8000009 WAge: an age-sensitive approach to linking physical and psychosocial well-being at work

<h3>Objective</h3> The WAge project aims to advance sustainable, health-promoting workplaces by developing the WAge Index—an evidence-based, participatory tool to assess and improve working conditions across different age groups. In response to the challenges of an ageing workforce, longer working lives, and changing job demands, WAge promotes a comprehensive understanding of how physical load, physical ability, and psychosocial wellbeing interact and influence health and performance at work. <h3>Material and Methods</h3> WAge uses a mixed-methods, cross-national approach combining quantitative and qualitative data from manufacturing and service sectors in Spain, Portugal, and Poland. Physical workload is assessed through observational methods (e.g. RULA, REBA), sensor-based motion capture, and self-reports. Psychosocial wellbeing is evaluated through self-reported data grounded in healthy and resilient organizations models. Participatory research methods engage workers, unions, employers, and occupational health stakeholders to guide data collection, interpretation, and relevance. The project also adopts a data sovereignty approach, implementing secure and privacy-preserving infrastructures for compliant and transparent data sharing. A key focus is translating findings into actionable guidance for policy and intervention design through structured evidence provision processes. <h3>Results</h3> While data collection is ongoing, WAge has successfully deployed field studies in all three countries, engaging over 400 workers to date. Workshops and forums with workplace stakeholders have contributed to shaping project priorities and informed early modelling discussions. Cross-country analysis and integrated modelling of physical and psychosocial data will inform the development of the WAge Index and the generation of targeted, age-sensitive recommendations. <h3>Conclusion</h3> WAge contributes to a deeper understanding of age-inclusive wellbeing at work and supports organisations in designing interventions that foster health, safety, and sustainability. Through participatory design, robust data practices, and cross-sector engagement, WAge aims to deliver practical tools for healthier, more inclusive European workplaces.