Telework, work ability, and well-being among workers with chronic health conditions
Date
2021
Authors
Beckel, Julia L., author
Fisher, Gwenith, advisor
Prasad, Joshua, committee member
Stallones, Lorann, committee member
Rosecrance, John, committee member
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Abstract
In the current study, I investigate the relationship between telework, work ability (i.e., job-related functional capacity), and well-being among workers with chronic health conditions (CHCs). Specifically, I address four research questions: 1) how does the utilization of telework relate to work ability and well-being in workers with CHCs, 2) do job control and flexibility mediate the relationships between telework, work ability, and wellbeing among workers with CHCs, 3) does the type of work activity performed moderate the relationship between telework, work ability, and well-being via perceptions of flexibility and job control, and 4) does the relationship between telework, wellbeing, and ability change when employees work more hours via telework arrangements? Using an experience sampling design, I demonstrate how the relationship between telework and daily perceptions of work ability and well-being among workers with CHCs' is primarily driven through perceptions of job control workers experience when teleworking versus attending their central organization. This relationship is also related to the nature of one's work, such that when individuals' jobs require high levels of educating or training others (i.e., remote learning), they experience less job control within the teleworking context, and subsequently report poorer work ability and well-being. Considering these findings, organizations might better define instances in which telework may be used an effective accommodation practice for workers with chronic health conditions.
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Subject
chronic health conditions
well-being
accommodations
work ability
telework