mothers from the Jewish ultra-Orthodox community are non-existent. This study takes an initial step in filling this gap by exploring how the normalization of sexual abuse shapes these mothers’ experiences. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted on a sample of 21 mothers from the ultra-Orthodox sector whose children had been sexually abused. It consisted of in-depth, semi-structured interviews of the mothers followed by a drawing task on their experience. The analysis of the interviews yielded four central themes: the role of social stigmatization and religion on the mother’s ability to share her child’s abuse; the effect of the disclosure on the mothers’ mental state and maternal competency; the mothers’ ongoing experience in the shadow of this unprocessed/unresolved trauma; and the mothers’ coping strategies, including acceptance, faith, and meaning making. The findings highlight the influence of the tension between the need to adhere to religious norms and preserve the social fabric and the need to enhance mothers’ and children’s well-being.

High-Skilled Migration

2018 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
International Migration ◽  
Immigration Policy ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
State Policies ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Skilled Migration ◽  
The Past ◽  
Highly Skilled ◽  
Skilled Migrant

Over the past decades an increasing number of countries have developed a growing interest in attracting and retaining skilled and highly skilled migrant workers. This chapter provides an introduction into the nature and dynamics of the global skill market and the role of states and state policies in international migration processes of highly skilled workers. This introduction also outlines the subsequent chapters of this volume which address questions regarding (i) the nature and scope of high-skilled migration and ‘immigration policy packages’ states implement to attract and select high-skilled migrants; (ii) the rationales and determinants of high-skilled migration policies evolving over time and space; (iii) the extent to which policies and other drivers affect high-skilled migration processes in general, and international migration of students, scientists, and health professionals in particular.

Indian migrant workers and global city Singapore: What determines the preference for and (relative) cost of a migration destination?

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 109-122
Author(s):  
Michiel Baas
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Global City ◽  
City Centre ◽  
Brand Value ◽  
Skilled Workers ◽  
Highly Skilled ◽  
Permanent Residency ◽  
The Cost ◽  
The City

Global city ambitions and associated cosmopolitan aspirations are principally oriented towards attracting highly skilled migrants who are offered the opportunity of permanent residency. In contrast, low-skilled migrants increasingly face issues of segregation and sanitation, being housed in dormitories far from the city centre, often explained as an attempt to ‘decongest’ the city. That these migrants are not considered part of the aspired cosmopolitan gloss that global cities like to associate themselves with is furthermore underscored by their status as permanently temporary with no option to stay-on beyond a maximum number of years. This article challenges the inherent assumption that low-skilled migrants’ choice for a particularly migration destination is only motivated by monetary reasons. It does so by drawing on two distinct research projects: the first among migration agents in Chennai (Tamil Nadu, India), the second among variously skilled migrants from India in Singapore. By doing so, the article explicates that not only the cost of formalities, agency fees and travel contribute to how expensive it is to migrate to a particular destination (e.g. the Gulf, Malaysia or Singapore) but also its brand value, mainly determined by its assumed quality of life outside work. This brand value speaks to both low- and highly skilled workers, although in different ways.

scholarly journals Challenges and practices in promoting (ageing) employees working career in the health care sector – case studies from Germany, Finland and the UK

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastian Merkel ◽  
Mervi Ruokolainen ◽  
Daniel Holman
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Work Ability ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Ageing Workers ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Skilled Personnel ◽  
The Uk

Abstract Background The health and social care sector (HCS) is currently facing multiple challenges across Europe: against the background of ageing societies, more people are in need of care. Simultaneously, several countries report a lack of skilled personnel. Due to its structural characteristics, including a high share of part-time workers, an ageing workforce, and challenging working conditions, the HCS requires measures and strategies to deal with these challenges. Methods This qualitative study analyses if and how organisations in three countries (Germany, Finland, and the UK) report similar challenges and how they support longer working careers in the HCS. Therefore, we conducted multiple case studies in care organisations. Altogether 54 semi-structured interviews with employees and representatives of management were carried out and analysed thematically. Results Analysis of the interviews revealed that there are similar challenges reported across the countries. Multiple organisational measures and strategies to improve the work ability and working life participation of (ageing) workers were identified. We identified similar challenges across our cases but different strategies in responding to them. With respect to the organisational measures, our results showed that the studied organisations did not implement any age-specific management strategies but realised different reactive and proactive human relation measures aiming at maintaining and improving employees’ work ability (i.e., health, competence and motivation) and longer working careers. Conclusions Organisations within the HCS tend to focus on the recruitment of younger workers and/or migrant workers to address the current lack of skilled personnel. The idea of explicitly focusing on ageing workers and the concept of age management as a possible solution seems to lack awareness and/or popularity among organisations in the sector. The concept of age management offers a broad range of measures, which could be beneficial for both, employees and employers/organisations. Employees could benefit from a better occupational well-being and more meaningful careers, while employers could benefit from more committed employees with enhanced productivity, work ability and possibly a longer career.

