Assessment of work ability and vitality—a study of teachers of different age groups

Abstract

This study was performed to analyse work ability and vitality of teachers of different age groups (group 1: < 45 years, group 2: ≥ 45 years) working at comprehensive secondary schools. Particularly, we were interested in detecting factors influencing work ability. 100 female teachers were included in this analysis. A multidisciplinary approach was applied, including life style analysis, work anamnesis, work ability index, scores of the effort–reward-imbalance (ERI) and of the relaxation inability (RI), burnout risks analysis (Maslach Burnout Inventory) as well as different physical, mental and social parameters of the participants, which were analysed by a so called measuring station of vitality. It was shown that already 24% of teachers of the younger age group and 49% of the elderly teachers show a poor/moderate work ability, which indicates an urgent need for measures for improving work ability. More than 50% of teachers suffer from psychic (exhaustion, fatigue, memory and concentration problems) and muscular–skeletal disorders. Factors positively influencing work ability are a low number of physical and psychological complaints, an appropriate relation between effort and reward at work and a low burnout risk. Factors which could be identified to be related to a low work ability are a high number of health complaints, a low level of physical fitness and an inappropriate waist–hip ratio. Measures for preventing a decline of work ability of teachers with increasing age should focus on identifying the reasons for health complaints, on measures which focus on effort and reward at work and on a healthy life style (avoiding individual health risk factors). Actions for promotion work ability of teachers are an important objective for preventing teachers from early retirement.