Tuesday 19 August 2008

Leadership Affects Health And Well Being At Work

�Research grounds suggests that good leadership has convinced effects on employee health and upbeat, including decreased sick leave and handicap, reports the August Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, official publication of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM).


Led by Dr. Kuoppala Jaana of Siinto, Kiiskilampi, Finland, the researchers searched for studies of the effects of leadership on key measures of employee health and well-being. Qualities associated with good leadership included treating employees considerately and truthfully, providing social support, and providing inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation.


Based on the 27 best-quality studies, the review provided "moderately strong" evidence linking good leading to increased employee eudaemonia. Workers with good leadership were 40 percent more than likely to be in the highest category of job eudaemonia (ie, with low rates of symptoms like anxiety, depression, and job stress).


There was likewise moderate evidence linking good leadership with reduced sickish days and disability. Good leadership was associated with a 27 percent step-down in sick leave and a 46 percent decrease in disablement pensions.


Some studies found that good leadership was associated with increased job satisfaction, although this evidence was relatively weak. There was no evidence exhibit a important effect of leadership on measures of job performance.


Several characteristics of work can affect employee health. Studies have shown that factors like job control and support influence measurable health outcomes, such as crazy leave. Leadership is thought to be one of the most important factors mediating the relationship betwixt work and health.


The findings support the "job well-being pyramid model": a theory suggesting that a strong foundation of leadership, healthy work surround, and good working conditions reduces worker health problems. The pyramid model crataegus oxycantha provide a useful model for monitoring occupational health within organizations, Dr. Jaana and colleagues believe. Companies could use routine follow-up data on employee wellbeing at act upon as part of efforts to develop and assess steps to improve working conditions and work ability.


The researchers note the "relation lack" of high-quality studies targeting the association 'tween leadership and employee health. However, the few skilful studies ground an authoritative link betwixt the role of leadership and employee job gratification, job wellbeing, sickness absences and impairment pensions


The relationship betwixt leadership and job operation remains indecipherable. Dr. Jaana and colleagues conclude, "If the affiliation between leadership and health and eudaemonia described in this review represents a true relationship, it would be highly important that leadership function was considered, measured and evaluated, and good leadership practices were promoted in all form environments."

About An Author


Anne Lamminpaa, deeds for the State Treasury, Division of Insurance, Finland.

About ACOEM


ACOEM (http://www.acoem.org), an international society of 5,000 occupational physicians and other health charge professionals, provides leadership to promote optimal health and safety of workers, workplaces, and environments.

About Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine


The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (hypertext transfer protocol://www.joem.org) is the official journal of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Edited to serve as a guidebook for physicians, nurses, and researchers, the clinically oriented research articles are an excellent informant for new ideas, concepts, techniques, and procedures that can be readily applied in the industrial or commercial employ setting.


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