Sustainable employability--definition, conceptualization, and implications: A perspective based on the capability...

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Sociology of Work
• Health Economics

Background:

• Existing models of work, health, and employability often overlook crucial work-related values.
• Amartya Sen's capability approach (CA) offers a framework that integrates values and addresses the complexity of sustainable employability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel model of sustainable employability grounded in the capability approach.
• To emphasize the significance of work-related values within contemporary work contexts.
• To provide a foundation for developing assessment tools for sustainable employability.

Main Methods:

• Critical evaluation of existing conceptual models in work, health, and employability.
• Application of Amartya Sen's capability approach as a theoretical framework.
• Development of a new conceptual model integrating values and capabilities.

Main Results:

• A new model of sustainable employability based on the capability approach has been developed.
• The proposed model serves as a basis for creating assessment instruments.
• The model underscores the dual value creation for both the organization and the individual worker.

Conclusions:

• Sustainable employability requires focusing on what individuals find valuable and enabling them to achieve it within their work context.
• The capability approach shifts focus from mere variable relationships to defining valuable work through capabilities.
• This model aligns with modern conceptions of health and work, emphasizing individual goal achievement within organizational objectives.