Associations between lack of professional recognition and health indicators remain stable despite market uncertainty

Casini, Annalisa [UCL] Mahieu, Céline [ULB] Clays, Els [Ghent University, Belgium] Godin, Isabelle [ULB] Kittel, France [ULB]

Background: Building on Honneth’s “Theory of recognition”, we identified strong associations between lack of recognition in the work place and several health indicators. In this study we tested the hypothesis that these associations vary as a function of job uncertainty level which we suppose to modify the recognition processes. Methods: Longitudinal and cross-sectional data from BELSTRESS III study (N=2876) were analyzed by way of logistic regressions. 4 recognition dimensions (social esteem, rights, existential recognition from colleagues, and supervisors) were included as factors. Absenteeism, presenteeism, SPH, back pain and depression were included as outcomes. Stratifications for job insecurity and globalization were applied. Findings: All 4 recognition dimensions were strongly associated with all health indicators (ORs between 1.21 and 3.93) but, contrary to our hypothesis, no variation in associations’ strength was observed for stratified data. Discussion: More research is needed for better grasp the specificities of the link between recognition in the workplace and health when these dynamics are embedded within the novel work forms in the post-taylorist labor market.