Einfluss von verhaltens- und verhältnispräventiven Maßnahmen auf die Arbeitsbewältigungsfähigkeit in der Sekundär- und Tertiärprävention im Setting Büro (Bildschirmarbeitsplatz)

Abstract

Effect of behavioural and situational prevention on work ability in secondary and tertiary prevention in an office setting (display screen equipment (DSE) workstation) Objectives: The subject of work ability is becoming increasingly important in light of changing work requirements in parallel with an ageing workforce. It is already noticeable that a large number of employees do not work until the statutory retirement age due to physical and mental complaints (Statista Research Department 2019). A lack of movement (sedentary behaviour), unilateral repetitive strain and a workspace that is not ergonomically designed to individual requirements all play a decisive role in an office setting. This study investigated the effect of the Sedus ergo+ concept (combination of situational and behavioural prevention) on the work ability of health-impaired office workers. Methods: The data of n = 21 employees were collected over 12 weeks in a pre-post test design in order to assess work ability (single parameter of the Work Ability Index [WAI]). The distribution of the data was examined and the data were analysed by using the t-test for dependent samples or Wilcoxon test. Results: With regard to the work ability score (WAS), the study showed that current work ability increased by 26.57 % (p < 0.001). The assessment of current work ability in relation to the physical and mental demands of the job showed an increase of 16.88 % and 8.64 % respectively (p < 0.05 and p = 0.141 respectively). A similar result was found with regard to the estimated impairment of job performance due to sickness, with an increase of 14.22 % (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It can be assumed that measures which take account of behavioural and situational prevention as well as the individual requirements of employees in workspace design have positive effects in terms of physical and mental health and work ability. Keywords: work ability – prevention – health promotion – sedentary behavior – display screen equipment (DSE) workstation