A2 Review article, Literature review, Systematic review
Is work intensification bad for employees? A review of outcomes for employees over the last two decades (2023)

Mauno, S., Herttalampi, M., Minkkinen, J., Feldt, T., & Kubicek, B. (2023). Is work intensification bad for employees? A review of outcomes for employees over the last two decades. Work and Stress, 37(1), 100-125. https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2022.2080778

JYU authors or editors

Herttalampi, Mari
Mauno, Saija
Feldt, Taru

Publication details

All authors or editors: Mauno, Saija; Herttalampi, Mari; Minkkinen, Jaana; Feldt, Taru; Kubicek, Bettina

Journal or series: Work and Stress

ISSN: 0267-8373

eISSN: 1464-5335

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 25/05/2022

Volume: 37

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 100-125

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02678373.2022.2080778

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/82123

Abstract

Work intensification (WI) is a notable job stressor, which has been hypothesised to result in various negative outcomes for employees. However, earlier empirical studies regarding this stressor hypothesis have not yet been reviewed. Our narrative review focused on the outcomes for employees of WI as a perceived job stressor. Our review was based on selected qualitative and quantitative empirical studies (k = 44) published in peer-reviewed journals between the years 2000 and 2020. Altogether, the findings of these studies showed that WI was related to various negative outcomes for employees, such as impaired well-being and motivation, supporting the stressor hypothesis. Stressful WI manifested as perceived accelerated pace of work and increased effort and demands for effectivity at work. Nevertheless, other manifestations of WI (e.g. increased demands for learning) were not always associated with negative outcomes. The implications of these findings are discussed together with future directions.

Keywords: well-being at work; work satisfaction; working life; employees; improving efficiency; stress (biological phenomena); leadership (activity); effects (results)