Does the work environment force university academics into workaholism and work-family conflict?

Abstract

Background Academic work at universities is associated with long working hours, stress and low job security but also with great decision authority and interesting work tasks. The objectives of this cross-sectional study were to investigate whether university academics are more workaholic and report more work-family conflicts than other university personnel, and to investigate associations between work environment factors, workaholism and work-family conflict among the university academics. Methods A questionnaire was used to collect data on job demands, job resources, workaholism and work-family conflict from 2186 university academics and 2501 technical and administrative personnel at three universities in Norway. Results The results show that academic personnel experienced more workaholism and work-family conflict than non-academic personnel. High job demands, especially high role overload, affected both workaholism and work-family conflict. Job resources had a marginal effect on both workaholism and work-family conflict. Workaholism was positively associated with work-family conflict and partly mediated the relationship between role overload and work-family conflict. Conclusions It seems that workaholism and work-family conflict is more prevalent among university academics compared to their non-academic colleagues, and that it may be caused by high work pressure. It is not clear how job demands and workaholism interact with work-family conflict. Paying attention to the risks of workaholism and preventing it at all levels are important, however, since workaholism is associated with work-family conflict, which may adversely affect the health of the individual, the family and the university. Key messages: University academics report more workaholism and work-family conflict than non-academic personnel. An organizational climate at universities that promotes and rewards workaholic behavior may enhance the chances of producing workaholics and excessive work-family conflict among employees. Background Because of climate changes and increasing environmental temperatures, Agricultural Workers (AWs) are at risk for heat-related illness (HRI). The purpose of this study was to determine which factors could potentially reduce the prevalence of HRI among AWs. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed in March 2017 among AWs from the Autonomous Province of Trento who attended pesticide training courses. Participants received a structured questionnaire focusing on knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards HRI and their prevention. Synthetic scores for knowledge (KS), risk perception (RPS), behavioral adaptation (BAS), use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPES; use of sunscreen, large rim hat, etc.), and self-reported symptoms (SRSS) were assessed. Regression analyses were modeled evaluating the association between self-reported symptoms and KAP as Odds Ratios adjusted for main demographic factors (adjORs). Results In total, 131 AWs participated (M = 81.7%; mean age: 46.5 AE 13.9 years): 41.2% of them reported 3 ore more symptoms during the previous warm season (HRI+ status). Main factors associated with HRI+ status were: strenuous physical effort associated with manual hoeing/weeding (adjOR 2.975; 95%CI 1.185-42.035), pesticide handling (adjOR 8.847; 95%CI 1.372-21.971), and taking rest in shady, not air-conditioned areas (adjOR 5.491, 95%CI 1.372-21.971). KS was correlated with RPS (r 0.340) and BAS (r 0.319), but in regression analysis were deprived of significant effects on SRSS, whereas PPES was identified as a negative predictor (B-0.014; 95%CI-0.235 to-0.026). Conclusions A significant share of AWs are experiencing HRI, in particular after an extensive use of insulating PPE (i.e. pesticide handling) or strenuous physical efforts. The paradoxical effect of rest breaks in shady, not air conditioned areas and the role of sun-protective PPE stress the opportunity for improved workplace practices.