Tekijät

• Virtanen, Pekka (University of Tampere. Medical School)

Asiasanat

arrangement of working time, autonomy at work, employees, employment contracts, health, job security, labour relations, local government, municipalities, occupational health care, occupational life, personnel management, social networks, temporary employment, working conditions

Sisällön kuvaus

The survey charted the working conditions, welfare, health, and occupational health care of fixed-term and subsidised employees in seven Finnish municipalities. The research project was funded by the Finnish Work Environment Fund and the municipalities participating in the survey.

First, respondents were asked about their occupation, workplace, working hours and working time, present employment contract, and economic activity prior to this contract. Non-permanent employees were asked what they think will happen when the present employment contracts ends. Respondents evaluated the impact of non-permanent contract on job commitment, feelings of insecurity, right to express opinions, training and development opportunities, workplace conflicts, wage level, fringe benefits, etc. They were also asked whether their trade union was interested in promoting the interests of non-permanent employees.

Respondents' use of occupational health care was charted with several questions. Visits to a doctor during the past year were investigated. One theme focused on the respondent's job: workload, pressure, degree of variety, work pace, requirements, etc. Respondents were asked at what stage they are informed about forthcoming changes in their work, and whether they themselves can participate in the planning of these changes. Some questions covered job autonomy, e.g., to what extent respondents can decide how and when to do their job, at what pace, when to take a break or a holiday.

Perceptions of working environment were studied by asking respondents to evaluate the workplace climate: was it supportive, tense or gossiping, could fellow workers be trusted, was there any bullying, etc. Respondents were asked what would happen at their workplace if they had to take sick leave for a week. The survey also carried a set of statements relating to management and supervision practices at the respondent's place of work.

Respondents' self-perceived health and working capacity were surveyed, likewise long-term illnesses or disabilities diagnosed by a doctor. One question investigated accidents at work. Mental well-being and life control were charted with a number of questions pertaining to, for example, perceived feelings of stress, worthlessness, depression or happiness, indifference to everything, inability to sleep, make decisions or cope generally. Some questions focused on social relations. Division of responsibility between spouses concerning certain domestic tasks were examined. Respondents were asked from whom they would receive help and support, if needed.

Background variables included respondent's basic and vocational education, marital status, occupation, gender, year of birth, municipality of residence, household size, and economic activity of the spouse. The data can be combined with the year 2002 data by using the Id variable.