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Article
Publication date: 12 September 2016

Catherine Hellemans and Barbara Lapthorn

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the antecedents of work ability among cleaning workers, especially older cleaning workers. The objective is to understand the physical and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the antecedents of work ability among cleaning workers, especially older cleaning workers. The objective is to understand the physical and psychological working conditions related to low work ability in order to improve those making it difficult to carry out the work.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 603 Belgian cleaning workers complete the work ability index and other questionnaires on perceived health, competence, and physical and psychological work conditions.

Findings

The results confirm that older workers are a risk group in terms of work ability. Beyond the perceived health and skills, the results emphasize the contribution of pleasure at work to understand work ability. Pleasure at work itself is explained by different physical and psychological working conditions among age subgroups. Among workers under 40 years old, work pace and overload are the best predictors of pleasure at work. Among 40-49 years old, use of knowledge and opportunities for training, as well as opportunities for participation, are the best predictors of pleasure; among the oldest workers, however, repetitive movements and social support are the best.

Originality/value

This paper argues that consideration needs to be given to the fact that different psychological working conditions, especially pleasure at work, are necessary depending on a worker’s age, as well as prevention action for improving work ability.

Details

International Journal of Workplace Health Management, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8351

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