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IJERPH
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Work–Life Policies, Employee Health and Well-Being
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Work–Life Policies, Employee Health and Well-Being

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Global Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 8524

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Allison Williams

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Science, School of Geography & Earth Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8, Canada
Interests: employee health; carer-workers; well-being; carer-friendly workplaces; partnership research; unpaid care work; care economy
Prof. Dr. Bharati Sethi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Political Studies, Champlain College, Trent University, Peterborough, ON K9L 0G2, Canada
Interests: employee health; well-being; arts-based; immigration; refugees; participatory; policy

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue addresses a critical aspect of the care economy, exploring the role of workplace policies and programs on the emotional/mental health and physical well-being of employees. Particular attention will be given to carer-employees (CEs), defined as individuals who work in paid employment and provide unpaid care to adults with an age-related need, long-term illness, and/or physical/mental condition. The number of CEs in Canada and worldwide increased as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For many CEs, the COVID-19 pandemic added additional economic, psychological and physical risks due to the intersecting inequities based on socioeconomic status, race, immigration status, geographic location, and sexual orientation, among other factors. There is a need to reassess our understanding of employment policies and programs to ensure that post-recovery employment structures are equitable, allowing CEs to sustain their health and wellbeing and ideally thrive in the post-pandemic future.

Prof. Dr. Allison Williams
Prof. Dr. Bharati Sethi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • carer-employees
  • care economy
  • unpaid care work
  • carer-friendly workplace policies/ programs

