Work organization and health: a qualitative study of the perceptions of workers.
Workplaces comprise a large component of life partcipation. The complexity of work organization makes it challenging to understand how the environment impacts the health of workers and who is responsible for creating a healthy workplace. This investigation sought to understand the views of workers about workplace health. A qualitative approach was used to gain understanding of workers' experiences of how work organization (WO) impacts their health and needs to change. Four individual interviews and 7 focus groups with workers were conducted. Data were thematically analyzed. Findings comprised two common themes: 1. The need for support and respect in the work place; and 2. The need for organizational commitment to safe work practices and healthy work environments. Findings suggest workers want and need to be involved in creating a healthy workplace. Opportunities to involve workers more in workplace health are discussed.
MacDermid
Joy C
JC
Program in Occupational Health and Environmental Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. macderj@mcmaster.ca
Geldart
Sybil
S
Williams
Renee M
RM
Westmorland
Muriel
M
Lin
Chia-Yu A
CY
Shannon
Harry
H
D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016272:Occupational Health; D010465:Perception; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012944:Social Support; D017132:Workplace / Q000458:organization & administration* / Q000523:psychology*