Analysis of work ability and work-related physical activity of employees in a medium-sized business

BACKGROUND: Work-related physical activity (PA) and work ability are of growing importance in modern working society. There is evidence for age- and job-related differences regarding PA and work ability. This study analyses work ability and work-related PA of employees in a medium-sized business regarding age and occupation. METHODS: The total sample consists of 148 employees (116 men—78.38 % of the sample—and 32 women, accounting for 21.62 %; mean age: 40.85 ± 10.07 years). 100 subjects (67.57 %) are white-collar workers (WC), and 48 (32.43 %) are blue-collar workers (BC). Work ability is measured using the work ability index, and physical activity is obtained via the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Work ability shows significant differences regarding occupation (p = 0.001) but not regarding age. Further, significant differences are found for work-related PA concerning occupation (p < 0.0001), but again not for age. Overall, more than half of all subjects meet the current guidelines for physical activity. CONCLUSION: Work ability is rated as good, yet, a special focus should lie on the promotion during early and late working life. Also, there is still a lack of evidence on the level of work-related PA. Considering work-related PA could add to meeting current activity recommendations.