Work Ability Research Articles

BackgroundIn Thailand's agricultural sector, physically demanding labor and a high prevalence of chronic health conditions present substantial challenges to maintaining work capacity. However, few tools are available to assess work capacity among farmers.ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Thai version of the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (Thai WFun).MethodsThe study involved 385 rice farmers from Prakhon Chai district, Buriram province, Thailand, during November and December 2023. The WFun was translated from Japanese to Thai using a standard translation procedure. Participants then completed questionnaires, including the Thai WFun and the Work Ability Index (WAI). The convergent validity between the Thai WFun and WAI was examined through analysis of variance with linear trend tests. The factorial validity was assessed through confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) based on a one-factor model. The reliability of the Thai WFun was assessed using Cronbach's alpha.ResultsA significant linear trend was observed, indicating that as WAI scores decreased, Thai WFun scores increased (p < 0.001). Sub-factor analyses revealed similar patterns, including the physical and mental demands of work, a comparison with highest work ability ever, and absenteeism in the past year (all p < 0.001). CFA results demonstrated a reasonable model fit. The scale exhibited moderate internal consistency, with Cronbach's alpha of 0.668.ConclusionsThe findings validate the Thai WFun as a reliable tool for assessing work capacity among rice farmers, with potential to guide tailored occupational health strategies in agriculture.

This study aims to analyze the influence of interpersonal skills (soft skills) and practical skills (hands-on skills) on the work readiness of students at the Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” East Java in the 2021 academic year. The approach used was quantitative with a survey method through the distribution of questionnaires to 79 respondents. The collected data were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) technique. The results of the study indicate that both interpersonal skills and practical skills play an important role in improving students' work ability or work readiness. This finding confirms that mastery of two types of skills, namely technical skills (technical skills) and non-technical skills (non-technical skills), is essential for students to be able to adapt and compete in the world of work. Thus, educational institutions are expected to balance the development of academic aspects and practical skills to prepare graduates who are ready to face professional challenges.

BackgroundDespite the high physical, psychological, and artistic demands, professional dancers still lack holistic and interdisciplinary workplace support comparable to elite sport. This study examines challenges and opportunities within the work ability framework for implementing measures in theaters to maintain work ability and enhance performance ability.MethodsAn exploratory sequential mixed methods design (QUAL ➜ quan) was used. 25 guided interviews with n=14 leaders (47.1 ± 9.9 years) and n=11 professional dancers (30.2 ± 3.9 years) were conducted and analyzed using qualitative content analysis following Mayring. An online questionnaire survey of n=75 professional dancers (28.76 ± 7.74 years) with 62.7% female, 36% male, and 1.3% non-binary, was administered. The questionnaire consisted of sociodemographic data, the Work Ability Index (WAI) and items based on the results of the qualitative data, with respondents required to rank them. Factors influencing the work ability were tested using several generalized linear models and model comparisons as well as Kruskal–Wallis rank sum and t-test.ResultsThe primary challenges can be categorized as structural and personal (leaders/dancers). Emerging challenges address e.g., the definition of work and performance ability, work organization, preservation of tradition and interpersonal communication. WAI ranges from moderate (36%) to good (33.3%). Working as a Demi-soloist (Kruskal–Wallis chi-squared = 5.2141, df = 1, p-value = 0.0224), in a larger ensemble (Kruskal–Wallis chi-squared = 5.3075, df = 1, p-value = 0.02123) and/or within hierarchical structures (t = -1.7777, df = 52.038, p-value = 0.0813) has a negative impact on WAI. In the context of areas for improvement and development, the most prioritized item was ‘Support and care of the dancers comparable to elite sports‘ (49.3%).ConclusionsIn order to integrate the importance of performance ability into existing company structures and adapt them accordingly, measures must be taken at both a structural and individual level. Contextual factors such as ensemble size and hierarchical structures need to be considered, with particular attention to vulnerable groups like demi-soloists when developing empowerment strategies. The model of integrated performance ability in professional dance reveals that performance ability is co-produced through continuous alignment between individual performers and institutional structures, necessitating interventions that address both personal capacity-building and organizational adaptation.

