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Association Between Well-Being and Occupational Class in Small Businesses in the Rural United States
Laxmi D Adhikari1, Sampada Wagle1, Bhagyashree Katare1
1Department of Agricultural Economics, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.
Summary
Blue-collar workers reported more depressive symptoms and anxiety, while white-collar workers experienced higher work stress. Understanding these occupational differences is key for employee well-being in rural small businesses.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Rural Sociology
- Psychological Well-being
Background:
- Small businesses in rural areas face unique challenges impacting employee mental health.
- Occupational class is a significant determinant of work environment and employee experiences.
- Understanding mental well-being disparities is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate differences in psychological distress, depressive symptoms, stress, productivity, and anxiety.
- To compare blue-collar and white-collar employees in rural US small businesses.
- To identify occupational class-specific mental health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 1910 US employees in rural small businesses (2024).
- Data collected from employees aged 18+ across 48 contiguous states.
- Multiple linear regression and linear probability models used for analysis.
Main Results:
- Blue-collar workers reported higher depressive symptoms and pre-work anxiety.
- White-collar workers had a 7.9% higher probability of work-related stress.
- No significant differences in psychological distress, productivity, or work anxiety found between classes. Older employees were more productive and less stressed. Female employees showed class-specific differences in depressive symptoms and work stress.
Conclusions:
- Occupational class significantly influences employee perceptions, productivity, and well-being.
- Recognizing class-based disparities is vital for enhancing employee well-being in rural settings.
- Tailored strategies are needed to support mental health in diverse occupational groups within rural small businesses.
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