Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Sep 7, 2022
Date Accepted: Sep 25, 2023
Web-Based and Blended Training: Same Same but Different? A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Training Formats to Meet the Challenges of Flexible Work Designs
ABSTRACT
Background:
Workers with flexible work designs (FWD) face specific challenges such as difficulties to detach from work, to set boundaries between work and private life, and to recover.
Objective:
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an intervention to improve recovery, work-life balance, and well-being of workers with FWD compared to a waitlist control group. It also compares the effectiveness of a web-based training format and a blended training format.
Methods:
In the web-based training format, participants individually completed six web-based modules and daily tasks over six weeks, learning self-regulation strategies to meet the particular challenges of FWD. In the blended training format, participants attended three group sessions in addition to the six web-based modules. In a randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to a web-based intervention group (n = 196), to a blended intervention group (n = 198), or to a waitlist control group (n = 181). Study participants self-assessed their levels of primary outcomes (psychological detachment, satisfaction with work-life balance, and well-being) before the intervention as well as after the intervention, and at a four-week and six-month follow-up. The final sample included 373 participants (web-based intervention group: n = 107; blended intervention group: n = 129; control group: n = 137). Compliance was assessed as a secondary outcome.
Results:
Results of multilevel analyses were in line with our predictions that both training formats would improve psychological detachment, satisfaction with work-life balance, and well-being. We expected blended training to reinforce these effects, but blended training participants did not profit more from the intervention than web-based training participants. However, they reported to have had more social exchange, and blended training participants were more likely to adhere to the training.
Conclusions:
Thus, both the web-based and the blended training are effective tools to improve recovery, work-life balance, and well-being of workers with FWD. Group sessions can increase the likelihood that participants actively participate in web-based modules and exercises. Clinical Trial: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00032721; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00032721 (retrospectively registered)
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