• Project number: F 2605
• Institution: Bergische Universitt Wuppertal, Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
• Status: Ongoing Project
• Planned end: 2028-12-31

Description:

In view of the demographic change, preserving and restoring work ability is becoming increasingly important for preventing long periods of absence from work and premature retirement. Workplace prevention measures are therefore essential for promoting employees' health and ensuring their long-term ability to work.

This project investigates the complex interplay between health and employment participation, particularly among employees with health impairments. Key questions include how individuals can continue working in spite of health problems ("stay at work"), how they can successfully return to work after sickness absence ("return to work"), and which measures can be implemented to prevent work-related diseases.

To address these issues, the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin, BAuA) is collaborating with the University of Wuppertal on the fifth wave of the leben in der Arbeit (lidA) cohort study, which is scheduled for 2027. Since 2011, the lidA study is examining issues related to work, age, health, and employment participation in Germany by repeatedly surveying employees born in 1959, 1965, and 1971 every three to four years.

The aim of this project is to collect reliable data in order to generate new insights into effective support measures and necessary adjustments to working conditions for people with health impairments. The research therefore makes an important contribution to promoting healthy working conditions, including for older workers.