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Perceived Work Ability during Enforced Working from Home Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Finnish Higher Educational Staff

Author

Listed:
  • Saila Kyrönlahti

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Health Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

  • Subas Neupane

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Health Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

  • Clas-Håkan Nygård

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Unit of Health Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

  • Jodi Oakman

    (Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia)

  • Soile Juutinen

    (Work Research Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

  • Anne Mäkikangas

    (Work Research Centre, Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

Background: Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many employees were forced to suddenly shift to working from home (WFH). How this disruption of work affected employees’ work ability is not known. In this study, we investigated the developmental profiles of work ability among Finnish higher education employees in a one-year follow-up during the enforced WFH. Secondly, we investigated demographic, organizational, and ergonomic factors associated with the developmental profiles. Methods: A longitudinal web-survey was conducted with four measurement points (April 2020–February 2021). Employees of a Finnish university who answered the questionnaire at baseline and at least at two follow-up surveys ( n = 678) were included (71% women, 45% teachers/research staff, 44% supporting staff, 11% hired students). Perceived work ability was measured on a scale of 1–5 in all timepoints. Latent class growth curve analysis was used to identify profiles of work ability. Multinomial logistic regression was used to determine the associations of demographic factors, perceived stress, musculoskeletal pain, functionality of home for work, and organizational support with the work ability profiles. Results: Six distinct work ability profiles were identified. For most (75%), work ability remained stable during the follow-up. A total of 17% had a favourable trend (very good-stable or increasing) of work ability, and 8% had non-favourable (poor-stable or decreasing). Poor ergonomics at home, low organizational support, high stress, and musculoskeletal pain were associated with non-favourable development of work ability. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in development of work ability during forced WFH was found. Several factors were identified through which work ability can be supported.

Suggested Citation

  • Saila Kyrönlahti & Subas Neupane & Clas-Håkan Nygård & Jodi Oakman & Soile Juutinen & Anne Mäkikangas, 2022. "Perceived Work Ability during Enforced Working from Home Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic among Finnish Higher Educational Staff," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-13, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:10:p:6230-:d:820225
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jaana-Piia Mäkiniemi & Atte Oksanen & Anne Mäkikangas, 2021. "Loneliness and Well-Being during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Roles of Personal, Social and Organizational Resources on Perceived Stress and Exhaustion among Finnish University Employees," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(13), pages 1-15, July.
    2. Kapteyn, Arie & Smith, James P. & van Soest, Arthur, 2008. "Dynamics of work disability and pain," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 27(2), pages 496-509, March.
    3. Blackmore, E.R. & Stansfeld, S.A. & Weller, I. & Munce, S. & Zagorski, B.M. & Stewart, D.E., 2007. "Major depressive episodes and work stress: Results from a national population survey," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(11), pages 2088-2093.
    4. Antimo Moretti & Fabrizio Menna & Milena Aulicino & Marco Paoletta & Sara Liguori & Giovanni Iolascon, 2020. "Characterization of Home Working Population during COVID-19 Emergency: A Cross-Sectional Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-13, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Manwel Debono & Christine Garzia, 2023. "Trade Union Members’ Experiences and Attitudes towards Working from Home during the Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(3), pages 1-22, January.
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    3. Kerstin Nilsson & Clas-Håkan Nygård & Tove Midtsundstad & Peter Lundqvist & Joanne Crawford, 2023. "Sustainable Healthy Working Life for All Ages—Work Environment, Age Management and Employability," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-5, February.

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