We performed a case study on a company focusing on the form of management and the shop floor workers, in order to identify the possible effects of participant work strategies on workers' health. Data on the company included its history, type of management, and organization of both production and the work process. Data on shop floor workers included age, schooling, perceptions of work, family life, recreation, and self-reported disease history. We concluded that the characteristics of the management model adopted by the company originated from ideas imported from Japan, including flexibilization of production, outsourcing, performance of multiple tasks, and participation in the work process. Workers referred to participation in the work process in an ambiguous tone. Some reported positive effects, like greater freedom and respect, with positive effects on life both inside and outside the workplace. For part of the group studied, the characteristics of the work organization model practiced in the company had negative effects on health, leading them to complain of insomnia, nervousness, work-related dreams, and headaches.
Occupational Health; Organizational Behavior; Social Psychology