Research & Insights for Workplace Wellbeing

Explore open-access and peer-reviewed research, evidence, expert insights, and practical frameworks, carefully curated and summarised, with clear takeaways to support confident, informed decision-making across the workplace wellbeing industry.

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Understanding Work Ability in Employees with Pain and Stress-Related Ill-Health: An Explorative Network Analysis of Individual Characteristics and Psychosocial Work Environment

Hedvig Zetterberg, Xiang Zhao, Sofia Bergbom, Nadezhda Golovchanova, Ida Flink, Katja Boersma

Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation

2025 May

DOI: 10.1007/s10926-024-10200-3

Springer

Licence Label: CC BY 4.0

This study explores how individual factors and workplace conditions interact to influence work ability in employees experiencing pain and stress-related ill-health. Using a network analysis approach, it finds that perceived stress and “catastrophising” (a tendency to expect or focus on worst-case outcomes) are the most influential factors, closely linked to work limitations, health, and quality of life. Work environment factors such as demand, control, and support are connected but play a less central role overall. The findings suggest that work ability is shaped by a combination of personal and workplace factors, with psychological responses playing a key role.

This research highlights that work ability is shaped by a combination of individual and workplace factors, with some drivers playing a more central role than others

  • Perceived stress and negative thinking patterns are key drivers influencing multiple outcomes
  • Psychological responses can have a wider impact across health, performance, and quality of life
  • Work environment factors (e.g. demand, control, support) are relevant but less central in this study
  • The relationship between wellbeing and work is interconnected rather than linear
  • Patterns vary across different workplace contexts, suggesting no one-size-fits-all approach
  • Interventions may be more effective when they address both individual coping and work environment factors

© 2024 The Author(s). Published by Springer. The original work remains the intellectual property of the authors and publisher. Commentary by The Well Crowd. © The Well Crowd Ltd. 2026. All rights reserved. This content provides a summary and independent commentary on the original research and does not reproduce the original publication. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional or medical advice. No part of this content may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission.

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