Downsizing, changes in work, and self-rated health of employees: A 7-year 3-wave panel study

The question of whether changes in work and interpersonal relationships med iate the adverse effects of downsizing on health of employees was explored. Longitudinal data from a 7-year study of 550 municipal workers in a variet y of jobs was collected before, immediately after, and 4 years after downsi zing. The degree of downsizing for each job category was assessed using org anizational records of contracted days worked. Downsizing predicted adverse changes in work characteristics and a long-lasting decline in self-rated h ealth. Decreased job control, high job insecurity and increased physical de mands, in combination, appeared to be the linking mechanism between downsiz ing and general health. interestingly. social conflict did not play a role in the mediation process.