AI Article Synopsis

  • The study explored how working conditions affect employees' work ability over five years in Germany, focusing on a sample of 2,078 workers aged 31-60.
  • Researchers analyzed various factors like physical demands, control at work, and leadership quality using linear regression.
  • Results showed minimal overall impact on work ability, but significant effects were observed in employees with more than 25 sick days, where factors like development opportunities and leadership quality mattered more.

Article Abstract

Objective: To examine 5-year prospective associations between working conditions and work ability among employees in Germany.

Methods: A 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.

Results: Physical demands and control were associated with small 5-year changes in work ability (ΔR = 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 (ΔR = 8%).

Conclusions: The 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.

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Source
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8755707PMC
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00420-021-01716-9DOI Listing

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