Exploring workability in an older working population: associations with cognitive functioning, sleep quality, and...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Gerontology
• Cognitive Science

Background:

• The aging workforce presents unique occupational health and safety challenges.
• Understanding factors influencing workability in older adults is crucial for maintaining productivity and well-being.
• Technostress and sleep quality are emerging concerns impacting older workers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the associations between workability, cognitive functioning, sleep quality, and technostress in older workers.
• To explore potential differences in these associations between white-collar and blue-collar workers.
• To identify moderators, such as sleep quality, in the relationship between cognitive functioning and workability.

Main Methods:

• An observational study involving 468 older workers (aged >50) from banking/finance and manufacturing sectors.
• Self-report questionnaires assessed Work Ability Index (WAI), sleep quality (PSQI, ISI, FIRST), and technostress.
• Cognitive functioning was evaluated using Stroop Color Task, Corsi Blocks, and Digit Span tests.

Main Results:

• White-collar workers reported higher workability, cognitive function, and sleep quality, with lower technostress compared to blue-collar workers.
• Cognitive functioning was significantly associated with workability only in blue-collar workers, moderated by sleep quality.
• Increased technostress was linked to decreased workability, a relationship more pronounced in blue-collar workers.

Conclusions:

• Interventions promoting workability and preventing technostress are vital for the aging workforce.
• Blue-collar workers, especially those on night shifts, require tailored support to sustain workability.
• Promoting healthy sleep habits is a key strategy to enhance workability and mitigate technostress in older employees.