The relationship between organizational policies and practices and work limitations among hospital patient care workers

Objective We examined relationships between organizational policies and practices (OPPs) (safety practices, ergonomic practices, and people‐oriented culture) and work limitations in a sample of hospital workers. Methods We used the 6‐item Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) to assess workers’ perceptions of health‐related work limitations. Self‐reported OPPs and the WLQ were collected from workers in Boston, Massachusetts (n = 1277). We conducted random‐intercept multi‐level logistic regression models for each OPP using stepwise selection of covariates. Results As the unit‐average ergonomic practice score increased by one, the odds of a worker reporting work limitations decreased by approximately 39% (P‐value = 0.018), adjusted for job title, age, and body mass index. A similar relationship existed for people‐oriented culture (P‐value = 0.038). The association between safety practices and work limitations was similar, but not statistically significant. Conclusions This study demonstrated the importance of workplace OPPs. OPPs that promote positive and supportive environments and that foster improvements in ergonomics may help reduce work limitations.