Organizational and Psychosocial Working Conditions and Their Relationship With Mental Health Outcomes in Patient-Care Workers

J Occup Environ Med. 2019 Dec;61(12):e480-e485. doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000001736.

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between both psychosocial and organizational working conditions with self-reported mental health and mental health expenditures.

Methods: This study used worker survey and medical claims data from a sample of 1594 patient-care workers from the Boston Hospital Workers Health Study (BHWHS) to assess the relationship of psychosocial (job demands, decision latitude, supervisor support, coworker support) and organizational (job flexibility, people-oriented culture) working conditions with mental health outcomes using validated tools RESULTS:: People-oriented culture and coworker support were negatively correlated with psychological distress and were predictive of lower expenditures in mental health services. Job demands were positively correlated with psychological distress.

Conclusions: Working conditions that promote trustful relationships and a cooperative work environment may render sustainable solutions to prevent ill mental health.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health* / economics
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Health*
  • Personnel, Hospital / psychology*
  • Stress, Psychological*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires