Normatization of the Brazilian Utrecht Work Engagement Scale

Abstract

Work engagement is a dispositional and positive mental state of intense pleasure and deep connection with one's activity. This research aims to present the norms of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), an international instrument used to assess this construct. The participants were 1,167 workers, average age of 36.8 years (SD=10.3), 65% female, from the five Brazilian regions. In a previous study, factor analysis demonstrated that one and three factor solutions were adequate. The internal consistency of the scale was satisfactory (a=.95). The three factors presented strong correlations among themselves (r between.81 and.82). Work engagement scores vary by occupational function, demonstrating that positions that provide more autonomy and decision-making power foster the development of engagement. Engagement scores showed a positive correlation with age, which led to the development of Brazilian norms according to age groups, according to stage of career development.