Digital work-related control, satisfaction and coping among health and social care professionals

Authors

• Tarja Heponiemi Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki
• Emma Kainiemi Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki
• Lotta Virtanen Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki
• Pirjo Hilama University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio; South Savo Wellbeing Services County (Eloisa), Mikkeli
• Anu Kaihlanen Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.23996/fjhw.176882

Keywords:

digital technology, leadership, justice, occupational health

Abstract

Digital work has significantly increased in health and social care in Finland and globally. Even though digital tools offer numerous opportunities, their continuously increased use is transforming the work of professionals in the field. As work changes, professionals’ opportunities to control their own work, satisfaction, and coping with work requirements may be challenged. The aim of this study was to examine whether health and social care professionals feel that they have control over the amount of digital work they perform, whether they are satisfied with this amount, and whether they perceive that digital work is supporting their coping with work requirements. The study was conducted using convenience sampling across three medium-sized wellbeing services counties in Finland. A total of 991 professionals responded to a Webropol survey. Using logistic regression analyses, we examined how age, professional group, employment sector, managerial position, perceived organisational justice, and team climate are associated with professionals’ experiences of control and satisfaction regarding the amount of digital work, as well as perceived support for coping with work requirements from digital work.

The results showed that 38% of respondents felt they had control over the amount of digital work they performed, 62% were satisfied with this amount, and 54% perceived digital work as supporting their coping. Organisational justice was associated with perceptions of greater control and satisfaction regarding digital work, and greater perceptions of that digital work supports coping. Those in managerial roles reported higher levels of control opportunities, satisfaction, and coping support related to digital work than professionals without managerial duties. Our findings indicate that digital work does not yet fully meet the needs of social and health care professionals, and organisational development efforts are still needed. Organizational justice—particularly related to leadership—is a key factor in professionals’ experiences of control opportunities, satisfaction, and coping related to digital work. As digitalisation continues to advance, it is essential to strengthen fair leadership practices, procedures and reward systems, especially in nursing.