1.Rotating shift and BMI increase among healthcare workers in a military hospital: pre- and post-pandemic analysis in Taiwan
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e15-
The increasing prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) emphasizes the need for action. Understanding of BMI factors among military hospital healthcare workers remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing BMI risk factors and changes pre- and post-coronavirus 2019 pandemic among military hospital healthcare workers in central Taiwan from 2019 to 2021. Conducted at a military hospital in central Taiwan, this study analyzed anonymized health examination data from 2019 to 2021 for 483 healthcare workers. We performed generalized estimating equations to investigate trends in BMI and its association with various factors, including age, sex, job titles, military status, job tenure, work shifts, and lifestyle habits. The risk of increased BMI was higher in 2021 compared to 2019 (risk ratio [RR]: 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.014). Individuals on rotating shifts had a higher risk of increased BMI compared to day shift workers (RR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.008–1.035) and higher odds of obesity (odds ratio: 1.546; 95% CI: 1.099–2.175). Among obese individuals, BMI in soldiers was approximately 4.9% lower than in non-soldiers (RR: 0.951; 95% CI: 0.915–0.988). This study identified a significant post-pandemic increase in BMI among healthcare workers in a Taiwanese military hospital, with rotating shifts being a key risk factor for both increased BMI and obesity. Work-related factors influenced BMI changes among obese individuals, while non-work-related factors were significant for non-obese individuals. These findings highlight the broader effects of the pandemic and the specific impact of work-related factors on obese healthcare workers.
2.Rotating shift and BMI increase among healthcare workers in a military hospital: pre- and post-pandemic analysis in Taiwan
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e15-
The increasing prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) emphasizes the need for action. Understanding of BMI factors among military hospital healthcare workers remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing BMI risk factors and changes pre- and post-coronavirus 2019 pandemic among military hospital healthcare workers in central Taiwan from 2019 to 2021. Conducted at a military hospital in central Taiwan, this study analyzed anonymized health examination data from 2019 to 2021 for 483 healthcare workers. We performed generalized estimating equations to investigate trends in BMI and its association with various factors, including age, sex, job titles, military status, job tenure, work shifts, and lifestyle habits. The risk of increased BMI was higher in 2021 compared to 2019 (risk ratio [RR]: 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.014). Individuals on rotating shifts had a higher risk of increased BMI compared to day shift workers (RR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.008–1.035) and higher odds of obesity (odds ratio: 1.546; 95% CI: 1.099–2.175). Among obese individuals, BMI in soldiers was approximately 4.9% lower than in non-soldiers (RR: 0.951; 95% CI: 0.915–0.988). This study identified a significant post-pandemic increase in BMI among healthcare workers in a Taiwanese military hospital, with rotating shifts being a key risk factor for both increased BMI and obesity. Work-related factors influenced BMI changes among obese individuals, while non-work-related factors were significant for non-obese individuals. These findings highlight the broader effects of the pandemic and the specific impact of work-related factors on obese healthcare workers.
3.Rotating shift and BMI increase among healthcare workers in a military hospital: pre- and post-pandemic analysis in Taiwan
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2024;36(1):e15-
The increasing prevalence of high body mass index (BMI) emphasizes the need for action. Understanding of BMI factors among military hospital healthcare workers remains limited. This study aims to address this gap by analyzing BMI risk factors and changes pre- and post-coronavirus 2019 pandemic among military hospital healthcare workers in central Taiwan from 2019 to 2021. Conducted at a military hospital in central Taiwan, this study analyzed anonymized health examination data from 2019 to 2021 for 483 healthcare workers. We performed generalized estimating equations to investigate trends in BMI and its association with various factors, including age, sex, job titles, military status, job tenure, work shifts, and lifestyle habits. The risk of increased BMI was higher in 2021 compared to 2019 (risk ratio [RR]: 1.008, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.014). Individuals on rotating shifts had a higher risk of increased BMI compared to day shift workers (RR: 1.021; 95% CI: 1.008–1.035) and higher odds of obesity (odds ratio: 1.546; 95% CI: 1.099–2.175). Among obese individuals, BMI in soldiers was approximately 4.9% lower than in non-soldiers (RR: 0.951; 95% CI: 0.915–0.988). This study identified a significant post-pandemic increase in BMI among healthcare workers in a Taiwanese military hospital, with rotating shifts being a key risk factor for both increased BMI and obesity. Work-related factors influenced BMI changes among obese individuals, while non-work-related factors were significant for non-obese individuals. These findings highlight the broader effects of the pandemic and the specific impact of work-related factors on obese healthcare workers.
