The association between the well-being and workability among university staff during the COVID‑19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on educational systems and the well-being of the university staff. The mental health of university staff can affect their ability to work. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to assess the association between the well-being of university staff and their workability during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among university staff in Sfax, Tunisia. We collected data between September and October 2021 using a self-administered questionnaire including socio-professional characteristics, the Work Ability Score (WAS) and the Arabic version of the Mental Health Continuum-Short form. RESULTS: Our sample was composed of 62 university staff. The respondents’ mean age was 51.4±6.7 years and 67.7% were female. The average job tenure was 17.9 ± 8 years. The mean score of WAS was 7.5±1.8. The mean scores of emotional well-being, social well-being and psychological well-being were 8.5±4.2, 12.6±6.1, and 19.9±7.3, respectively. Sixty-one per cent of participants reported languishing to moderate mental health, and 39% % were flourishing. The workability of participants was significantly associated with their well-being (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Having good mental health improves the worker’s ability to work. Taking care of mental health is crucial to guarantee better efficacy at work. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared