Background
The aim of this study was to explore differences in self-reported working conditions, work satisfaction, and self-reported health in companies of differing size.
Methods
Representative data were analysed from the survey of working conditions in Germany (n=20,000) that was conducted in 2005/06 by the Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) and the Federal Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA).
Results
In small companies, a considerably higher percentage of employees are exposed to physical workload than in large ones, whereas exposure to psychological workload is less prevalent in comparison. Job control is slightly higher in small businesses, but for social support, general work satisfaction, and self-reported health, no significant differences could be found.
Conclusions
Results do not suggest that the need for occupational safety and health interventions is higher in small enterprises, but different size-specific foci of preventive action can be derived from our data. More, and methodologically refined research is needed to clarify the relationship between company size on one hand and the level of job control and social support on the other.