Open AccessThe healthy worker effect. Selection of workers and work forces.
Author(s) -
Timothy Wilcosky,
Steve Wing
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of work, environment and health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.621
H-Index - 103
eISSN - 1795-990X
pISSN - 0355-3140
DOI - 10.5271/sjweh.2078
Subject(s) - socioeconomic status , workforce , selection (genetic algorithm) , work (physics) , environmental health , population , demographic economics , psychology , medicine , gerontology , economics , economic growth , engineering , computer science , mechanical engineering , artificial intelligence
The favorable health status of employed populations in comparison to that of the general population is often called the "healthy worker effect," and most researchers feel that it results from the selection of healthy individuals during the hiring process. However, other mechanisms may also contribute to the healthy worker effect. In particular, the healthy worker effect may reflect the selection, for epidemiologic study, of relatively advantaged workforces in terms of socioeconomic status and health. Evidence of differential health by socioeconomic status within the workforce is reviewed, and its possible role in the healthy worker effect is discussed.