BackgroundWorkplace settings are increasingly affected by public health issues that impact both physical and mental performance of employees.ObjectiveSince physical exercise (PE) is a powerful tool for enhancing health across multiple dimensions, we aimed to address the physical, and psychological aspects of health and well-being in the workplace to foster a supportive and conducive environment.MethodsThe present case control study was conducted in a metal industry in 2024 in Iran. The data were obtained among 500 workers. Blood parameters, the Health and Safety Executive job stress questionnaire, the NASA Task Load Index, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, the Cognitive Failure Questionnaire, and the Work Ability Index were used to measure workers' health and well-being status. Independent t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analysis were the main tests used in this study.ResultsThe results of clinical characteristics in the studied groups indicated that physical exercise significantly increased White Blood Cell (WBC) and platelet counts on one hand, and significantly decreased Body Mass Index (BMI), Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), cholesterol, and triglyceride levels on the other hand (p-value < 0.05). Moreover, better psychological performance and work ability were observed among those who exercised regularly (p-value < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings indicate that regular PE is associated with improvements in BMI, WBC, FBS and lipid profile. Furthermore, PE positively influences occupational stress, cognitive performance, mental workload, and sleep quality. Finally, a holistic strategy for enhancing workplace health, incorporating modifiable health related behavior especially regular physical exercise initiatives, could be customized and implemented in workplaces.

People face stressful situations in different ways and exhibit different work-related behaviors and experiences that can be assigned to a pattern (Arbeitsbezogenes Verhaltens- und Erlebensmuster - AVEM). The aim of the study was to determine the mental health and work ability of female kindergarten teachers and their relationship to their individual AVEM patterns. In the cross-sectional study, 185 German teachers (D) and 107 Ukrainian teachers (UA) filled out AVEM-questionnaire. Mental health and work ability were recorded using questionnaires. Group comparisons were carried out between the kindergarten teachers in both countries. A total of 126 German and 83 Ukrainian kindergarten teachers could be clearly assigned to 1 of the 4 AVEM patterns: A - effort (18.3% G vs. 38.6% UA), B - burnout (24.6% D vs. 24.1% UA), G - health (17.5% D vs. 25.3% UA) and S - protection (39.7% D vs. 12.0% UA, p < 0.001). German kindergarten teachers rated their work ability (mean [M] ± standard deviation [SD] 7.3±1.7 pts) lower than Ukrainian kindergarten teachers (M±SD 8.0±1.4 pts, p < 0.001). Both groups cope equally well with physical demands, but Ukrainian teachers cope better with mental demands (M±SD 3.7±0.7 pts vs. 3.4±0.8 pts, p = 0.005). Mental health was subjectively impaired in 16.7% of German and 9.6% of Ukrainian kindergarten teachers (p = 0.160). Overall, German teachers rated their mental health worse with M±SD 11.8±5.3 pts (General Health Questionnaire total score) than their Ukrainian colleagues with M±SD 8.9±4.6 pts (p < 0.001). The analysis of individual AVEM patterns can be a helpful basis for identifying health-endangering patterns as well as resources and thus establishing measures to maintain the health of teachers. Int J Occup Med Environ Health 2025;38(5).

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disorder that typically shows accumulation of disability, affecting the ability to work. The disease severity is usually graded by physicians with the expanded disability status scale (EDSS) in the clinic, but patient-reported outcome questionnaires are also available, like the Multiple Sclerosis Impact Scale (MSIS-29) or Fatigue Scale for Motor and Cognitive Functions (FSMC). The aim of this work was to investigate the quantitative link between disease severity and the number of days with MS-related sickness benefits from registry data (the Swedish MS registry and the Swedish Social Insurance Agency's Micro Data for Analyzes of Social Insurance registry). An item response theory model for the disability was built, linking the EDSS, MSIS-29, and FSMC to the same underlying disease construct through five correlated latent variables. A Markov state model for the level of sickness benefits was also developed, in which the disease severities from the disability model were tested as covariates, on top of age. The latent variable for EDSS was the most important predictor of work ability. Patients with low disability (EDSS < 3) hardly had any sickness benefit days, while patients with severe disability (EDSS ≥ 6) were found to spend over 50% of their time with sickness benefits. Physical aspects of the disease were found to be more important than psychological aspects in predicting work ability. This underlines the patient-specific nature of MS, and the need for predictive models such as these to evaluate treatment effects, make risk assessments, and calculate societal and individual costs.

Regulating solar desalination of the covalent organic framework aerogel via side group engineering and photothermal coating layout.

Health-related quality of life and work ability among paid and family caregivers: A cross-sectional study in an industrially developing country.

