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Behavioral strategies for reducing disease transmission in the workplace
Author(s) -
Graviicole,
Nastasi Jessica A.,
Sleiman Andressa A.,
Matey Nicholas,
Simmons Davis E.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of applied behavior analysis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1938-3703
pISSN - 0021-8855
DOI - 10.1002/jaba.779
Subject(s) - psychological intervention , intervention (counseling) , social distance , work (physics) , psychology , hygiene , behavior change , personal protective equipment , pandemic , applied psychology , distancing , disease , covid-19 , medicine , social psychology , psychiatry , infectious disease (medical specialty) , engineering , mechanical engineering , pathology
The coronavirus pandemic highlighted that workplaces may serve as a hub of disease transmission if proper precautions are not enacted. The Centers for Disease Control recommends several strategies for decreasing the spread of illnesses in the workplace, including a) promoting proper hand hygiene, b) cleaning and sanitizing the work area, c) encouraging sick employees to stay home, d) personal protective equipment, and, e) social distancing. Research suggests that instructions are often not sufficient to change work behaviors, and behavioral interventions may be needed. Thus, the present paper reviews existing research that informs the implementation of behavioral strategies to reduce the spread of disease in the workplace, and makes recommendations for organizations to protect employees, clients, and customers. Intervention components such as training, prompts, the reduction of response effort, clear workplace policies, feedback, and consequences are discussed, and practical recommendations and suggestions for future research are provided.