Sustainable employability and work outcomes: a prospective study.

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Work and Health Studies
• Capability Approach

Background:

• Sustainable employability, grounded in the capability approach, links work values to health and work outcomes.
• Previous research predominantly used cross-sectional designs, limiting understanding of long-term effects.
• This study investigates the longitudinal impact of work capabilities on various work and wellbeing indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the long-term associations between work capabilities and outcomes.
• To explore relationships with work ability, engagement, performance, citizenship behavior, commitment, satisfaction, turnover intention, and burnout.
• To provide insights for organizational strategies supporting employee potential.

Main Methods:

• A two-wave survey was conducted with 251 Dutch employees in 2021 and 2023.
• Longitudinal Internet Studies for the Social Sciences panel data were utilized.
• Multiple linear regression analyses controlled for covariates to assess associations.

Main Results:

• Employees expressed a wide range of valued work capabilities but faced obstacles in their realization.
• The capability set demonstrated a positive predictive relationship with desirable work outcomes.
• A significant association was found between work capabilities and reduced burnout over a two-year period.

Conclusions:

• Supporting employees in realizing their capabilities is vital for enhancing work outcomes and mitigating burnout.
• Organizations need to improve 'conversion factors' to close the gap between valued and actualized capabilities.
• These findings underscore the importance of fostering an environment where employees can achieve their work potential.