Longitudinal work ability index (wai): a case study with workers in an agricultural research company

Abstract

The main goal of this study is to describe the variability in work ability over time and to verify the influences of professional and sociodemographic variables. It is a longitudinal study conducted with 148 employees of an agricultural research company in a city located in the countryside of São Paulo state, Brazil. The Work Ability Index (WAI) questionnaire was applied to each individual in the sample in two times: December 2018 and June 2019. Different statistical analyzes of the data were performed using t-Student hypothesis tests for paired data, multiple linear regression models with normal errors, logistic regression models and Bayesian beta regression models assuming dependent WAI measures (the novelty of this study). From the obtained results, it is concluded that the Work Ability Index average decreases over time. Some covariates as education, physical activity, position in the company, number of children and nature of task have some influence on the variability of the WAI. The results of the data analysis show that the most important factor affecting the workers WAI index in both times is physical activity.

Work ability and anthropometric indices correlate with cardiovascular risk factors in public sector employees: Cross‐sectional study

“…The WAI describes how well an employee can do his/her job 37 . It is recommended as a diagnostic instrument for the development of measures for health support and the identification of employees who require medical care 38,39 . WAI has been well used in academic and clinical settings, with a reliability value of 0.73 40–42 .…”

“…37 It is recommended as a diagnostic instrument for the development of measures for health support and the identification of employees who require medical care. 38,39 WAI has been well used in academic and clinical settings, with a reliability value of 0.73. [40][41][42] The WAI measures seven aspects of WA: current WA compared with the lifetime best; WA in relation to the demands of the job; number of current diseases diagnosed by physician; estimated work impairment due to diseases; sick leave during the past year (12 months); own prognosis of work ability 2 years from now; and mental capacities.…”

Human Resources Competency In Improving Employee Performance

“…Work attitude reflects a tendency to respond to something consistently. In this case, employees tend to consistently obey company rules and can carry themselves out in completing what is ordered or assigned (Silva, Achcar, & Hermosilla, 2021). In carrying out the company's activities, it is required to be more professional and able to compete globally.…”