1. A Toxic Combination:Performance, Temporariness, and Struggling for Success in Early Working Life
- Author
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Nielsen, Mette Lykke, Winding, Trine Nøhr, Grytnes, Regine, Toft Rønberg, Mette, and Sørensen, Niels Ulrik
- Subjects
Work ,Arbejdsliv ,midlertidige ansættelser ,unge ,SDG 8 - Decent Work and Economic Growth ,trivsel ,precarity ,performance culture ,working environment ,mistrivsel ,SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being ,well-being ,Early work life ,Performancekultur ,temporary work ,identity ,mental health - Abstract
This article examines some of the conditions that can explain the rise in young workers’ mental health and well-being problems in early work life. Based on 30 qualitative interviews with Danish workers under 30, who all had experienced different kinds of mental health and well-being problems in early work life, it shows how poor working environment and employment conditions often are triggering factors for young workers’ mental health and well-being problems. Mental health and well-being in early work life seem to be linked to the conditions through which young workers’ cultivate themselves as valuable working subjects in a time where work is a crucial arena for self-formation and self-realization. It is concluded that the combination of performance-oriented workplace cultures, temporary employment, and young workers’ aiming to achieve success in their work life, is a toxic combination for mental health and well-being. This article examines some of the conditions that can explain the rise in young workers’ mental health and well-being problems in early work life. Based on 30 qualitative interviews with Danish workers under 30, who all had experienced different kinds of mental health and well-being problems in early work life, it shows how poor working environment and employment conditions often are triggering factors for young workers’ mental health and well-being problems. Mental health and well-being in early work life seem to be linked to the conditions through which young workers’ cultivate themselves as valuable working subjects in a time where work is a crucial arena for self-formation and self-realization. It is concluded that the combination of performance-oriented workplace cultures, temporary employment, and young workers’ aiming to achieve success in their work life, is a toxic combination for mental health and well-being.
- Published
- 2023