Engagement as a health indicator: Psychometric Properties of UWES in Mexicans

Abstract

Engagement makes the individual be committed, with high levels of energy, dedication and absorption at work. It is an element of the motivational work process that favors workers well-being and health in general. The aim of this work was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale in a sample of 400 Mexican workers. The results of confirmatory factorial analysis (CFI=0,98, GFI=0,97, NNFI=0,97, RMSEA=0,05 y AIC=97,41) support the model of three factors, and 9 items, proposed by the authors of this scale. Therefore, the scale maintains three components of engagement: vigor, dedication and absorption. The reliability level of the global questionnaire and the different subscales show good internal consistency for this scale with situate values from 0.69 to 0.85. The correlation among vigor, dedication absorption and the components of work entrain, as well as autonomy, supervisor support and life satisfaction. The psychometric properties analysis confirms the UWES as a valid and reliable instrument to assess work engagement and it is suggested for future research.