Adaptability screening

Adaptability screening is identifying prospective employees who will be most likely to adjust to a company’s work environment. Psychologist Dr. Saul Sells, who developed adaptability screening in the 1950s, emphasized the need to study behavior in its natural setting. In his first adaptability screening research, Dr. Sells tested pilots training for the U.S. Air Force and then assessed their performance in combat during the Korean War. His research became the basis for pilot selection and performance prediction. Adaptability screening is now used in a wide variety of businesses. Predictive models help managers estimate the needed staffing level, adjusting for sick leave, relief, and physical conditions. Models can also predict which workers will adjust to shift work, changing schedules in factories operating 24 hours a day. By identifying those workers who can adjust to changes in sleep, fatigue, and health, adaptability screening can reduce absenteeism and improve safety and the work environment. When combined with payroll systems and task load management, the results of adaptability screening can be used to optimize production operations. Screening also reduces training costs through more effective recruitment and retention rates.
See also INDUSTRIAL-ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY.