Using the Work Ability Index (WAI)

You do not need permission from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health to use the Work Ability Index. Both non-commercial and commercial organizations may use the method for research and in their own operations.

Users must follow good research practices, acknowledge the original developers of the method and cite the original publication.

The Work Ability Index or a method based on it may not be sold as such.

You may develop your own questionnaire and translations based on the Work Ability Index. A modified questionnaire must acknowledge the original authors and the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health as the original source. It must be named in a way that clearly distinguishes it from the Work Ability Index (WAI) developed by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health.

Cite the original Work Ability Index publication:

Tuomi K, Ilmarinen J, Jahkola A, Katajarinne L, Tulkki A. Work Ability Index. 2nd revised ed. Helsinki: Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, 1998.

The Finnish Institute of Occupational Health does not provide or distribute the Work Ability Index and does not direct users to a specific download location. Different versions and translations of the method are publicly available from other sources. Users are responsible for ensuring that the version they select is suitable for their intended purpose.

The Work Ability Index assesses an employee’s work ability and how their resources relate to the physical and mental demands of their work. The assessment is based on factors such as the employee’s perception of their current work ability, the effects of illnesses and sickness absence on their work ability, and their assessment of their future work ability and mental resources.