Introduction As work-stress, is associated with Non Communicable Diseases, and decreased work productivity, health and economic benefits are expected from periodic work-stress screening among employees using valid and reliable tools. Tool to Assess and classify Work Stress (TAWS– 16) was developed to overcome limitations in existing work-stress assessment tools in India. This study aims to test face, content, criterion and construct validity of TAWS– 16 in a sample of managerial-supervisory employees. Methods Nine domain experts rated face and content validity of TAWS– 16. Content validity was measured by Content Validity Indices (I-CVI, S-CVI) and Modified Kappa statistics. Empirical validity was tested by analysing data reported from 356 Information Technology (IT) professionals wherein Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted for the assessment of Construct Validity. Self-reported data was collected in an unlinked and anonymous manner using a web-link, which was emailed to the study subjects, after initial introductory telephone or personal conversation. Criterion Validity was tested against stress sub-scale of DASS– 21. This study was approved by NIMHANS ethics committee. Results Findings revealed that TAWS– 16 has good face validity. The content validity is acceptable (CVI = 0.829). Construct Validity is appropriate as 60.8% of the total variance was explained by the factors identified in our study. Criterion Validity was moderate (Kappa Value 0.208) due to inappropriate work-stress instrument for comparison with TAWS– 16. Conclusions Overall, TAWS– 16 demonstrated good face, content and construct validity. It measures work-stressors, coping abilities and psycho-somatic symptoms associated with work-stress. We recommend use of TAWS– 16 for periodic screening and classification of work-stress among employees.

Background: Overweight is a major risk factor for the non-communicable diseases. India is home to nearly 164 million industrial workers (2017) and yet information about prevalence and risk of overweight among them is limited. Being overweight can adversely affect a person's productivity in his workplace and increase the risk of non-communicable diseases. The objective was to assess the prevalence of overweight and association between overweight and employee age, type of work and native origin.Methods: The longitudinal analysis was conducted using periodical medical examination (PME) data of employees from 2010-2018. Relevant data were collected. Year-wise prevalence of overweight was estimated along with specific prevalence by age, type of work and region.Results: The mean weight of employees increased from 68.1 kgs to 72.6 kgs (2010-2018). Overweight proportion was significantly higher in non-production departments. Overweight prevalence ranged between 15-29.8% among Karnataka regions in 2010 in production employees but reached 35-55.6% by 2018. Significant association was found between overweight with type of work and region.Conclusions: The increase in weight over time indicates the trend of overweight and weight reduction interventions are needed in workplaces to prevent the risk of NCDs.