@Article{info:doi/10.2196/42510,
author="Althammer, Sarah Elena
and W{\"o}hrmann, Anne Marit
and Michel, Alexandra",
title="Comparing Web-Based and Blended Training for Coping With Challenges of Flexible Work Designs: Randomized Controlled Trial",
journal="J Med Internet Res",
year="2023",
month="Dec",
day="19",
volume="25",
pages="e42510",
keywords="blended training; web-based training; psychological detachment; well-being; work-life balance",
abstract="Background: Workers with flexible work designs (FWDs) face specific challenges, such as difficulties in detaching from work, setting boundaries between work and private life, and recovering from work. Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention in improving the recovery, work-life balance, and well-being of workers with FWDs compared with a waitlist control group. It also compares the effectiveness of a web-based training format and blended training format. Methods: In the web-based training format, participants individually completed 6 web-based modules and daily tasks over 6 weeks, learning self-regulation strategies to meet the particular challenges of FWDs. In the blended training format, participants attended 3 group sessions in addition to completing the 6 web-based modules. In a randomized controlled trial, participants were assigned to a web-based intervention group (196/575, 34.1{\%}), blended intervention group (198/575, 34.4{\%}), or waitlist control group (181/575, 31.5{\%}). Study participants self-assessed their levels of primary outcomes (psychological detachment, satisfaction with work-life balance, and well-being) before the intervention, after the intervention, at a 4-week follow-up, and at a 6-month follow-up. The final sample included 373 participants (web-based intervention group: n=107, 28.7{\%}; blended intervention group: n=129, 34.6{\%}; and control group: n=137, 36.7{\%}). Compliance was assessed as a secondary outcome. Results: The results of multilevel analyses were in line with our hypothesis 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: Both web-based and blended training are effective tools for improving the recovery, work-life balance, and well-being of workers with FWDs. Group sessions can increase the likelihood of participants actively participating in web-based modules and exercises. Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00032721; https://drks.de/search/en/trial/DRKS00032721 ",
issn="1438-8871",
doi="10.2196/42510",
url="https://www.jmir.org/2023/1/e42510",
url="https://doi.org/10.2196/42510",
url="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/38113084"
}