Work Environment Impact Scale (WEIS) Version 2.0, 1998

Author: Renee A. Moore-Corner, Gary Kielhofner, and Linda Olson

     The WEIS allows a client and therapist to identify environmental characteristics that facilitate successful employment experiences. Factors that inhibit worker performance and satisfaction and which may require accommodation are also addressed in order to maximize the “fit” of the worker and their skills to the job environment.

     The WEIS is a semi-structured interview and rating scale designed to assist the therapist to gather information on how individuals with physical or psychosocial disabilities experience and perceive their work environments. Typical candidates for this assessment are persons who are experiencing difficulty on the job, and persons whose work is interrupted by an injury or episode of illness. The 17 items reflect the social and physical environment, supports, temporal demands, objects used, and daily job functions.

     To see an example of the WEIS rating scale, click here. (PDF file.)

     To see an example of the “WEIS Summary Sheet”, click here. (PDF file.)

     The WEIS manual includes the “WEIS and Score Sheet”, “WEIS Summary Sheet” and includes an “Interview guide of recommended questions”. A case study for use with the Work Environment Impact Scale Videotape (sold separately) is also included. All forms are reproducible.

Work Environment Impact Scale Videotape:
The 30 minute videotape portrays an interview between an occupational therapist and an injured worker. As the occupational therapist conducts the WEIS interview, environmental barriers and issues with supervisors and co-workers are discussed. The WEIS manual includes background information on the client, and the client's ratings with comments.

This assessment is discussed and illustrated with a case in chapter 17 of The Model Of Human Occupation: Theory and Application (Kielhofner, 2008).

Additional information (references, research, and clinical discussion regarding this assessment) can be found in the Evidence-Based Practice section of this website by selecting this assessment.