Normative values for paid and unpaid work productivity for estimating productivity-adjusted life expectancy in Finland

Abstract

Background Normative regional estimates of productivity are essential for deriving reliable predictions of productivity-adjusted life expectancy (PALE). This study aimed to establish Finnish population norms for health-related productivity by estimating age- and sex-specific norms for paid and unpaid work productivity indices, as well as combined weighted productivity index. Using national life expectancy data, corresponding PALE values were also estimated. Methods Data were derived from a digital survey of a geographically and demographically representative sample of the Finnish adult population aged 18–79 years between June and August 2024 (n = 3,644). Population-level productivity indices were estimated using the WPAI General Health Questionnaire for five-year age groups by sex with values ranging from 0 (completely unproductive) to 1 (completely productive). PALEs were estimated by multiplying weighted productivity indices with life expectancy estimates obtained from the Statistics Finland. Undiscounted, 1.5% and 3% discounted PALEs were produced. Results The weighted productivity index for the total population was 0.770 (male 0.780; female 0.760). At age 20, PALE for males was 42.9 years (undiscounted), 29.3 years (1.5% discount), and 21.3 years (3% discount). For female, corresponding PALE values were 46.1 years (undiscounted), 30.4 years (1.5% discount), and 21.6 years (3% discount). Conclusions This study provides the first population-level normative estimates of health-related productivity in Finland, covering both paid and unpaid work. These norms offer an important benchmark for burden-of-disease analyses and support evaluation of productivity impacts across demographic subgroups. Continued refinement is warranted as more detailed data on unpaid work and productivity losses become available.