Work ability literacy among managers in the health and social care sector - a qualitative study

to deepen the understanding of the contents of work ability literacy among managers in the health and social care sector regarding both their own and their employees' work ability.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted from June to October in 2024 with 49 managers in the health and social care sector in Finland.

Managers' knowledge about work ability and its promotion is shaped by organizational information, personal experience and education, and interactions within the work community. Their aim in supporting work ability is to ensure effective organizational operations, promote employee wellbeing, and fulfil their managerial responsibilities. Managers have varied understandings of work ability, which can focus on individual traits, personal life or adaptation and modification of work. Practical methods to support work ability include adjusting work content, referring employees to occupational health services, offering social support, enhancing professional skills, and promoting healthy lifestyles and recovery from work.

To effectively support work ability, managers need adequate resources and more education on contents of work ability literacy. Especially skills and possibilities to prevent work disability are needed.