The Quality of Work Index and the Quality of Employment Index: A Multidimensional Approach of Job Quality and Its Links to Well-Being at Work

Abstract

(1) Background: Job quality is a multidimensional and elusive concept that is back in vogue among social scientists and policymaker. The current study proposes a new job quality approach that is compared with the European Working Conditions Survey framework and structured with the help of the Job Demands-Resources model. Two new measures of job quality, the Quality of Work Index (QoW) and the Quality of Employment Index (QoE) are developed and validated in three different languages (German, French, Luxembourgish). The QoW is composed of 43 items, focusing on four areas of work—work intensity, job design, social conditions, and physical conditions (subdivided in eleven components)—which are particularly important for employees’ well-being. The QoE is composed of 13 items that cover training opportunities, career advancement, job security, employability, work life conflict, and income satisfaction. (2) Methods: Data were collected via computer-assisted telephone interviews in a representative sample of 1522 employees working in Luxembourg (aged 17–67 years; 57.2% male). (3) Results: Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the proposed factors structure and scalar measurement invariance for the three different language versions. Internal consistencies were satisfactory for all subscales (Cronbach’s α between 0.70 and 0.87). Correlations and hierarchical regression analyses with different psychological health measures (i.e., burnout, general well-being, psychosomatic complaints, work satisfaction, vigor) and subjective work performance confirmed the construct validity of the new instruments. (4) Conclusions: The QoW and the QoE are globally and on the level of the sub-categories effective tools to measure job quality, which could be used to compare job quality between organizations and different countries. Furthermore, the current study confirms associations between the different components of the QoW and QoE and employees’ health.

Inclusive Communication Model Supporting the Employment Cycle of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders

“…Employment is an integral part of life that provides individuals with a sense of financial security [ 1 ], determines self-esteem and social recognition [ 2 ], and has an impact on one’s wellbeing [ 3 ]. We now observe an expanding literature on the benefits of creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities [ 4 , 5 , 6 ], yet such individuals still experience a disproportionately high level of job insecurity, underemployment, and unemployment compared to workers without disabilities [ 7 ].…”

COVID-19 countermeasures at the workplace, psychological well-being, and mental health - a nationally representative latent class analysis of Luxembourgish employees

“…The present study was conducted as part of a research project on the quality of work and its effects on health and well-being in Luxembourg (Steffgen et al, 2020 ). This project was implemented by the University of Luxembourg in collaboration with the Luxembourg Chamber of Labor as an assessment over yearly waves since 2014.…”

Working Conditions of Young People in Luxembourg – A Health Perspective

“…Indeed, the link between poor psychosocial job quality and health and wellbeing among young people have been well established (e.g., Milner et al 2017). What constitutes high job quality is still under debate (Steffgen et al 2020). However, there is a consensus that it includes positive interactions with others (colleagues, supervisors, clients, etc.…”