Psychosocial risks for health care workers in rehabilitation centre

H. Kalkis*, Z. Roja and V. Metuma

University of Latvia, Raina blv. 19, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@lu.lv

Abstract:

Psychosocial risks at work have a strong impact on workers in every economic field, especially in health care. The aim of this study was to analyze psychosocial risk impact on workers in 3 areas of work, including doctors or functional specialists, nurses and support staff at work for healthcare employees in one of Rehabilitation centers in Latvia. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire was used to assess psychosocial risks at work. Main results show that the high scores for work atmosphere and social support from colleagues reflect the favourable social environment in the context of employee relationships, but doctors and functional specialists face significant psychosocial risks characterized by high quantitative and emotional demands, compounded by job insecurity and inadequate managerial support. Nurses contend with high physical and emotional risks influenced by unpredictable work patterns, unclear roles, and insufficient social support, while support staff confront high workload, role conflicts, and pervasive job insecurity, minimal recognition and unsupportive workplace atmospheres. In general critical aspects include work-life balance, appreciation and self-rated health are at work. Continuation of the research will be related to investigating the psychosocial risks with cognitive tests for each research group.

Key words:

Psychosocial risks analysis for employees in public administration

D. Pastare¹, Z. Roja¹, H. Kalkis¹²* and I. Roja³

¹University of Latvia, Ergonomics Research Centre, Raina blvd. 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
²University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics, Department of management, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
³MFD Healthcare group, Vienibas gatve 109, LV-1000, Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@gmail.com

Abstract:

Nowadays psychosocial risks at work have a serious impact not only on the health of employees, but also on the economic performance of organisations, and this is the biggest challenge in working environment. In Latvia, employees in public administration comprise 11% of the total population. Hence the aim of this study was to analyse the causes of psychosocial risks and the differences in their prevalence among inspectorate officials employed in the State Administration compared to office staff employed by the State Administration. A modified Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire from the Danish National Research Centre for the Working Environment was used to assess psychosocial risks at work. One public administration organisation was selected for the study, which involved 111 staff (60 inspecting officers and 51 office staff). The analysis of the results of the psychosocial risk assessment shows that there are statistically significant differences in the assessment of four out of 11 psychosocial risks to the working environment. The most common psychosocial work environment risk factor among inspectors is the inadequate attitude of management, but the most common risk factor among office employees is the lack of impact on work. To reduce the spread of psychosocial risks more effectively, an individual approach is required for each worker.

Key words:

inspectors, Office workers, psychosocial risks, public administration, work environment