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

16 pages, 4410 KiB  
Article
Challenges and Resiliency: Social Determinants of Health, COVID-19, and the Disproportionate Impact on Immigrants and Refugees Living with HIV
by Natasha Marriette, Rita Dhungel, Karun Kishor Karki and Jose Benito Tovillo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2025, 22(1), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22010114 - 15 Jan 2025
Viewed by 744
Abstract
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is a global public health and social justice issue. HIV continues to disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including immigrants and refugees living with HIV (IRLHIV). This study investigated and captured the experiences of IRLHIV using the social determinants [...] Read more.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) pandemic is a global public health and social justice issue. HIV continues to disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including immigrants and refugees living with HIV (IRLHIV). This study investigated and captured the experiences of IRLHIV using the social determinants of health framework. This study examined the intersecting factors affecting the health and well-being of IRLHIV in Alberta, Canada, prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrent mixed methods were used. Employing an online survey (n = 124) and photovoice methodology (n = 13), the researchers identified five salient themes: experiences of racism and discrimination, challenges accessing nutrition, healthcare, and affordable housing, and precarious employment situations. The findings underscored the amplification of pre-existing inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the discrimination and stigma faced by IRLHIV due to both their health status and immigration background. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based interventions to address the social determinants of health that adversely affect IRLHIV. The researchers recommend further participatory research action into health disparities for IRLHIV to create responsive and culturally safe services for IRLHIV. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work–Life Policies, Employee Health and Well-Being)
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20 pages, 365 KiB  
Article
But at What Cost? Healthcare Utilization of Canadian Carer-Employees
by Regina Ding and Linda Duxbury
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1686; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121686 - 18 Dec 2024
Viewed by 540
Abstract
Caregiving plays a crucial role in aging societies by supporting individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or aging-related needs. The unpaid labour provided by caregivers diverts healthcare resources from the formal healthcare system; however, this incurs costs to the caregivers themselves in terms of [...] Read more.
Caregiving plays a crucial role in aging societies by supporting individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or aging-related needs. The unpaid labour provided by caregivers diverts healthcare resources from the formal healthcare system; however, this incurs costs to the caregivers themselves in terms of declines in personal wellbeing. This study explores the relationship between caregiving and healthcare spending for two groups of caregivers: eldercare only and sandwiched. We found that physician visits were the most common resource used by caregivers, at a mean of 3.69 (SD = 4.01) visits over a 6-month period, excluding non-users of this service. This was followed by mental health services (M = 5.86, SD = 7.02), emergency room visits (M = 1.77, SD = 1.38), and hospital admissions (M = 3.61, SD = 8.53). There were no significant differences in healthcare utilization between eldercare and sandwiched caregivers. There were mixed results regarding characteristics associated with greater resource use; however, the hours of weekly caregiving were most consistently associated with greater healthcare utilization, indicating that healthcare use may increase with care burden. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work–Life Policies, Employee Health and Well-Being)
16 pages, 596 KiB  
Article
Mental and Physical Wellbeing of Carer–Employees in Canada
by Ito Peng
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(12), 1611; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21121611 - 30 Nov 2024
Viewed by 866
Abstract
Today, an increasing number of Canadian adults are providing unpaid care to their family members and friends while working full or part-time. We conducted a national survey of unpaid caregiving for older people in 2022 to learn who these people are, why they [...] Read more.
Today, an increasing number of Canadian adults are providing unpaid care to their family members and friends while working full or part-time. We conducted a national survey of unpaid caregiving for older people in 2022 to learn who these people are, why they care, and to identify the social, economic, and health impacts of unpaid caregiving. Our findings show that many of these caregivers are also employees. While most research shows that women caregivers and carer-employees experience work-care tension that results in negative mental and physical health outcomes, our results are more mixed. This paper provides descriptive findings of carer-employee’s health and well-being, and compares them to previous research in Canada and abroad. I conclude with policy options for governments and employers to support the health and well-being of carer-employees. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work–Life Policies, Employee Health and Well-Being)
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24 pages, 3011 KiB  
Article
Unveiling the Heartbeat of Healing: Exploring Organizational Culture in a Tertiary Hospital’s Emergency Medicine Department and Its Influence on Employee Behavior and Well-Being
by Roshni D’Silva, Jayaraj Mymbilly Balakrishnan, Tarushree Bari, Reena Verma and Rajesh Kamath
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070912 - 12 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1422
Abstract
This study examined the organizational culture of an emergency medicine department (EMD) in a tertiary hospital in Karnataka, India, using a prospective cross-sectional design from January to February 2024. It aimed to identify the predominant and supporting organizational cultures within the EMD and [...] Read more.
This study examined the organizational culture of an emergency medicine department (EMD) in a tertiary hospital in Karnataka, India, using a prospective cross-sectional design from January to February 2024. It aimed to identify the predominant and supporting organizational cultures within the EMD and their influence on employee behavior and well-being, including job satisfaction, burnout, stress levels, and coping strategies. A total of 82 participants, including physicians, emergency medical technicians, and nurses, completed the Organizational Culture Assessment Instrument (OCAI) and a self-designed questionnaire. Ethical clearance was obtained (IEC2-656). Clan culture emerged as the dominant culture (73.17%), emphasizing collaboration and adaptability, correlated with lower stress levels and high job satisfaction (90.78%). Emotional exhaustion was the most common burnout symptom (53.66%). The coping strategies varied, with employees in Clan cultures seeking social support, while those in Hierarchy cultures sought guidance from superiors. This study highlighted the significant role of organization culture in employee well-being and EMD effectiveness, influenced by social values like respect for authority. The limitations included single-setting analysis, an uneven subgroup representation, and a lack of qualitative insights. Future research should involve multiple hospitals and qualitative methods for a comprehensive understanding. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work–Life Policies, Employee Health and Well-Being)
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13 pages, 492 KiB  
Article
Transitioning to Working from Home Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Significantly Increased Sedentary Behavior and Decreased Physical Activity: A Meta-Analysis
by Nicole Chaudhary, Megan Jones, Sean P. M. Rice, Laura Zeigen and Saurabh Suhas Thosar
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2024, 21(7), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph21070851 - 28 Jun 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1821
Abstract
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces transitioned to remote work, which altered lifestyle behaviors. We conducted a meta-analysis to understand if the transition to working from home due to the pandemic affected workers’ physical activity and sedentary behavior worldwide. We [...] Read more.
At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces transitioned to remote work, which altered lifestyle behaviors. We conducted a meta-analysis to understand if the transition to working from home due to the pandemic affected workers’ physical activity and sedentary behavior worldwide. We reviewed articles published between November 2019 and May 2022. Of an initial 3485 articles, a total of 17 were included, 15 of 17 were included for their physical activity (PA) comparisons (n = 36,650), and 12 of 17 (n = 57,254) were included for their sedentary behavior (SB) comparisons (10 studies have data for both PA and SB). This work is registered through PROSPERO (CRD42022356000). Working from home resulted in a significant decrease in PA (Hedge’s g = −0.29, 95% CI [−0.41, −0.18]) and an increase in SB (Hedge’s g = +0.36, 95% CI [0.20, 0.52]). Working from home impaired preventative activity behaviors, and these results are relevant to worker health as the future of work evolves beyond the pandemic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work–Life Policies, Employee Health and Well-Being)
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19 pages, 411 KiB  
Article
Commonalities and Differences in the Experiences of Visible Minority Transnational Carer–Employees: A Qualitative Study
by Reemal Shahbaz, Allison Williams, Bharati Sethi and Olive Wahoush
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(18), 6800; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20186800 - 21 Sep 2023
Viewed by 1843
Abstract
This qualitative study explored the commonalities and differences among the experiences of visible minority Transnational Carer–Employees (TCEs) before and after COVID-19. TCEs are immigrants who live and work in the country of settlement while providing caregiving across international borders. Purposive and snowball sampling [...] Read more.
This qualitative study explored the commonalities and differences among the experiences of visible minority Transnational Carer–Employees (TCEs) before and after COVID-19. TCEs are immigrants who live and work in the country of settlement while providing caregiving across international borders. Purposive and snowball sampling resulted in the participation of 29 TCEs of Pakistani, Syrian, African, and South American origin living in London, Ontario. Thematic analysis of the dataset using the ATLAS.ti software, Version 23.2.1., generated three themes: (1) feelings associated with transnational care; (2) employment experiences of TCEs; and (3) coping strategies for well-being. The results of the secondary analysis conducted herein suggested that there are more similarities than differences across the four cohorts. Many participants felt a sense of satisfaction at being able to fulfill their care obligations; however, a different outlook was observed among some Syrian and African origin respondents, who disclosed that managing care and work is overwhelming. Most TCEs also reported facing limited job options because of language barriers. While various interviewees experienced a lack of paid work and reduced income after COVID-19, a distinct perspective was noted from African descent TCEs as they expressed facing increased work demands after the pandemic. Participants additionally revealed four common coping strategies such as keeping busy, praying, family support, and staying active. Study implications include the promotion of Carer-Friendly Workplace Policies (CFWPs) that can facilitate the welfare of unpaid caregivers. This research is important as it may inform policymakers to create opportunities that may not only foster economic stability of TCEs and the Canadian economy, but also contribute towards a more equitable society. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Work–Life Policies, Employee Health and Well-Being)
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Displaying articles 1-6

Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Converging Challenges and Resiliency: Social Determinants of Health, COVID-19, and the Disproportionate Impact on Immigrants and Refugees Living with HIV
Authors: Natasha Marriette; Rita Dhungel; Karun Karki
Affiliation: School of Social Work and Human Services, University of the Fraser Valley, Abbotsford 33844, Canada
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic is a global public health and social justice issue. HIV continues to disproportionately affect marginalized populations, including immigrants and refugees living with HIV (IRLHIV). This study examined the intersecting factors affecting the health and well-being of IRLHIV in Alberta, Canada prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Concurrent mixed methods were used. Employing an online survey (n=124) and photovoice methodology (n=13), we identified five salient themes: experiences of racism and discrimination, challenges accessing nutrition, healthcare, and affordable housing, and precarious employment situations. Findings underscored the amplification of pre-existing inequities during the COVID-19 pandemic, intensifying the discrimination and stigma faced by IRLHIV due to both their health status and immigration background. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted, evidence-based interventions addressing the social determinants of health that adversely affect IRLHIV. It is imperative that we move beyond simply acknowledging these inequities and take decisive steps to dismantle the systemic barriers that perpetuate them. This requires a multi-faceted approach and necessitates comprehensive yet nuanced social policies that focus on providing accessible, stable, and culturally appropriate supports and services for IRLHIV. Service providers, academics, activists, and policy makers need to work collaboratively with IRLHIV communities to ensure their voices are heard and the very real challenges facing this population are being addressed in a culturally safe and sustainable way.

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