"Effect typology" and work ability index: evaluating the success of health promotion in elder workforce

Changes in work ability and work interest (meaning) after the participation in a health promotion program were perceived and evaluated. Drivers of the Munich Transport Authority (n = 122) of an average age of 50 years participated in 20 health days during working time over 1 year. The evaluation instruments of the health promotion program were the Work Ability Index (WAI) developed by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health (FIOH) and the Effect Typology developed by the Institute of Occupational Health Promotion (IBG Austria). No changes were found in the WAI score. The Effect Typology evaluated the optimal effect "evolution," i.e., psychological and noetic (mental) changes, for 50% of the participants. A variance analysis of the WAI pre-post differences according to the effect classes of the Effect Typology showed significant differences, namely an increase in the WAI in the evolution group and a drop in the recovery group. The Effect Typology is suitable for the evaluation of occupational health promotion and for the further understanding and development of the WAI.