Menopause symptoms are common and linked to reduced work ability in Finnish registered nurses.

BackgroundDue to personnel shortages, an aging workforce and high job demands, healthcare organizations must invest in the sustainable employability (SE) of their personnel.ObjectiveThis study aims to contribute to the knowledge on how to promote work ability and vitality at work as dimensions of SE.MethodsMultiple regression analyses on cross-sectional data from a Dutch healthcare organization (n = 176) were performed to investigate the associations between psychosocial work characteristics, lifestyle factors, and a health-oriented organizational culture on the one hand, and work ability and vitality at work on the other.ResultsPsychosocial work characteristics, lifestyle factors, and a health-oriented organizational culture significantly contributed (as clusters) to the total explained variance in both work ability and vitality at work. Specific determinants of the three clusters were partially confirmed. Sleep quality was positively associated with both work ability and vitality at work. Supervisor support was negatively associated with work ability, while autonomy was positively associated with vitality at work. Moreover, this study identified "attention to own well-being" as a new determinant of work ability, and "speaking about mental health" as a new determinant of vitality at work.ConclusionHealthcare organizations aiming to improve the SE of their professionals should be aware of the impact of sleep problems and a health-oriented organizational culture on both work ability and vitality at work.

Most Polish commercial dairy farms have expanded their production in recent years through herd increases and milk yield improvements. This study investigates internal and external drivers shaping farmers’ decisions regarding the future scale of milk production on family farms in Poland. The analysis is based on two sources of data. The primary input comes from a survey conducted in 2025 among 549 commercial dairy farms. To situate individual responses within a broader structural context, accounting data from 444 farms that continuously reported to the Polish FADN between 2005 and 2022 were used. Although not central to the analysis, these data illustrate long-term sectoral developments, particularly herd enlargement and resource concentration. The survey demonstrated a diversity of drivers shaping decisions to expand or stabilise milk production in the next five years. Farmers’ individual characteristics play a central role. The farmer’s perceived health and work ability (5-year horizon), as well as the availability of a successor, strongly influence the willingness to expand or maintain milk production levels. Other important factors include tangible resources, organisational capacity, and financial strength, such as herd size, agricultural land area, and investment capacity. This highlights the role of production potential and farm adaptability. External conditions such as land access, lease prices, and the market environment are not decisive by themselves but provide the background against which farmers evaluate their options. The study confirms that no single factor drives changes in dairy farms. What matters most is how farmers configure and align their available resources with external circumstances. The ability to combine human, physical, and financial capital in a coherent and strategic way is essential for shaping production strategies and ensuring the continuity of farm operations.

Study This aim For know influence ability Work employees and benefits welfare to performance Work employees at PT. Wongso Nusantara Bersatu, both in a way partial and simultaneous. Achievement Work employee reflect how much productive and effective a employee in operate his duties, which are influenced by various internal factors include ability work and benefits welfare. The research method used is method quantitative. Population in study This is all over PT. Wongso Nusantara Bersatu employees totaling 68 people, and engineering taking sample use total sampling method. Data analysis technique used is analysis multiple linear regression with help SPSS application version 27. Research results show that ability Work employees and benefits welfare in a way partial influential positive and significant to performance Work employees. In simultaneous ability Work employees and benefits welfare influential positive and significant to performance employees. Coefficient value determination (R²) of 58.3% shows that ability Work employees and benefits welfare capable explain variables performance Work employees, while the rest 41.7 % is influenced by other factors that are not investigated in study This.

Chronic low back pain is a frequent medical condition, and a major problem especially among the working population, because it influences their working ability. The research aimed to evaluate the influence of pain on quality of life (QoL), and quality of sleep (QoS) in patients suffering from chronic low back pain, during 2 years of follow-up. The study included 128 patients. Patients were tested on 4 occasions (on admission, after 6, 12, and 24 months from initial testing). Based on age, they were divided into 3 groups: I group 18 to 30 years; II group 30 to 50 years; III group 50 to 65 years. The SF36 QoL questionnaire, Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and the Hamilton scales for the assessment of anxiety (HARS) and depression (HDRS) were used. We did not find any statistically significant correlation between worse QoL and QoS with patients’ epidemiological factors, but younger patients tend to have slightly worse scores. Elderly patients were more disabled (P <.01). In young individuals, SF36 scores were significantly higher (P <.05), and PSQI scores were lower (P <.01) than in the elderly. Neuropathic pain was an independent predictor of the lower SF36 scores – which indicates worse QoL (adjusted R2 = 0.73, P <.01 for the overall model) and higher PSQI scores – which indicates worse QoS (adjusted R2 = 0.71, P <.01 for the overall model). Neuropathic pain is a predictor of worse QoL and QoS. During the follow-up reduction in pain is noticed in all groups, but more pronounced in patients younger than 50.

