Individual Work Attitudes and Work Ability

Abstract

Work capacity depends on many factors, including the age and health status of the employee, but also on personal characteristics and attitudes, such as reduced tolerance of unfavorable working conditions (Work Annoyance, WA), excessive commitment to work (Overcommitment, OC), passion for work (Work Engagement, WE), and social interactions (Social Capital, SC). A total of 1309 workers who underwent a medical examination at work completed questionnaires on work attitudes and assessed their work ability using the Work Ability Score (WAS). The relationship between variables expressing work attitudes and WAS was studied using hierarchical linear regression and moderation analyses. WA is associated with low WAS values; SC is a positive predictor of WAS and moderates the effect of WA on WAS. OC reduces work ability, while Vigor and Dedication, components of WE, have a strong positive effect on work ability. To improve the work ability of employees, employers and managers should improve social relations in the workplace and discourage overcommitment. A positive working environment can increase engagement and avoid triggers of work annoyance.

Keywords: capacity; health promotion; health surveillance; overcommitment; productivity; psychosocial stress; social capital; work ability index; work annoyance; work engagement.

Figure 1

Interaction plot of the moderating effect of Social Capital in the interaction between Work Annoyance and Work Ability (from Model VI).