A critical analysis of self-assessment tools for improving workers’ Health and work performance

Abstract

An improved health management increases the performance and productivity of workers, lowers absenteeism and increases presenteeism. Health and productivity of the workers are important issues in the European context of an ageing population in order to maintain economic development. The objective of the study was to critically analyze self- assessment tools in order to obtain information on workers’ health and work performance. Three self-report tools were finally selected to be analyzed: Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ), Work Ability Index (WAI) and Stanford Presenteeism Scale: Health Status and Employee Productivity SPS-6 (SPS-6). Among the observed tools, WAI and HPQ have been considered the most suitable for the proposed use, taking into consideration that they both address health issues in terms of their influence on work productivity, and allow for monetization of absenteeism and presenteeism. Using data collected by this article may allow researchers to improve and develop new tools for health management and health related cost benefit analyses. It may also provide employers with tools for a more complex view on the health status and work capacity of the employee, enabling for actions meant to improve work conditions, health and productivity.