Effectiveness of exercise therapy in patients with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: A multicenter, randomized controlled trial.

Purpose A trusting relationship between employee and manager is crucial for constructive dialogue regarding work ability. However, employees may sometimes experience collaboration as unpleasant if the dialogue with their manager is not constructive. The aim of the study was to explore how employees on sick leave experience manager involvement in the RTW through a three-party meeting using the Demand and Ability Protocol (DAP) in primary healthcare. Materials and methods Data included 20 semi-structured individual interviews with employees diagnosed with common mental disorders or musculoskeletal disorders who had participated in a DAP dialogue. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Results Employees wanted to reach out to their manager but had challenges getting the message through about their reduced work ability. During sick leave, the structured DAP held within primary healthcare was experienced as a helpful measure to foster collaboration with the manager. The dialogue helped explore the balance between workplace demands and the employee’s capabilities. This enabled both parties to share their view and the rehabilitation coordinator could guide towards potential adaptations. Employees found that the increased mutual understanding fostered by the DAP helped pave the way for ongoing collaboration in the RTW process. Conclusions The results underscore the importance of facilitating collaboration between employees and managers before, during, and after sick leave. The DAP can support the development of a trust-based relationship that enables all involved stakeholders to articulate needs, propose measures, and make informed decisions that enhance efforts throughout the RTW process.

Work participation is beneficial for health. Diabetes mellitus is highly prevalent among adults, and although it poses a substantial healthcare cost burden, the true burden might be greater than is currently appreciated through effects on work participation. This Review summarizes the evidence regarding the effect of diabetes mellitus on paid employment. Several studies report increased risks of unemployment, early retirement and productivity loss among those with diabetes mellitus. The presence of diabetes mellitus complications and comorbidities probably further decreases work participation. Studies of workplace interventions demonstrate that work ability can be improved in people with diabetes mellitus. However, most existing research does not consider work characteristics (for example, type of work and working hours) in diabetes mellitus management. Whether diabetes mellitus itself increases occupational injury risk is unclear, with conflicting results reported. Most studies were cross-sectional and limited by use of self-reported diabetes mellitus and outcome measures, without consideration of thetype of diabetes mellitus. Guidance on diabetes mellitus and employment has, to date, not been strongly grounded in evidence. Detailed research exploring factors implicated in work outcomes for people with diabetes mellitus, including age, sex, occupation and diabetes mellitus type, is needed to inform policy and support sustainable employment for those with diabetes mellitus.

German social law provides a broad range of services aimed at maintaining work ability, facilitating return-to-work, and preventing permanent work disability; however, individuals with health impairments often lack information about available options and access, leading to underutilization of these services. This study (trial registration: DRKS00024648) evaluates the implementation of a multicomponent strategy designed to improve access to rehabilitation services and promote sustained work participation among individuals at elevated risk of permanent work disability. The intervention consisted of screening, postal contact, telephone counseling, initial interview, and case management. High-risk individuals were identified through a risk score based on administrative data (≥60 points indicating an increased 5-year probability of disability pension) and were invited by postal mail to call their regional case manager if support was required. Within the process evaluation, we assessed reach, dose delivered, fidelity, dose received, and participant satisfaction using case manager documentation and participant surveys at baseline and follow-up. Of 5300 individuals contacted, 277 engaged in case management. At baseline, participants reported an average of 20 weeks of sickness absence, multiple health conditions, and 63.7% rated their work ability as poor. Implementation fidelity exceeded 80%, and satisfaction with the intervention was high. Following case management, knowledge of rehabilitation services increased significantly (P < 0.001), and 55.6% applied for rehabilitation. The findings demonstrate that the intervention successfully reached its target population with high fidelity and participant satisfaction. Observed improvements in knowledge and increased utilization of rehabilitation services suggest the intervention's potential to enhance access for those in need.

