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This article develops a multi-level framework for the analysis of a bottom-up politics of technology at the workplace. It draws on a multi-case study on algorithmic management of manual labor in manufacturing and delivery platforms in Germany. In researching how workers influenced the use of algorithmic management systems, the concept of technopolitics is developed to refer to three different arenas of negotiation: (1) the arena of regulation, where institutional framings of technologies in production are negotiated, typically between state actors, employers' associations, and unions. (2) The arena of implementation, where strategies of technology deployment are negotiated—in the German production model typically between management and works council. (3) The arena of appropriation, in which different organizational technocultures offer contesting schemes for the actual use of technology at work. Whereas most recent research on digitalization of work conceptualizes workers as mere objects of digitalization processes, this paper focuses on worker agency as a "technopolitics from below." It thus demonstrates how workers influence the concrete outcome of digitalization projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In the field of gynecology and obstetrics, studies exploring the workplace situation are important. We conducted this study with the overall aim to assess the subjective perception of working conditions of OB/GYNs in German hospitals. Since gender ratios are changing among German physicians in general and among OB/GYNs in particular, a special focus was put on gender-based differences.Methods: This study uses data from the iCEPT Study (n = 7090). From this database, data from physicians working in the field of gynecology and obstetrics (n = 381) were analyzed. The iCEPT questionnaire was based upon established questionnaires.Results: 92.1 % (95 % CI 89.2-95.3) of respondents stated to be often under time pressure and 89.8 % (95 % CI 87.6-93.3) stated frequent disturbances during work time. Women felt significantly more often under time pressure than men (OR = 2.73; 95 % CI 1.25-5.92; p = 0.009). Moreover, only about every third respondent stated to be in control of his or her work. Feedback about their work was received by 27.6 % (95 % CI 23.4-32.1) of respondents. However, male physicians got significantly more often feedback with an odds ratio of OR = 2.03 (95 % CI 1.21-3.41; p = 0.007). In regard to job satisfaction, about one in two (55.1 %; 95 % CI 50.4-60.2) stated to be satisfied with his or her job. However, men seemed more often satisfied than women with an OR = 1.98 (95 % CI 1.18-3.32; p = 0.009). No significant gender difference was seen in the analysis of the social climate and the social support.Conclusions: It is important to be aware of the documented gender differences regarding perception of working conditions. In order to sustain the gender diversity in the specialty of OB/GYNs these differences should be resolved. Special attention should be drawn to the improvement of job demands and control of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As of May 3, 2011, workplace-related muscular skeletal rehabilitation has been a rehabilitation module within the German Statutory Accident Insurance (DGUV). Essential components of the procedure include compiling and documenting detailed standardized functional workplace profiles. A comparison of these profiles enables existing physical deficits to be identified and adequate deficit-orientated therapy to be planned. The effectiveness of workplace-related musculoskeletal rehabilitation was measured by means of a prospective monitoring study. Commercial and industrial employees (both male and female) aged between 20 and 65 years at the time of their accident were included in the study. Numerous rehabilitation process parameters, the results of re-entry to work as well as residual reductions in work capacity were evaluated. Immediately following workplace-related musculoskeletal rehabilitation, work capacity for the last job performed could be achieved. The number of cases of a reduction in work capacity was low. Workplace-related musculoskeletal rehabilitation proved to be a highly successful specific therapy, supporting re-entry to work within a minimum period of time. Further, possibly randomized studies for sustainable evidence of efficiency are desirable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective for this study was to address the lack of information regarding the working conditions in the operating room (OR). Safety issues in the OR need to be discussed not only for the sake of patients, but also for personnel, as hazards may occur for all persons within the OR.Methods: To evaluate the workplace conditions in the operating room, a survey was conducted among surgeons working in German hospitals. Sixty questions were asked regarding the personal profile, the architectural situation, the devices and instruments as well as working posture and associated pain.Results: The survey showed elementary ergonomic deficiencies within all fields. Surgeons stated that these deficiencies lead to potential hazards for patients and personnel, potentially on a frequent basis. 97% of the surveyed surgeons see ergonomic improvement in the operating room as necessary.Conclusion: The survey results display a high potential for improvement within all fields. Therefore, industry, surgeons and their professional organizations are asked to work on the optimization of the workplace conditions in the operating room in terms of improvement of quality and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]