scholarly journals Stressors and coping strategies of migrant workers diagnosed with COVID-19 in Singapore: a qualitative study

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. e045949
Author(s):  
Kaisin Yee ◽  
Hui Peng Peh ◽  
Yee Pin Tan ◽  
Irene Teo ◽  
Emily U Tong Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Social Protection ◽  
Migrant Worker ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Access To Healthcare ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Susceptibility To Infection ◽  
Set Up ◽  
And Coping

IntroductionThe health, psychological and socioeconomic vulnerabilities of low-wage migrant workers have been magnified in the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in high-income receiving countries such as Singapore. We aimed to understand migrant worker concerns and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic to address these during the crisis and inform on comprehensive support needed after the crisis.MethodsIn-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with migrant workers diagnosed with COVID-19. The participants were recruited from a COVID-19 mass quarantine facility in Singapore through a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis performed to derive themes in their collective experience during the crisis.ResultsThree theme categories were derived from 27 interviews: migrant worker concerns during COVID-19, coping during COVID-19 and priorities after COVID-19. Major stressors in the crisis included the inability to continue providing for their families when work is disrupted, their susceptibility to infection in crowded dormitories, the shock of receiving the COVID-19 diagnosis while asymptomatic, as well as the isolating conditions of the quarantine environment. The workers coped by keeping in contact with their families, accessing healthcare, keeping updated with the news and continuing to practise their faith and religion. They looked forward to a return to normalcy after the crisis with keeping healthy and having access to healthcare as new priorities.ConclusionWe identified coping strategies employed by the workers in quarantine, many of which were made possible through the considered design of care and service delivery in mass quarantine facilities in Singapore. These can be adopted in the set-up of other mass quarantine facilities around the world to support the health and mental well-being of those quarantined. Our findings highlight the importance of targeted policy intervention for migrant workers, in areas such as housing and working environments, equitable access to healthcare, and social protection during and after this crisis.

scholarly journals Qualitative study on mental health and well-being of Syrian refugees and their coping mechanisms towards integration in the UK

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. e046065
Author(s):  
Priyamvada Paudyal ◽  
Mais Tattan ◽  
Maxwell J F Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Cultural Difference ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Community Support ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Coping Mechanisms ◽  
Syrian Refugees ◽  
Structured Interviews

ObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the mental well-being of Syrian refugees and identify their coping mechanisms and pathways towards integration into new communities.DesignQualitative study using in-depth semi-structured interviews.Setting and participantsAdult Syrian refugees (>18 years old) currently residing in South East of England.Results12 participants (3 women and 9 men) took part in the study, all were born in Syria and the majority (n=9) were over 45 years of age. Our findings show that Syrian refugees face constant challenges as they try to integrate into a new society. Loss of and separation from loved ones as well as the nostalgia for the homeland were often cited as a source of psychological distress that created an overwhelming sense of sadness. Participants reported that they struggled for connectedness due to cultural difference and the problematic nature of rapidly formed migrant communities in their new setting. They believed in ‘being their own doctor’ and turning to faith, ritual and nature for healing and comfort. Taboo and stigma around mental health and language barriers were cited as barriers to accessing mental healthcare services.ConclusionPast experiences and present challenges frame Syrian refugees’ sense of well-being, impact use of healthcare and risk future mental health problems. It is hoped that this study will act as a catalyst for further research on this vulnerable group to promote integration, community support and culturally sensitive mental health services.

scholarly journals Smashing, Shaming, or Polite Fun and Joy? How Workplace Humor Influences Positive Well-Being in South Korean Workplaces

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hee Sun Kim ◽  
Barbara Plester
Keyword(s):  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Group Processes ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Ethnographic Research ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Workplace Relationships ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
South Korean ◽  
Research Questions

