Classification of Work Ability Index among young employees

Abstract

When classification of WAI scores into four work ability categories is used, the scores of employees in their early 30s should be evaluated separately from those of older age groups. For young employees work ability categories poor (7-36 points), moderate (37-40 points), good (41-44 points) and excellent (45-49 points) are suggested.

Work ability index and perceived work ability as predictors of disability pension: a prospective study among Finnish municipal employees

“…In the Finnish Health 2000 survey, nearly half of young adults perceived their work ability as excellent (WAI score 44-49), compared with 8% of 55-64 yearolds (19). In fact, it has been questioned whether the reference values of the WAI are suitable for the study of young employees (34). Further, owing to age-related differences in the causes of work disability, the results may not be generalizable to younger age groups.…”

“…The range of the summative index is 7-49. Originally (12), the cut-off points for the levels of work ability were based on the 15 th percentile, median, and 85 th percentile of the distribution of the index in the total population at baseline: (i) poor , (ii) moderate (28)(29)(30)(31)(32)(33)(34)(35)(36), (iii) good (37-43), and (iv) excellent (44-49). For the analyses here, we combined good and excellent work ability into one category.…”

A gender approach to work ability and its relationship to professional and domestic work hours among nursing personnel

“…The resulting WAI scores were then categorized into two groups: inadequate (poor and moderate WAI scores) and adequate (good and excellent WAI scores) scores. The cut-off points for adequate/inadequate work ability were based on age values suggested by Kujala et al (2005). For the younger participants (19 -34 years old) values below 40 points defined inadequate work ability.…”

Validade e confiabilidade da versão brasileira do Índice de Capacidade para o Trabalho

“…18 This questionnaire was elaborated based on studies carried out in Finland, where a cohort of workers was followed between 1981 and 1992 to investigate issues of work ability based on the stress-strain theoretical model. 9 According to this model, the distress generated by the physical and mental demands of work can lead to a reduction in work ability and trigger diseases. 9,20 These studies have consolidated the theoretical bases of the major determinants, consequences, and interventions of work ability and served as a basis for the development of the underlying structure of WAI, which allows for evaluation and early detection of alterations and can subsidize the design of preventive measures.…”

“…9 According to this model, the distress generated by the physical and mental demands of work can lead to a reduction in work ability and trigger diseases. 9,20 These studies have consolidated the theoretical bases of the major determinants, consequences, and interventions of work ability and served as a basis for the development of the underlying structure of WAI, which allows for evaluation and early detection of alterations and can subsidize the design of preventive measures. In Brazil, studies of work ability began to be conducted following the translation and adaptation of the WAI questionnaire for use in this country.…”