There is a lack of research exploring emotional commitment to work in relation to eating attitudes. Since eating disorders are associated with adverse psychological and social consequences, work engagement could be affected. The purpose was to compare work engagement among women with and without disturbed eating (DE).

A cross-sectional survey using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire in a general population cohort of 26-36-year-old women (n=847). Threshold for DE was 1 SD above general population mean. Independent t-test was used to compare work engagement. Ethical approval (reg no:2014/401)

The level of work engagement was lower (p=0.02) among women with DE (mean 3.69 +-1.43) than women without DE (mean 4.06 +-1.18). The score for dedication was also lower (p=0.02) within the DE group (mean 3.74+-1.57 vs 4.22 +-1.26). However, vigour and absorption were not different.

The work engagement in the cohort was within the average range although women with DE had significantly lower emotional commitment to work. As work engagement is linked to business success, workplace growth and sustainability it seems important to explore tailored strategies to improve work engagement among women with DE.