JOEM: Short-Term Effects of Short-Term Work (July 2022)-JOEM: Short-Term Effects of Short-Term Work (July 2022)

JOEM: Short-Term Effects of Short-Term Work (July 2022)

Pdf Summary

A study conducted in Germany examined the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on work fatigue and the impact of a government-sponsored short-term work program (Kurzarbeit) on fatigue levels. The study involved 1,053 employees who participated in monthly surveys from December 2019 to June 2021. The results showed that work fatigue did not always increase during the pandemic, and individuals who participated in Kurzarbeit during the first lockdown experienced larger decreases in fatigue compared to those who did not participate. However, the positive effects of Kurzarbeit on fatigue did not persist during the second lockdown.<br /><br />The study highlights the complexity of worker well-being during public health crises and the need for more nuanced policy interventions. It suggests that short-term work programs like Kurzarbeit can reduce work fatigue in the short term but may not provide sustainable benefits in the long run. The findings also emphasize the importance of considering the timing and context of events and interventions when studying worker well-being.<br /><br />The study has some limitations, including the specific sample and context of German full-time workers, as well as the use of a short version of the work fatigue scale. Future research could explore the effects of different events and interventions on well-being in different contexts and consider other factors that may influence fatigue levels. Additionally, there is a need for theoretical development and empirical research that focuses on events, transitions, and crises to better understand their impact on worker well-being.

Keywords

Germany

COVID-19 pandemic

work fatigue

government-sponsored short-term work program

Kurzarbeit

employee surveys

lockdowns

worker well-being

policy interventions

sustainable benefits