JOEM: Work ability and work nonparticipation: A prospective study of 2,426 participants in Germany (April 2024)-Work Ability and Work Nonparticipation: A Prospective Study of 2426 Participants in Germany

Work Ability and Work Nonparticipation: A Prospective Study of 2426 Participants in Germany

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The study aimed to investigate the association between work ability and work nonparticipation, including long-term sickness absence, unemployment, and disability pension/early retirement. A questionnaire-based 5-year follow-up study of 2426 German working individuals was conducted. Results showed that higher Work Ability Index (WAI) scores were protective against total work nonparticipation, long-term sickness absence, early retirement, and unemployment among males. The study found a dose-response relationship, suggesting that higher WAI scores were associated with reduced work nonparticipation. The study revealed that work ability is not only protective against the occurrence of work nonparticipation but also against the duration of such events. The findings emphasized the importance of monitoring work ability levels in employees to prevent long-term work nonparticipation. The study contributes new evidence by focusing on different indicators of work nonparticipation and examining the association between work ability and work nonparticipation in the German context. The research highlights the significance of subjective work ability on future work participation and suggests that improving work ability can contribute to sustained work participation and overall well-being.

Keywords

work ability

work nonparticipation

long-term sickness absence

unemployment

disability pension

early retirement

Work Ability Index

German working individuals

dose-response relationship

subjective work ability