Measurement Tools to Evaluate Psychosocial Factors in a Changing Work Environment: A Rapid Literature Review

Abstract

This literature review examines the measurement instruments and questionnaires used to assess psychosocial factors in work environments. The focus is on their applicability across diverse professional settings. The review begins with identifying keywords and MeSH/EMTREE terms. Searches were then conducted across multiple databases and grey literature sources. The screening process identified 60 relevant articles. From these, 30 were selected to discuss the validity and reliability of various scales. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ) was found to be the most commonly used instrument, followed by the Job Content Questionnaire (JCQ), the Effort-Reward Imbalance (ERI) model, and the NIOSH General Job Stress Instrument. In Colombia, the evaluation of psychosocial risk factors in organizations is conducted using the _Batería de Instrumentos para la Evaluación de Factores de Riesgo Psicosocial_. This assessment provides a detailed evaluation of both intra-laboral and extra-laboral occupational psychosocial risk factors. Regarding reliability, all instruments identified and reviewed in this article had Cronbach's alpha values ranging from 0.7 to 0.9, indicating acceptable to excellent internal consistency, reliability, and validity for evaluating psychosocial risk factors in a representative work environment sample. Although each instrument is useful, adapting to evolving workplace dynamics is necessary for more comprehensive evaluations. The article emphasizes the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work arrangements, specifically remote and hybrid work, and highlights the need to evaluate psychosocial risk factors. The review provides insights into the changing landscape of work and the importance of addressing psychosocial factors to promote employee well-being and organizational effectiveness.