4.Associations Between Labor Control Through Digital Platforms and Workers' Mental Wellbeing: A Survey of Location-based Platform Workers in Taiwan
Yawen CHENG ; Wan-Ju CHENG ; Ro-Ting LIN ; Yi-Ting WANG ; Jyh-Jer Roger KO
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(4):419-426
Background:
Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being.
Methods:
A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health.
Results:
Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands.
Conclusion
Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.
5.Associations Between Labor Control Through Digital Platforms and Workers' Mental Wellbeing: A Survey of Location-based Platform Workers in Taiwan
Yawen CHENG ; Wan-Ju CHENG ; Ro-Ting LIN ; Yi-Ting WANG ; Jyh-Jer Roger KO
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(4):419-426
Background:
Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being.
Methods:
A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health.
Results:
Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands.
Conclusion
Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.
6.Associations Between Labor Control Through Digital Platforms and Workers' Mental Wellbeing: A Survey of Location-based Platform Workers in Taiwan
Yawen CHENG ; Wan-Ju CHENG ; Ro-Ting LIN ; Yi-Ting WANG ; Jyh-Jer Roger KO
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(4):419-426
Background:
Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being.
Methods:
A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health.
Results:
Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands.
Conclusion
Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.
7.Associations Between Labor Control Through Digital Platforms and Workers' Mental Wellbeing: A Survey of Location-based Platform Workers in Taiwan
Yawen CHENG ; Wan-Ju CHENG ; Ro-Ting LIN ; Yi-Ting WANG ; Jyh-Jer Roger KO
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(4):419-426
Background:
Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being.
Methods:
A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health.
Results:
Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands.
Conclusion
Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.
8.Associations Between Labor Control Through Digital Platforms and Workers' Mental Wellbeing: A Survey of Location-based Platform Workers in Taiwan
Yawen CHENG ; Wan-Ju CHENG ; Ro-Ting LIN ; Yi-Ting WANG ; Jyh-Jer Roger KO
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(4):419-426
Background:
Platform work offers flexibility and autonomy to workers, but there are concerns about the impacts of excessive labor control exercised by digital platforms using algorithmic management. This study assessed the level of labor control exerted by digital platforms and explored its associations with psychosocial work conditions and workers' mental well-being.
Methods:
A total of 487 location-based platform workers in Taiwan, encompassing ride-hailing, delivery, and house chore services, participated in this questionnaire survey. A 5-item scale was created to assess platform-mediated labor control. Psychosocial work conditions, including demands, job control, work rewards, and mental well-being, including burnout and self-rated mental health status, were assessed using validated instruments. Cronbach's α and principal component analysis were employed to assess the validity of the labor control scale. Logistic regression analysis and path analysis were conducted to investigate the relationship between labor control and workers' mental health.
Results:
Exploratory factor analyses confirmed the structural validity and the internal consistency of the scale. Logistic regression models revealed that higher levels of labor control were associated with an increased risk of burnout and poorer mental health. Path analyses further indicated that higher labor control through digital platforms raised mental health risks by increasing job demands.
Conclusion
Algorithmic management is associated with increased stress among platform workers as they try to meet the platform's performance metrics.
9.Effect of Government Guidelines and Corporate Governance on Telework Adoption and Occupational Health Measures in Taiwanese-Listed Companies
Chia-Jung LI ; Louise E. ANTHONY ; Tomohisa NAGATA ; Yawen CHENG ; Ro-Ting LIN
Safety and Health at Work 2024;15(2):164-171
Background:
Telework adoption in Taiwan has surged because of government guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study examined the disclosure practices of Taiwanese-listed companies, assessing their adherence to government telework guidelines and their correlation with corporate governance, focusing on occupational health measures.
Methods:
We conducted a guideline-adherent cohort analysis of the 2020 and 2021 sustainability reports of 295 Taiwanese-listed companies. We assessed their disclosure of corporate measures for teleworking in alignment with two government guidelines, specifically occupational health measures. Using the McNemar test and general estimating equation analysis, we compared the 2020 and 2021 responses and examined their associations with corporate governance rankings.
Results:
Telework adoption increased significantly from 2020 to 2021, with 68% of companies reporting new work modes. The mentioning of government guidelines also increased to 67% by 2021. Companies with higher governance rankings were more likely to adopt online occupational health measures, including occupational health services (RR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.41–2.94; p < 0.001) and mental health promotion activities (RR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.06–3.82; p = 0.032), than those with low rankings. Although on-site and online occupational health services increased, home workspace assessments did not.
Conclusion
Our findings highlight significant upward trends in the disclosure of telework measures following the issuance of government guidelines. Corporate governance is significantly associated with the implementation of occupational health measures. Amid the evolution of teleworking, both government guidelines and corporate governance have become essential for shaping work arrangements and ensuring workforce well-being.