Evaluation of the Work Ability-Coaching in the context of the qualification consulting for SMEs – Assessment of the effectiveness

The Labour market service of Upper Austria providesqualificational consulting for SMEs. In this context, a special Coaching based on the Work Ability Index (WAI) is in use since February 2008. This instrument focuses on both, the individual level of the employees (personal Coachings) and on the company level (Workshop) and aims at preserving and/or improving the work ability in particular of older employees. The evaluation examined the Coaching with regard to the objectives given by the concept of „productive ageing”. On the basis of the experiences and valuations of the persons involved, the effectiveness of the Coaching was being assessed and key factors for a future improvement were developed.