Illegitimate tasks in health care: Illegitimate task types and associations with occupational well‐being

Aims and objectives The aims of the study were to identify content categories unreasonable unnecessary illegitimate tasks investigate how relate occupational wellbeing. Background Illegitimate are a common stressor among healthcare professionals, they have been shown negative associations with well-being. Despite this evidence, research has not yet uncovered what kinds professionals consider illegitimate. Design method data gathered by means an online survey consisted 1024 municipal organisation employees. A theory-driven qualitative analysis was used analyse freely reported tasks. For well-being associations, mixed-methods approach (ANCOVA linear regression analysis). STROBE statement—checklist for cross-sectional studies used. Results Eight found tasks, these (1) outside one's role (78% all tasks), (2) conflicting or unclear demands (9%), (3) insufficient resources (8%) (4) difficult consequences (5%), impractical outdated working habits (31% related dysfunctional technology (30%), procedures (27%) bureaucratic (12%). Unreasonable associated higher levels burnout lower work engagement meaningfulness work. Conclusions Our findings support theory that effects on burnout, Relevance clinical practice offers insights into types health care employees see as highlights importance good job design in promoting care.