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Restructuring of production and workers' health: a case study
1Departamento de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos, C.P. 676, Sao Carlos, SP, 13565-905, Brasil.
Cadernos De Saude Publica
|July 11, 1998
Summary
This case study reveals that Japanese-inspired management strategies, like task flexibility, can negatively impact worker health, causing issues such as insomnia and nervousness for some employees.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Management Science
- Sociology of Work
Background:
- The study examines a company's management model and its impact on shop floor workers' health.
- It investigates the influence of Japanese management concepts like flexibilization and outsourcing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the effects of participant work strategies on workers' health.
- To analyze the relationship between management styles and employee well-being.
Main Methods:
- A case study approach was used, collecting data on company history, management type, and production organization.
- Worker data included demographics, work perceptions, family life, recreation, and self-reported health history.
Main Results:
- The company's management model incorporated Japanese principles such as production flexibilization, outsourcing, and task multiplicity.
- Workers' perceptions of participation were mixed; some reported increased freedom and respect, while others experienced negative health outcomes.
- A segment of the workforce reported insomnia, nervousness, work-related dreams, and headaches attributed to the work organization model.
Conclusions:
- The adopted work organization model, influenced by Japanese management, has differential health impacts on shop floor workers.
- While some workers perceive benefits, others suffer adverse health effects, highlighting the need for careful implementation of such strategies.