The Impacts of Psychosocial Work Conditions on Self-rated Health among Korean Workers

Choi, Eunsuk; Jeon, Gyeong Suk

Abstract

PURPOSE
Few studies have considered the psychosocial work environment factors in relation to employee health. This study explored the relationship between psychosocial work characteristics and self-rated health among Korean employees.
METHODS
The study population of 21,476 employees was derived from the 2014 Korean Work Environment Survey (KWES). Psychosocial work environment was measured by Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire scales.
RESULTS
Among employees at workplaces (n=21,476), 23.3% rated their health as poor. Among 12 indicators of psychosocial work environment characteristics, "˜higher emotional demand', "˜demands for hiding emotions', "˜work-family conflict', and "˜social community at work' were independently associated with risk of poor self-rated health of Korean employees after adjustment of all sociodemographics, work condition characteristics and physical work environment exposure. In addition, higher "˜possibilities for development' and "˜social support from supervisor' were more likely to decrease the risk of poor health.
CONCLUSION
We suggest that psychosocial work environment is an important determinant of employees' health. The study results provide a good starting point for developing intervention and strategies for health improvement.