Citation

Eiken TE, Saksvik PO. Pol. Pract. Health Saf. 2009; 7(2): 75-91.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (Great Britain))

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

Recent studies have shown that temporary employees, while experiencing low levels of control in their jobs, actually have less stress, lower job satisfaction and lower rates of absenteeism compared to permanent employees. To gain a better understanding of temporary employees and their work situation, this paper explores the relationship between temporary employment and occupational stress and health using established concepts and theories in psychosocial literature. The paper uses data from two studies - a longitudinal study in the service sector (n=463), and a cross-sectional study with a representative sample of the working population (n=2,530).

Our study found that temporary employees report lower levels of control than permanent employees, as well as lower levels of demands and less stress. So, for individuals, the lower level of demands seems to compensate for the lack of control. However, our results also show that, compared to permanent employees, temporary employees are less likely to be members of trade unions, and that they are less aware of, and involved in, systematic occupational safety and health work in their organisations. This could indicate that temporary workers lack involvement in activities at the collective level, as well as a knowledge of, and an interest in, the organisations they work for. As the number of temporary employees rises, this may have adverse effects on the overall competence and motivation of organisations to take action to prevent work situations threatening the health and safety of employees and others.