This study, involving 5 sites and nearly 6000 respondents, is the largest to date to examine the effects of downsizing on employee health and contributes significant knowledge to a global economic context where downsizing is common. Researchers will review approaches to studying work stress, discuss the importance of analyzing workplace variables in health studies of downsizing, and describe the use of multi-level modeling in this approach. The statistical and theoretical value of analyzing the characteristics of individuals and the social groups (workgroups) to which they belong, will be presented. Data describing the individual and organizational consequences of downsizing and organizational restructuring in the U.S. Department of Energy nuclear defense complex with a focus on measures particular to groups will be presented. We will discuss individual outcomes (physical health score, perceived stress, survivor syndrome), outcomes related to group functioning (morale, poor work performance) and organizational level outcomes (sick time, accidents). The model includes group level predictors (downsizing rate) and individual variables (education, job category) as well as variables that ascertain group climate (supervisory style, communication, morale). We present those factors most frequently significantly related to negative health or organizational outcomes. Questions for discussion include: How can public /occupational health researchers advertise the broader health and economic implications of downsizing? Why is no one examining whether massive organizational change impacts sick time, health, accidents, etc.? What are the implications of these changes for employees? Does the statistical method chosen facilitate answering the questions?
Learning Objectives: Participants will: 1) be able to articulate the group and individual consequences of downsizing in Department of Energy nuclear weapons research and production facilities. 2) list the 3 factors that emerge as significantly related to negative health outcomes in stressful work settings. 3) analyze the benefits of using hierarchical linear modeling in work stress research. 4) prioritize the need for occupational health practitioners to focus on areas traditionally considered in the realm of economics and management
Keywords: Workplace Stressors, Occupational Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.