Humor is contextual, ambiguous, and varies within cultures but is widely associated with positive outcomes such as well-being and happiness. While humor is universal and enhances interpersonal relationships which can benefit psychological well-being, we argue that humor can also be diminish psychological well-being in Confucian-based, South Korean workplaces. Our research questions asks: how do hierarchical workplace relationships influence shared humor and positive well-being in Korean workplace contexts? Our contextual, ethnographic research includes in-depth field observations and semi structured interviews in three Korean organizations. Traditional Confucian-based cultures value face-saving, trust, and harmony while emphasizing formality and hierarchy. Korean honorifics maintain harmony, hierarchy, and politeness which creates benefits for group processes and influences the sharing of humor. Humor is enacted in accordance with workers' hierarchical status which has a significant impact upon the types of humor shared and the responses available to subordinate employees. Investigating these dimensions in Korean workplaces we argue that honorifics and hierarchy influence humor interactions in complex ways that have implications for psychological well-being.

Patterns, influencing factors and mediating effects of smartphone use and problematic smartphone use among migrant workers in Shanghai, China

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S33-S44
Author(s):  
Fan Wang ◽  
Yukun Lan ◽  
Jiang Li ◽  
Junming Dai ◽  
Pinpin Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Job Stress ◽  
Influencing Factors ◽  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Psychological Factors ◽  
Well Being ◽  
World Health ◽  
Mediation Effects ◽  
Problematic Smartphone Use ◽  
Smartphone Use

Abstract Background With the popularization of smartphones in China, the conditions of smartphone use (SU) and problematic smartphone use (PSU) among migrant workers are unknown. This study explored the patterns and influencing factors of SU and PSU in migrant workers in Shanghai, China. Furthermore, the mediation effects of PSU in the link between SU and some psychological factors were also examined. Methods Questionnaires containing the Mobile Phone Addiction Index, Patient Health Questionnaire, World Health Organization Five-item Well-being Index and other items, including demographics, sleep quality, job stress and SU, were distributed to 2330 migrant workers by trained investigators in six districts of Shanghai from June to September 2018. Results Of the 2129 returned questionnaires, 2115 were valid. SU and PSU varied according to certain demographics. Many demographics, psychological factors, sleep quality and main smartphone applications were influencing factors for SU and PSU. PSU played a mediating role in the link between daily SU time and psychological factors, including depression, mental health and job stress. Conclusions The health influences of SU and PSU on migrant workers in Shanghai merit significant attention. Additionally, it is necessary to develop and target intervention strategies according to the workers’ various characteristics and SU patterns.

scholarly journals The workplace meal: a migrant workers' perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 361-375
Author(s):  
Hande Turkoglu ◽  
Lorraine Brown ◽  
Philippa Hudson
Keyword(s):  
Migrant Workers ◽  
Migrant Worker ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Food Culture ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Country Food ◽  
Food Offering

PurposeEmployees eat at least one meal per day in the workplace on a regular basis, carrying implications for their physical and emotional well-being. For migrants, this can be challenging, owing to food culture differences. This study explores migrant workers’ perceptions of the food eaten in the hospitality workplace.Design/methodology/approachEleven in-depth, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews were carried out with migrant workers in three- and four-star hotels in the southwest of England.FindingsThe findings show that the food eaten in the workplace is perceived as unhealthy and fattening and therefore unappealing. This partly informs a decision to eat home country food away from work.Research limitations/implicationsFurther research is needed across many more organisations to investigate whether this would actually have the positive impact on employee well-being (migrant or home national) and employer reputation.Practical implicationsProviding additional “off-menu” meals for migrant employees is recognised. However, staff turnover within the hotel environment may mean that dishes acceptable to one nationality may not be acceptable to another. Alternatively, it may be that attention to such details and the provision of a food offering that is seen as fit for purpose by staff may reduce turnover and demonstrate “care” on the part of the employer. An annual staff survey could be conducted to gauge employee opinion.Social implicationsThis study helps to show the significance of food for migrant well-being. It highlights that in increasingly globalised workplaces, food provision is important for both emotional and physical health. The study's findings have relevance to other multicultural workplaces where the food provided to staff may have consequences for employee well-being.Originality/valueLittle research has focused on the link between the food consumed in the hospitality workplace and migrant worker well-being. This study therefore makes an important contribution to knowledge by exploring feelings about the food eaten at work from the perspective of migrant workers themselves.

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