Transport workers (primarily on-site) showed significantly better psychological well-being than University workers (primarily remote), with work organization, gender, and age identified as significant influencing factors.
Key Findings
Results
Transport workers showed significantly better global psychological well-being compared to University workers.
Mean global PWB score for transport workers was 87 ± 9 versus 72 ± 14 for University workers.
Differences were statistically significant at the global level and across all sub-dimensions: anxiety, depression, positive well-being, self-control, general health, and vitality.
Both groups demonstrated 'a general global satisfactory PWB.'
The study used the Psychological General Well-Being Index (PGWBI) as the assessment instrument.
Results
Age was negatively associated with psychological well-being among transport workers but not among University workers.
In transport workers, age showed a significant negative association with global PWB (β = -0.16; p < 0.001).
No significant association between age and PWB was demonstrated in the University group.
The transport company employed 427 workers, primarily engaged in on-site tasks.
Results
Female gender negatively affected global PWB perception only in University workers.
Female gender was negatively associated with global PWB in the University group (β = -9.0, p < 0.001).
No significant gender effect on PWB was reported for transport workers.
The University worker sample consisted of 445 employees involved in remote activities.
Results
On-site working mode was positively associated with global psychological well-being perception in University workers.
On-site work was positively associated with global PWB in University workers (β = 4.8; p = 0.042).
This finding was specific to the University group, where workers were involved in remote activities.
Working modes examined included on-site, remote, and hybrid arrangements.
Methods
The study used a cross-sectional design comparing workers from two distinct occupational sectors during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Data were collected from October 2020 to December 2021.
Total sample included 872 workers: 427 transport company employees and 445 University workers.
Transport workers were primarily engaged in on-site tasks while University workers were primarily involved in remote activities.
Psychological well-being was assessed using the Psychological General Well-Being Index.
Riccardi E, Leso V, Fontana L, Fusco F, Coppola M, Pacella D, et al.. (2026). The impact of the work organization on individuals' psychological well-being.. Frontiers in public health. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1677921