Effects of Job Demands, Job Resources, and Workaholism on Overwork: A Cross-Sectional Survey in China

Abstract

Background Overwork has become the common for some employees in China. The ‘Healthy China 2030’ plan mandates prevention of excessive overtime, making serious overwork was not advocated. Meeting new regulations requires clarification of the factors influencing overwork; however, Chinese researchers have not thoroughly examined ‘overwork’ and few proven models are available for addressing its relationship to job demands, job resources, and workaholism. Methods This study analysed these factors and overwork among employees in Chinese companies. A total of 1047 employees completed the Workers Fatigue Accumulated Degree by Self-Diagnostic Questionnaire (WFAD-SQ) for Assessment of Workers' Accumulated Fatigue to measure the degree of overwork; Workaholism Battery (WorkBAT) was applied to evaluate workaholism; the Job content qualifications (JCQ) were adopted to survey job demands–resources. Results Structural equation modelling (SEM) verified the effects shown, indicating job resources significantly negatively affect and job demands positively affect overwork. Workaholism demonstrated a significant intermediary role between job demands-resources and overwork. The SEM results indicate job demands-resources have both direct and indirect effects on overwork, and task demands, psychological requirements, and colleague support are the primary positive protective predictors for overwork. Conclusions The findings indicate the importance of employers strictly enforcing overtime rules, ensuring staffs’ rights for rest, and establishing harmonious working relationships between employees.