Biological Sex as a Moderator of Work Determinants of Health: Implications for Work and Stress.

This study examined whether biological sex moderates the relationship between experiences of workplace culture and urinary levels of catecholamines and their metabolites. We conducted a series of regression analyses (predictors: 3-methoxytyramine (3MT), 5-hydroxyindolacetic (5HIAA), and dopamine (DA); outcomes: employee engagement and workplace culture) in a sample of 218 participants. Compared to men, women rated workplace culture less positively (r = -0.210; p < 0.01) and had stronger positive associations with 3MT (r = 0.328; p < 0.001), DA (r = 0.376; p < 0.001), and 5HIAA (r = 0.168; p < 0.01). There was a significant moderation effect between 3MT and sex on employee engagement (b = -1.76 (SE = 0.84); p < 0.01), and 3MT had a positive significant association for men with engagement (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant association for women. Findings suggest that for women, less positive experiences with workplace culture could elevate 3MT, stimulating sympathetic nervous tone and potentially amplifying risks for negative health outcomes. Conversely, men who reported higher employee engagement had higher levels of 3MT, suggesting possible health risks associated with high levels of engagement, rather than lack of engagement. Overall, study findings suggested differential health risks based on biological sex, potentially impacting health risk policy development.

Workplace Culture and Biomarkers of Health Risk.

Workplace culture has been studied for impact on health risk; however, connections with robust biologic markers of health remain to be established. We examined associations between the work environment and urinary levels of catecholamines and their metabolites as biomarkers of sympathetic nervous system activity, indicative of stress. We recruited participants (n = 219; 2018-2019) from a cardiovascular risk cohort to investigate workplace culture, well-being, and stress. Participants completed seven questionnaires. Urine samples were used to measure catecholamines and their metabolites by LC/MS/MS. Pearson correlation and linear regression models were used after adjusting for demographics and creatinine. Participants reporting higher well-being had lower urinary levels of dopamine, serotonin, and 3-methoxytyramine. Participants reporting a more engaged and more positive workplace had lower levels of dopamine and 3-methoxytyramine. Reported workplace isolation was correlated with higher levels of dopamine and 3-methoxytyramine. Given correlations between catecholamines, we used 3-methoxytyramine for linear regression. In fully adjusted models, in environments with a more positive culture, levels of 3-methoxytyramine remained lower (ß = -0.065 ± 0.025, p = 0.01) and indicated a positive association between workplace isolation and 3-methoxytyramine (ß = 0.064 ± 0.030, p = 0.04). These findings are consistent with an important relationship between workplace environment and sympathetic nervous system activity.