BackgroundIncreasing psychosocial burdens, such as stress and anxiety, underscore the need for accessible and effective prevention programs. Hybrid approaches, combining in-person and digital components, aim to reduce barriers and enhance flexibility. However, their effectiveness depends on participants’ eHealth literacy, which is associated with their ability to engage with digital tools. Understanding how psychosocial characteristics relate to eHealth literacy can provide insights for improving intervention design.ObjectiveThis study uses cluster analysis to explore the relationship between psychosocial characteristics and eHealth literacy in a hybrid mental health prevention program. By identifying distinct psychosocial profiles and analyzing their differences in eHealth literacy levels and patterns, this person-centered approach enables a nuanced understanding of eHealth literacy disparities beyond traditional variable-centered linear models. In addition, the study examines how sociodemographic variables are associated with eHealth literacy, providing insights into the role of psychosocial diversity in hybrid prevention programs.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with participants of the RV Fit Mental Health intervention (January 2024–December 2024). Psychosocial characteristics, including anxiety, depression, optimism, pessimism, quality of life, self-efficacy, stress, and work ability, were assessed alongside eHealth literacy (eHealth Literacy and Use Scale [eHLUS], eHealth Literacy Scale [eHEALS]). To identify distinct psychosocial profiles, cluster analysis was used. A generalized linear model was applied to analyze associations between cluster membership, eHealth literacy, and sociodemographic variables. Finally, correlation matrices were used to further explore the relationships between psychosocial characteristics and eHealth literacy.ResultsA total of 173 participants were included. Four clusters were identified based on psychosocial characteristics. Significant associations were found between cluster membership and eHealth literacy, including the overall eHLUS score (P=.004) and its dimension of autonomous use and technical access (P=.003). Cluster 3 (n=65) had the most favorable psychosocial characteristics and the highest eHealth literacy levels. Cluster 4 (n=36) exhibited the least favorable psychosocial characteristics but mid-range eHealth literacy levels. Cluster 2 (n=45) showed the lowest eHealth literacy levels despite a mid-range psychosocial profile. Cluster 1 (n=27) demonstrated mid-range eHealth literacy levels and mid-range psychosocial characteristics. In addition, age and subjective socioeconomic status were significantly associated with eHealth literacy levels. Beyond the identified clusters, significant correlations were observed between individual psychosocial characteristic variables and eHealth literacy.ConclusionsThe cluster analysis identified distinct psychosocial profiles with varying levels of eHealth literacy, demonstrating that psychosocial characteristics are associated with eHealth literacy in diverse ways. These findings underscore the need to consider subgroup-specific needs in hybrid prevention programs. Certain groups may require additional support to effectively navigate eHealth tools. These findings emphasize the relevance of tailored intervention strategies that account for psychosocial diversity in eHealth engagement.

Abstract This qualitative interview study examined the changing role of emotions in understanding and forming work inability, and the tensions generated by differing emotional codes in the workplace. Data were collected in 2021 through 70 interviews in Finland’s municipal sector: young employees born between the late 1980s and early 2000s, their supervisors, and occupational health professionals born between the late 1950s and early 1980s. Three thematic areas were identified: (1) Codes of self-fulfilment were particularly pronounced among well-educated young employees in knowledge-intensive jobs, often prompting emotion-focused reflection on well-being and work ability. (2) Emotional codes diverged among young workers: while some emphasized emotional well-being as integral to their work ability, others normalized or embodied distress as part of working life, drawing on cultural norms of endurance shaped by differing socio-cultural experiences. (3) Shifting emotional codes have contributed to generational differences in how mental health and work ability are interpreted, leading to morally charged views on what constitutes legitimate work inability. We conclude that the evolving significance of emotions in shaping understandings of work ability and disability differentiates employee groups across diverse social and occupational backgrounds, generating tensions within the field of occupational health—particularly within the contested terrain of mental health.

Sarcoidosis is a complex multisystem disease whose impact on daily functioning and work ability is often underestimated. Traditional medical assessments tend to focus primarily on objective parameters such as lung function, while difficult-to-measure yet disabling symptoms - such as fatigue, cognitive impairment, and pain - are frequently overlooked. This can lead to incomplete and sometimes unjust assessments of work capacity. A holistic approach that integrates clinical findings with patient experiences is essential for obtaining a realistic and compassionate picture of functioning. Consulting sarcoidosis experts supports personalized evaluations and tailored workplace adjustments. This patient-centered strategy enhances autonomy and fosters shared decision-making.