Ergonomic Factors That Impact Job Satisfaction and Occupational Health during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Based on a Structural Equation Model: A Cross-Sectional Exploratory Analysis of University Workers

Abstract

This paper presents a structural equation model to determine the job satisfaction and occupational health impacts concerning organizational and physical ergonomics, using (as a study) objective unionized workers from the University of Sonora, South Campus, as an educational enterprise, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The above is a key element of an organizational sustainability framework. In fact, there exists a knowledge gap about the relationship between diverse ergonomic factors, job satisfaction, and occupational health, in the educational institution’s context. The method used was a stratified sample of workers to which a job satisfaction–occupational health questionnaire was applied, consisting of 31 items with three-dimensional variables. As a result, the overall Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient was determined, 0.9028, which is considered adequate to guarantee reliability (i.e., very high magnitude). Therefore, after the structural equation model, only 12 items presented a strong correlation, with a good model fit of 0.036 based on the root mean square error of approximation, 1.09 degrees of freedom for the chi-square, 0.9 for the goodness of fit index, and a confidence level of 95%. Organizational and physical factors have positive impacts on job satisfaction with factor loads of 0.37 and 0.53, respectively, and p-values of 0.016 and 0.000, respectively. The constructs related to occupational health that are considered less important by the workers were also determined, which would imply a mitigation strategy. The results contribute to the body of knowledge concerning the ergonomic dimensions mentioned and support organizational sustainability improvements in educational institutions and other sectors.

Productivity in a pandemic

“…The relationship between Occupational Health conditions (SALOC) and Productivity (PRODU) is moderately strong is moderately strong and positive, it corresponds to H2 with a coefficient of (β) of 0.515; for Peters et al (2022) during the pandemic, a positive relationship between work and occupational health could be established; well-being and mental health are aspects that influence the quality of life of the worker with an effect on productivity. For Ramos et al (2022) from an ergonomics approach, the physical well-being and mental health of the worker is promoted, as a strategic part of occupational health that seeks job satisfaction. On the other hand, Ruiz et al (2021) indicates that workers will have a long-term negative effect due to psychological effects caused by the pandemic; therefore, preventive measures must be taken to address this aspect.…”