Well-being of persons preparing extensive health and social services reform

An extensive health and social services reform was implemented in Finland at the beginning of 2023.

To describe the working conditions and well-being of persons preparing extensive organizational changes, to compare their results to the reference group, to analyse whether unreasonable workload impacted work recovery, psychosocial distress, work ability and work performance, and to analyse whether the changes in work recovery, psychosocial distress and work ability were associated with a change in work performance.

Data were collected by four surveys from reform preparers in 2022 in open cohort settings. Descriptive statistics were used to report the preparers' situation and in relation to the reference group at the endpoint. Further, covariance and linear regression analyses were performed to study the associations between start and endpoint data (N = 340).

While putting in significant effort, decreasing proportions of preparers experienced leader support, participatory safety and opportunities for innovation. Many preparers had unreasonable workload, a significant proportion working long hours and doing preparation work alongside their main responsibilities. Their situation was notably worse on various work-related indicators compared to the reference group. Unreasonable workload and adverse changes in working conditions decreased the well-being of many preparers, impacting their work performance.

When preparing for extensive organizational changes, the focus should be on leading preparers' collaboration and work processes. Leadership should support innovation, foster a positive team climate, ensure participatory safety and provide a reasonable workload to support well-being. Good working conditions are important as they promote better well-being, work ability and performance.