Utrecht Work Engagement Scale

What it measures

The most widely used measure of work engagement — a positive, fulfilling work-related state of mind characterised by vigour (energy and resilience), dedication (involvement and enthusiasm), and absorption (being fully concentrated in one's work). The 9-item version is the standard short form of the original 17-item UWES.

Response format

Likert (0–6, never to always/every day)

Representative items

• At my work, I feel bursting with energy. (Vigour)
• At my job, I feel strong and vigorous. (Vigour)
• I am enthusiastic about my job. (Dedication)
• My job inspires me. (Dedication)
• When I am working, I forget everything else around me. (Absorption)

Usage notes & scoring

Freely available from Wilmar Schaufeli (www.schaufeli.com). Three subscale scores and an overall engagement score (mean of all 9 items). Often used alongside the Maslach Burnout Inventory as engagement and burnout are conceptually opposite poles of a work motivation continuum.

Recommended companion scales

Citation

Schaufeli, W.B., Bakker, A.B., & Salanova, M. (2006). The measurement of work engagement with a short questionnaire. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 66(4), 701–716.

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