Shift workers in electrical systems control rooms: job satisfaction and work ability

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to analyze the relationship between job satisfaction and work ability and to identify factors associated with job dissatisfaction. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study of 101 shift workers from electrical systems control centers conducted in 2009. Two procedures were performed for data collection: 1) distribution of a questionnaire that included the Work Ability Index (WAI) and the Occupational Stress Indicator (OSI) to assess job satisfaction, a General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to identify psychological disorders, and an International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-8); and 2) group interviews. Tests of association, correlation, and logistic and multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the data. Results: The population (97% males) had an average age of 38.5 years (SD= 11.8). The average OSI score was 90.8 (SD= 17.4), and the average WAI score was 42.5 (SD= 3.9). Although most workers indicated satisfaction with the items assessed, the likelihood of being dissatisfied at work increased almost three-fold among those who had worked for more than eight years at the company and more than eight-fold for those who were not satisfied with the time devoted to family. For each point increase in the WAI score, there was an average increase of one point in the work satisfaction score. Conclusions: The results reveal a clear association between job satisfaction and work ability. The high demand placed on mental resources is the main factor causing the reduction of work ability, and it also negatively affects job satisfaction.