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. 2022 Jan;95(1):153-168.
doi: 10.1007/s00420-021-01716-9. Epub 2021 Jun 27.

Physical and psychosocial working conditions as predictors of 5-year changes in work ability among 2078 employees in Germany

Hermann Burr  1 , Stefanie Lange  2 , Marion Freyer  2 , Maren Formazin  2 , Uwe Rose  2 , Martin Lindhardt Nielsen  3 , Paul Maurice Conway  4
Affiliations

Physical and psychosocial working conditions as predictors of 5-year changes in work ability among 2078 employees in Germany

Hermann Burr et al. Int Arch Occup Environ Health. 2022 Jan.

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 (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%).

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.

Keywords: COPSOQ; Physical demands; Prospective study; Psychosocial risk factors.

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Conflict of interest statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of participation. a13 months (range 11–17) passed between sampling date and baseline interviews date; in this period, 310 people ceased to be employees. bMean baseline interview date January 2012. cMean follow-up interview date August 2017. dRegarding the following variables: gender, age, SES, working conditions, work ability and sickness days
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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