Psychosocial work conditions and work stress in an innovating addiction treatment centre. Consequences for the EFQM Excellence Model

In the Job Demand Control Model (JDCM) and the EFQM Excellence Model, psychosocial work conditions are regarded as critical factors for the functioning of the personnel and the organisation. In order to gain insight into the role of work conditions for the development of work strain and well-being, an empirical study was conducted in an innovating addiction treatment centre in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Work Stress Monitor on Mental Health (WSMMH) was used as a measure of the JDCM. A cohort of 209 employees of an addiction treatment centre, in which a far-reaching innovation programme was carried out, participated in this study. With the exception of physical demands, job demands, were high, whereas job controls and the organisational supports were low. Seven out of the 18 work condition scales significantly predicted work strain and well-being. Age and educational level were positive related to well-being. Compared with other health care sectors, work in this addiction treatment centre can be characterised as high-demand low-control and thus as a high strain job. Seven important predictors for this undesirable situation were identified. These predictors can be translated into criteria for the EFQM Excellence Model and can be used to enhance the overall quality of addiction treatment services.