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Employees Working from Home: Do Leadership Factors Influence Work-Related Stress and Musculoskeletal Pain?

Author

Listed:
  • Jodi Oakman

    (Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia)

  • Katrina A. Lambert

    (School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia)

  • Victoria P. Weale

    (Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia)

  • Rwth Stuckey

    (Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia)

  • Melissa Graham

    (School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3083, Australia)

Abstract

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid public health response, which included mandatory working from home (WFH) for many employees. However, given the rapid change from traditional ways of working, evidence is limited on the role of leaders, managers, and supervisors in supporting their employees’ physical and mental health whilst WFH. The study aimed to examine the impact of leaders through their management of psychosocial working conditions on employees’ stress and musculoskeletal pain (MSP) levels whilst WFH. Methods: Data from 965 participants (230 males, 729 females, 6 other) involved in the Employees Working from Home (EWFH) study, collected in October 2020, and April and November 2021, were analysed. Generalised mixed-effect models were used to test relationships between psychosocial leadership factors and employees’ stress and MSP levels. Results: Higher quantitative demands are associated with increased stress (B: 0.289, 95%CI 0.245, 0.333), presence of MSP (OR: 2.397, 95%CI 1.809, 3.177), and increased MSP levels (RR: 1.09, 95%CI 1.04, 1.14). Higher levels of vertical trust decreased stress (B: −0.094, 95%CI −0.135, −0.052) and presence of MSP (OR: 0.729, 95%CI 0.557, 0.954). Role clarity decreased stress (B: −0.055, 95%CI −0.104, −0.007) and levels of MSP (RR: 0.93, 95%CI 0.89, 0.96). Working with interruptions was associated with increased stress (B: 0.199, 95%CI 0.119, 0.280) and MSP (OR: 1.834, 95%CI 1.094, 3.072). Conclusion: Leaders will need to take a broad view of job design, taking into account physical and psychosocial aspects of work, to effectively support employees WFH and manage stress and MSP.

Suggested Citation

  • Jodi Oakman & Katrina A. Lambert & Victoria P. Weale & Rwth Stuckey & Melissa Graham, 2023. "Employees Working from Home: Do Leadership Factors Influence Work-Related Stress and Musculoskeletal Pain?," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(4), pages 1-11, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:4:p:3046-:d:1063038
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Iavicoli, Sergio & Natali, Elena & Deitinger, Patrizia & Maria Rondinone, Bruna & Ertel, Michael & Jain, Aditya & Leka, Stavroula, 2011. "Occupational health and safety policy and psychosocial risks in Europe: The role of stakeholders' perceptions," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 101(1), pages 87-94, June.
    2. Oldham, Greg R. & Fried, Yitzhak, 2016. "Job design research and theory: Past, present and future," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 136(C), pages 20-35.
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