Objective: To examine 5-year prospective associations between working conditions and work ability among employees in Germany.

Methods: A cohort study (2011/2012–2017), based on a random sample of employees in employments subject to payment of social contributions aged 31–60 years (Study on Mental Health at Work; S-MGA; N = 2,078), included data on physical and quantitative demands, control (influence, possibilities for development, control over working time), relations (role clarity and leadership quality) and work ability (Work Ability Index, WAI; subscale ‘subjective work ability and resources’). Data were analysed using linear regression.

Results: Physical demands and control were associated with small 5-year changes in work ability (ΔR²= 1%). Among the subgroup of employees with ≥ 25 sickness days, possibilities for development, control and quality of leadership were associated with changes in work ability (ΔR²= 8%).

Conclusions: The impact of working conditions on long term changes in work ability seems to be negligible. However, in vulnerable subpopulations experiencing poor health, working conditions may be associated to a larger extent to work ability over this time span.

The complete article is published in the Journal "International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health" (2022).

First Online: 27 June 2021