Development and validation of the Workplace Interruptions Measure

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Organizational Behavior
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Workplace interruptions are common but lack a comprehensive measurement tool.
• Existing research often overlooks the diverse nature and impact of interruptions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate the first comprehensive, self-report measure of workplace interruptions.
• To examine the relationship between different types of interruptions and employee stressors/strains.

Main Methods:

• Development of the Workplace Interruptions Measure (WIM) based on a typology of intrusions, distractions, discrepancy detections, and breaks.
• Validation of the 12-item WIM through three studies with diverse employee samples (N=317, N=160, N=323).
• Psychometric evaluation of the WIM, including its association with other workplace stressors and strain outcomes.

Main Results:

• The four-factor structure of interruptions (intrusions, distractions, discrepancy detections, breaks) was confirmed.
• Both effort-enhancing (intrusions, distractions, discrepancy detections) and recovery-enhancing (breaks) interruptions were associated with stressors and strains.
• Distractions, discrepancy detections, and breaks uniquely predicted strain outcomes, independent of other workplace stressors.

Conclusions:

• The Workplace Interruptions Measure (WIM) provides a robust tool for assessing workplace interruptions.
• Understanding different interruption types is crucial for addressing employee stress and strain in organizational settings.
• The WIM has significant implications for future research and practical interventions concerning workplace interruptions.