Differences in self-rated health and work ability between self-employed workers and employees: Results from a prospective cohort study in the Netherlands

Abstract

We observed higher scores in self-rated health and work ability among the self-employed than employees. Being self-employed leads to an increase in work ability across three years. The differences in work ability can be considered small, and more research is needed to establish the role of self-employment as a potential facilitator for sustainable employment.