Exploring the effects of predominantly female jobs on demands and resources at work and consequently on health and performance in the Province of Québec, Canada

Abstract

Purpose: Predominantly female jobs are undervalued because the importance of the skills (e.g., empathy, meticulousness, patience) they require is underestimated. Based on a sample of 1831 workers, this cross-sectional study aimed to determine the effect of predominantly female jobs on demands and resources at work. It also aimed to evaluate if demands and resources at work played a mediating role in the relationship between female jobs and psychological well-being, psychological distress, insomnia, and intention to quit.

Methods: Mediation analysis to test indirect effects was conducted using MPlus software.

Results: Predominantly female jobs were directly associated with lower recognition and higher skill utilization and emotional demands. Also, predominantly female jobs were indirectly associated with health and performance via their effects on demands and resources at work. Therefore, these workers appear to face higher demands and lower resources, which in turn is harmful to them.

Conclusion: Consequently, we might conclude that in addition to the pay inequity that is still present between men and women, those who hold predominantly female jobs (mostly women) are more vulnerable to health and performance problems because of the working conditions (demands and resources) of these jobs. At the societal level, increased knowledge of predominantly female jobs could also be achieved by, for example, popularizing the training and skills they require. Information campaigns (not just to attract people but also to eliminate misunderstanding of these jobs) could be initiated by unions, professional associations, schools, private companies, guidance or employment counselors, government, etc. At the organizational level, action could be taken in terms of human resource management practices, including job evaluation and remuneration.

Keywords: Demands and resources at work; Job performance; Mental health; Predominantly female jobs; Recognition.