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Abstract
ObjectiveTo examine 5-year prospective associations between working conditions and work ability among employees in Germany.MethodsA cohort study (2011/2012–2017), based on a random sample of employees in employments subject to payment of social contributions aged 31–60 years (Study on Mental Health at Work; S-MGA; N = 2,078), included data on physical and quantitative demands, control (influence, possibilities for development, control over working time), relations (role clarity and leadership quality) and work ability (Work Ability Index, WAI; subscale ‘subjective work ability and resources’). Data were analysed using linear regression.ResultsPhysical demands and control were associated with small 5-year changes in work ability (ΔR2 = 1%). Among the subgroup of employees with ≥ 25 sickness days, possibilities for development, control and quality of leadership were associated with changes in work ability (ΔR2 = 8%).ConclusionsThe impact of working conditions on long term changes in work ability seems to be negligible. However, in vulnerable subpopulations experiencing poor health, working conditions may be associated to a larger extent to work ability over this time span.
Highlights
Promoting and maintaining work ability is a main goal for employees and employers, as well as for policy makers and social security systems
In model 1, adjusted for age and socioeconomic status (SES) at baseline, all physical and quantitative demands were associated with a decreased level of work ability, while all factors within the job control and relational domains were associated with increased levels of work ability
We examined 5-year prospective associations between physical and psychosocial working conditions and changes in work ability in a sample of employees in Germany
Summary
Promoting and maintaining work ability is a main goal for employees and employers, as well as for policy makers and social security systems. The effective management of work ability has a primary role in reducing disability costs and securing gainful employment for the workers, productive workplaces for the employers, and a healthy economy for society. To reach this goal, in-depth knowledge is needed of factors influencing work ability, including working conditions. A widely used measure of work ability is the Work Ability Index (WAI) (van den Berg et al 2009). This measure is based on the definition of work ability as an individual’s current and future potential to handle his/her work tasks given his/her pool of physical and psychological resources (Ilmarinen et al 2008). Being more modifiable than individual factors, work-related antecedents of work ability play a major role in the promotion and prevention of work ability
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