Project
Viisikko – Five themes of brain work
The Viisikko study opens up five new perspectives on cognitive brain work using more multidimensional data than previous research. The research project combines workload, cognitive psychology and work life research models into a new theoretical framework needed to understand the state of modern work life.
Objectives
- The cognitive requirements of work, i.e. information processing and working with information, have increased in work life. As a result of this so-called brain work, the cognitive workload has become a central stress factor in almost every field. Cognitive overload affects functional capacity: disruptions, interruptions and an uncontrolled flood of messages transmitted by technology impair performance and predispose people to errors in paying attention and incidents in the health care sector, for example, and to occupational accidents in the manufacturing industry. Cognitive stress factors also endanger well-being and health.
- Although cognitive load has become a significant component of psychosocial workload and there is evidence of its adverse effects, previous research has not precisely specified the cognitive elements of work, except in specific safety-critical areas.
- The Viisikko research project carries out new research concerning the majority of the workforce and ordinary jobs in various industries and occupations. This will also provide information to support decision-making; which shortcomings need to be addressed and which solutions need to be promoted in order to make the brain work of today and tomorrow healthy and effective.
- The Viisikko study opens up five new perspectives on cognitive brain work using more multidimensional data than previous research. The research project combines workload, cognitive psychology and work life research models into a new theoretical framework needed to understand the state of modern work life.
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The aim of Viisikko is to:
- understand the nature of work-related cognitive elements;
- understand the link between work-related cognitive elements and stress, recovery and work performance;
- identify work-related psychosocial and cognitive stress profiles associated with high stress levels and poor recovery;
- define the brain work load index, i.e. the cognitive and psychosocial components most relevant to the overall brain work load; and
- understand the experience of a high cognitive workload.
Data and methods
- The brain work load index developed in the Viisikko study will be tested and utilized during the project with pilot clients.
- Piloting is carried out in connection with our service projects and the activities of occupational health services using the method by offering occupational psychologists the opportunity to use a new short survey version.
Our experts
Virpi Kalakoski
Email
virpi.kalakoski [at] ttl.fi
Phone
+358 30 474 2242
Research group
Virpi Kalakoski, Maarit Kauppi, Kirsi Luokkala, Teemu Paajanen, Teppo Valtonen, Jukka Kärkimaa, Suvi Ahtinen, Heidi Lahti
Funding
The Finnish Work Environment Fund
