2023 Volume 89 Issue 3 Pages 83-95
The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the reliability and validity of employeesʼ own recognition and attitude scale regarding support for balancing medical treatment and work (treatment-work balance support) in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Based on a literature review on treatment-work balance support, and discussions among researchers familiar with SMEs, draft items were prepared and revised. A self-administered, anonymous questionnaire survey targeted employees of SMEs was conducted via paper or web.
The questionnaire was distributed to 650 employees, and 420 valid responses with no missing values were analyzed. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis were performed to extract factors; subsequently, the construct validity, concurrent validity, reliability, and model fit were examined. Three factors were extracted, and named as follows: “Employeesʼ own recognition of workplace initiatives for treatment-work balance support” (Factor 1, 9 items); “Employeesʼ own understanding of professionalsʼ roles in treatment-work balance support” (Factor 2, 5 items); and “Employeesʼ own attitude and self-efficacy regarding treatment-work balance support” (Factor 3, 6 items). The Cronbachʼs alpha was 0.95, 0.94, and 0.87, respectively. Modified indices were checked to increase model fit in confirmatory factor analysis, and correlations between the variables were assumed. The final model fit indices were GFI＝0.86, AGFI＝0.81, CFI＝0.93, RMSEA＝0.09, AIC＝776.4. The first factor is considered to measure the extent to which employees themselves perceive that their workplace is implementing initiatives, such as establishing policies to treatment-work balance support, and instilling them in employees, while the other two factors are considered to measure employeesʼ understanding and attitude as a ripple effect, thus confirming the construct validity.
Further, a significant positive correlation was found between the total score for treatment-work balance support and “psychological safety” or “work engagement,” indicating the validity of the external criterion. By utilizing the scale developed in this study before and after the support, it will be possible to verify and visualize the effectiveness of treatment-work balance support in SMEs and identify effective support measures. This is expected to draw the interest and attention of SME employers and to promote the dissemination and implementation of support for treatment-work balance.
