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The Quality of Work Index and the Quality of Employment Index: A Multidimensional Approach of Job Quality and Its Links to Well-Being at Work

Author

Listed:
  • Georges Steffgen

    (Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Health and Behavior, University of Luxembourg, L-4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)

  • Philipp E. Sischka

    (Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Health and Behavior, University of Luxembourg, L-4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)

  • Martha Fernandez de Henestrosa

    (Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Health and Behavior, University of Luxembourg, L-4366 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg)

Abstract

(1) Background: Job quality is a multidimensional and elusive concept that is back in vogue among social scientists and policymaker. The current study proposes a new job quality approach that is compared with the European Working Conditions Survey framework and structured with the help of the Job Demands-Resources model. Two new measures of job quality, the Quality of Work Index (QoW) and the Quality of Employment Index (QoE) are developed and validated in three different languages (German, French, Luxembourgish). The QoW is composed of 43 items, focusing on four areas of work—work intensity, job design, social conditions, and physical conditions (subdivided in eleven components)—which are particularly important for employees’ well-being. The QoE is composed of 13 items that cover training opportunities, career advancement, job security, employability, work life conflict, and income satisfaction. (2) Methods: Data were collected via computer-assisted telephone interviews in a representative sample of 1522 employees working in Luxembourg (aged 17–67 years; 57.2% male). (3) Results: Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the proposed factors structure and scalar measurement invariance for the three different language versions. Internal consistencies were satisfactory for all subscales (Cronbach’s α between 0.70 and 0.87). Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses with different psychological health measures (i.e., burnout, general well-being, psychosomatic complaints, work satisfaction, vigor) and subjective work performance confirmed the construct validity of the new instruments. (4) Conclusions: The QoW and the QoE are globally and on the level of the sub-categories effective tools to measure job quality, which could be used to compare job quality between organizations and different countries. Furthermore, the current study confirms associations between the different components of the QoW and QoE and employees’ health.

Suggested Citation

  • Georges Steffgen & Philipp E. Sischka & Martha Fernandez de Henestrosa, 2020. "The Quality of Work Index and the Quality of Employment Index: A Multidimensional Approach of Job Quality and Its Links to Well-Being at Work," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(21), pages 1-31, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:21:p:7771-:d:433905
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    5. PORANCEA-RĂULEA Andreea Simina, 2023. "The Potential Of Work From Home For Determining Job Quality," Studies in Business and Economics, Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Faculty of Economic Sciences, vol. 18(1), pages 261-274, April.
    6. Kaori Fujishiro & Emily Q. Ahonen & Megan Winkler, 2022. "Investigating Employment Quality for Population Health and Health Equity: A Perspective of Power," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(16), pages 1-16, August.
    7. Martha Fernandez de Henestrosa & Philipp E. Sischka & Georges Steffgen, 2023. "Predicting Challenge and Threat Appraisal of Job Demands among Nurses: The Role of Matching Job Resources," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-16, January.

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