Organizational studies suggest that certain psychosocial working conditions are liable to foster positive health outcomes, such as engaging in leisure-time physical activities. However, the psychosocial factors contributing to this improvement remain unexplored, particularly in the workplace and in the context of the decline observed in the physical activity level of the population worldwide. The objective of the study was to examine whether exposure to different combinations of psychosocial working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic predicts the probability of becoming physically active among Quebec workers. Job demands, job control, and physical activity were assessed three times during the first year of the pandemic via an online questionnaire among physically inactive workers (n = 440). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between various combinations of psychosocial risks and physical activity. A total of 117 participants became physically active during the study. After controlling for covariates, active jobs increased the odds of becoming physically active, compared to high-strain jobs (OR = 2.57 (95% CI 1.13 to 5.87)). Having a highly demanding job may not negatively impact physical activity if workers have enough job control to achieve the required tasks.

Objective: The aim of this study is to scope the literature on what is currently known between physical activity and presenteeism. Data Source: A search strategy was conducting in six scientific databases. Study Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: Studies written in English about the relation between physical activity and presenteeism were considered for inclusion. Data Extraction: Data on definitions and measurement of presenteeism and physical activity were extracted. Data Synthesis: The data is categorized according to the understanding of presenteeism of the studies to give a better idea of how this phenomenon is studied in relation to physical activity. Results: After screening 9773 titles and abstracts and 269 full-text articles, 57 unique articles fulfilled our eligibility criteria. The majority of the articles were published since 2010 and originated predominantly in the United States. Most studies (70%) define presenteeism as lost productivity due to health problems, according to the American line of research, whereas 19% of the studies define it as “working while ill” which refers to the European line of research. The studies that reflected the American school of thought tends to report more results that supported their hypothesis (i.e., that more physical activity is associated with less presenteeism). Conclusion: This review has highlighted the homogeneity in how presenteeism is conceptualized and measured in studies included in our sample. Research on physical activity and presenteeism should be expanded across various disciplines in social sciences to respond to the needs that many researchers have expressed to promote healthier organizations.

Introduction Considering that physical activity plays a key role in the health of workers, a growing number of researchers are studying its relationship with various workplace outcomes, such as presenteeism. Numerous scientists recognise the relevance of further studying this relationship in order to improve our understanding of it. However, studies about the association between physical activity and presenteeism show some discrepancy in the results obtained. Disparity in the way of measuring presenteeism makes it even more challenging to compare results. In addition, it remains difficult to determine the optimal frequency, intensity, duration and type of physical activity to increase the productivity benefits of physical activity. In light of these issues, clarification through a scoping review of the literature on the subject is warranted. Method and analysis A search strategy will be conducted in six scientific databases: MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ABI Inform Global, Web of Science and Business Source Premier. A screening process by two independent reviewers will lead to study selection. Quantitative and qualitative studies written in English about the relation between physical activity and presenteeism will be considered for inclusion. Data on the definition and measurement of presenteeism as well as the measurement of physical activity will be extracted. Additional data will be extracted to provide a descriptive overview of studies that have examined the relationship between presenteeism and physical activity. Ethics and dissemination As this study will be based only on published studies, ethics approval is not required. Through the manner in which the included studies will be presented (categorised by their approach to presenteeism), this scoping review has the potential to improve our understanding of some of the inconsistencies observed in the literature. This review can also identify gaps in the existing evidence base and lead to new avenues of research.

Objective: Firefighters are exposed to carcinogens from combustion, necessitating decontamination practices. This study developed and validated the Firefighter Exposure to Carcinogens Scale (FECS) to assess exposure-mitigating behaviors. Methods: The sample included 179 volunteer firefighters from across Canada, comprising both English and French speakers, evaluated 20 items on exposure prevention across the following three dimensions: perceived importance, past behavior, and future intention. Principal axis factor analysis was conducted, and parallel analysis based on principal components determined the number of factors. McDonald’s Omega measured internal consistency, and item-total correlations were examined. Results: A one-factor solution was acceptable for all scales, with high coefficient omega values indicating strong internal consistency. Small mean differences between language groups were nonsignificant, and no correlations were found with demographic variables. Conclusions: The FECS is a reliable, valid one-factor model for both languages, supporting cancer prevention efforts.

At the individual level, physical activity is one of the interventions that has been recommended to prevent burnout during COVID-19. In a post-pandemic context where organisations have considerably changed, the promotion of physical activity as an organisational intervention still appears to be very useful to prevent burnout. However, there are some paradoxes unexplained in the scientific literature that hinder our understanding of the relationship between physical activity and burnout, and ultimately, the use of physical activity as a resource to prevent burnout. The purpose of this chapter is therefore to shed light on certain contradictions regarding physical activity and its potential benefits to help prevent burnout through the recovery process. Specifically, we attempt to provide some answers to the following critically important questions emerging from our reading of conflicting studies on the relationship between physical activity and burnout: Is physical activity practiced during work time as beneficial for health as when done during non-work time? Do only sedentary office workers benefit from occupational physical activity?