A Study Using Existing Data on the Relationship between Lifestyle and Work Engagement of Japanese Workers Under 40

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to clarify the relationship between work engagement (WE) and lifestyle in workers under 40 years of age using existing data.

Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the results of health examinations of employees under 40 years at Company A. The WE measurement scale was the New Brief of Job Stress Questionnaire (NewBJSQ) used in the stress check system in Japan. Lifestyle items were extracted from standardized questionnaires. We obtained information on basic attributes, medical history and history of illness, and work status from the questionnaire and NewBJSQ as confounding factors. Chi-square tests were conducted for men and women to investigate the association between WE and lifestyle. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted with the lifestyle items and confounding factors that showed significant differences and trends as independent variables and WE as the dependent variable.

Results: The odds ratio was 1.496 (95%CI 1.047–2.137, p = 0.027) for men who had adequate sleep, and 3.547 (95%CI 1.509–8.338, p = 0.004) for women who had light exercise for 30 minutes or more twice a week for more than a year, indicating a significant relationship between these lifestyle habits and high WE.

Consideration: Among those under 40 years of age, the lifestyle habits associated with WE were sleep for men and exercise for women. There were some similarities and differences between these habits and those of previous studies on people aged 40 years or older. In addition, this report provides basic data for studies in the field of occupational health using existing data.