Psychosocial Risks
2.4. Other psychosocial factors:
2.4.1. Characteristics of the firm and of the post:
- Firm size: it is more likely for a larger preventive organisation to exist in large firms, for there to be greater possibilities of receiving training in all related aspects, as well as greater job stability, while in small firms there is usually a great deal of autonomy and control over the work carried out and greater levels of job satisfaction.
- Social image: a good social image means that workers identify with the firm to a greater extent, which influences the work climate, performance and job satisfaction, as well as also possibly covering their needs for status and prestige.
- Location: having to travel to other towns, the distance between the workplace and home and places of leisure, the influence of a surrounding natural space have a direct influence over the quality of life of workers.
- Activity: the activity of the firm may generate a role conflict if the worker carries out tasks not in keeping with the interests or values of society, or he may become ashamed of the job if this enters into conflict with the interests or values of society, thus making the job a source of dissatisfaction.
- Design of the workplace: the available space, its distribution and fitting-out for a particular job are psychosocial factors to bear in mind, as their negative effects include dissatisfaction, the development of symptoms of stress and even serious psychopathological manifestations such as claustrophobia or agoraphobia, which can generate serious episodes of anguish or anxiety. Note should be taken of the fact that work carried out in isolation is especially negative.
2.4.2. Uncertain future in the job
When uncertainty exists regarding the future in the job (dismissal, compulsory relocation, promotion), any issue is perceived as a threat, thus increasing the level of stress and dissatisfaction. Said uncertainty could be mitigated by informing affected workers of the possible changes sufficiently in advance.
2.4.3. Dangerous physical context
Logically, when the task to carry out or supervise is dangerous, this generates anxiety and a sense of threat in the worker. In these cases, the information and training given to the worker regarding the identification of risks and the measures to adopt to avoid these become especially important.
