Does a change in psychosocial work factors lead to a change in employee health?

Abstract

The aim was to identify psychosocial factors at work that promote positive changes in employee health and factors that prevent negative changes in employee health. This study is part of a large longitudinal study and includes 1212 employees. Data for psychosocial work factors and self rated health was collected in 2000 and 2003. A modified Poisson regression was used to find factors of relevance for positive and negative changes in health. A negative change in leadership, organizational commitment and reporting job strain increased the risk for negative change in health. Improved leadership and social climate increased the chance for positive changes in health. By improving psychosocial factors at work, it is possible to promote employee health as well as prevent employee ill-health.