Work productivity of people with a psychiatric disability working in Canadian social firms: Testing a theoretical model with path analyses

On the basis of the evidence reported in the literature, it is expected that health (e.g., clinical symptoms), and psychosocial factors related to the workplace (e.g., organizational constraints) will influence work... [ view full abstract ]

On the basis of the evidence reported in the literature, it is expected that health (e.g., clinical symptoms), and psychosocial factors related to the workplace (e.g., organizational constraints) will influence work productivity. More particularly, growing evidence suggest that work-related factors (e.g., lack of supervisory support) and organizational constraints (e.g., work overload) can highly affect productivity (Quazi, 2013; Shi, Sears, Coberley et al. 2013; Merrill et al., 2012). On the other hand, a vast body of literature supports that symptomatology of people with a psychitric disability is a strong predictor of employment outcomes (e.g., job tenure), having variable effects on work productivity (Tse, Chan, Ng, & Yatham, 2014). Finally, self-esteem as a worker can promote effective work functioning, such as job performance (Bowling, Eschlman, Wang et al., 2010). In the context of social enterprises dedicated to people with psychiatric disabilities, the goal of this study aims at testing a theoretical model to predict work productivity across time, while considering health and psychosocial factors.

A longitudinal study was conducted in social firms implemented in Canada (Ontario and Quebec) and consisted of a baseline and two follow-ups (6 months and 1 year). 222 people with a psychiatric disability working in social firms completed at baseline a battery of questionnaires on health (Brief symptoms inventory) and psychosocial factors (self-esteem as a worker, organizational constraints, and support from the supervisor). Their work productivity (Endicott Work Productivity Scale) was evaluated at the 2 follow-ups. Path analysis was performed using LISREL 8.7, and was used to test the theoretical model while controlling for variables (e.g., diagnosis). Assessment of the fit was based on several indices (e.g., Comparative Fit Index).
Work productivity of people with psychiatric disabilities was affected negatively by severity of the symptoms (β = .38, p<.01), organizational constraints (β = -.27, p<.01), and positively by self-esteem as a worker (β = .14, p<.05) over the long run. Supervisor support was not related to work productivity at time 1 but it was at time 2 (β = .18, p<.05). The final model adjusted presented the following fit indices: χ2 = (55, N = 222) = 15.58, p = 1.00; RMSEA = .0; NNFI = 1.00; CFI = .99. The variance explained by the final model tested was: R2 = .35 for work productivity at time 1, and R2 = .20 at time 2.
Even though social enterprises are recognized as supportive workplaces for people with psychiatric disabilities (Corbière & Lecomte, 2009; Williams et al., 2015), getting support from the supervisor with less organizational constraints improves significantly work productivity across time. Our results also show the importance of helping workers develop a positive self-esteem, as well as cope with their symptoms better.
Main references
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