Work Ability Index, a tool of Health Education

Abstract

The aim of this study is to highlight the value of the Work Ability Index (WAI) as a health education tool, especially for the age group 18 to 65 years. Public and private organizations can play a decisive role in spreading the culture of prevention and care of their mental and physical well-being. The Work Ability Index measures the working ability of people employed in public and private facilities, exploring external and internal areas of the individual. Work ability considers a number of factors, within which the mental and physical conditions in which the worker performs their activity, play a primary role in determining their degree of adaptation to the work itself. Maintaining good working skills is related to good working conditions and personal health, which are backed up by an active personal life-style. This translates into a better quality of life and greater productivity. In this sense, demonstrating that good health and environmental conditions increase productivity and quality of work, it can push public and private organizations to promote programs to disseminate a health culture. The study looks at the results of various national and international research on the instrument.