Affiliations: Centre of Public Health, School of Health and Society,
Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden | Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Faculty
of Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
Note: [] Corresponding author: Petra Nilsson, Centre of Public Health,
School of Health and Society, Kristianstad University, 291 88 Kristianstad,
Sweden. Tel.: +46 44 20 40 61; Fax: +46 44 20 40 19; E-mail:
petra.nilsson@hkr.se
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To present validity data for the Work Experience
Measurement Scale (WEMS), an instrument measuring multifaceted work experience
from a salutogenic health resource perspective as a contrast to the more common
pathogenic risk perspective, by exploring WEMS relationship to established
measurements that are positively related to health and work. A salutogenic
perspective focuses on finding conditions and resources in life, for example at
work, that can enhance the individual's health and strength, instead of those
causing illness and weakness. METHOD: This study was carried out in 2009 at a Swedish hospital
with a web-based survey (WEMS) to 770 employees. Different occupational groups
at the hospital participated. Additional questionnaires used at the same time
were the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9), the Salutogenic Health
Indicator Scale (SHIS), the General Self-Efficacy scale (GSE), and three
questions about self-rated health, general well-being, and quality of life.
RESULTS: Cronbach's Alpha of WEMS sub-indices were in the interval
of 0.85—0.96. Convergent validity and discriminant validity of WEMS and
its sub-indices were shown to be satisfying by correlations. In addition, WEMS
demonstrated the ability to discriminate between groups. WEMS sub-indices
discriminated even better between groups than the total index. CONCLUSION: The WEMS proved to be a workplace health promotion
questionnaire that was able to measure experiences of work from a salutogenic
perspective. The WEMS has a potential of being a useful tool in workplace
health promotion to enhance positive human capabilities and resources to
improve work performance.
Keywords: Work experience, measurement, scale, salutogenic, workplace health promotion
