YOUNG PEOPLE AT work are taking responsibility for their own ability, which may not be a good thing say researchers at a university in Sweden.

According to researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy at Gothenburg University, young people regard themselves as being responsible for acquiring new knowledge and motivation in the workplace.

“It is really serious when young people feel that they must assume responsibility for their own work ability. The employer, of course, has a large responsibility for creating good conditions in working life and one should not expect young people to assume such a large responsibility,” says Maria Boström, ergonomist/qualified physiotherapist and doctoral researcher in Occupational and Environmental Medicine.

Boström’s previous research has shown that 21-25 year-olds benefit from having control over their jobs, receiving support and not having their private lives affected negatively by their work.

In one of her studies 24 persons aged 25-30 years were interviewed in depth about their perception of their own work ability, what it meant to have work ability and what was it that made it fluctuate over time.

“They perceived that it is up to them. I’m the one who has to experience working life as being meaningful and I’m the one who has to possess knowledge and then be able to solve everything myself. I believe it is unfortunate that they perceive things in that way.

“They perceive that if the boss is friendly, warm and provides support, work ability is enhanced, but they do not expect the boss to create conditions for a good work ability.”

Boström says that young workers should know when to rest.

“One needs to know when one can speak out and when one should speak out, for example when one has too much to do. Recovery is important, not least of all for young people in working life.”

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