Background The aim was to examine cross-sectional associations between opportunities for recovery at work and excellent work ability among young workers and specifically for young workers with high work demands.

Methods A study group of 1295 women and 1056 men aged 18–29 years was selected from three biennial years of a population cohort. The study group had completed a work environment questionnaire in a survey conducted by Statistics Sweden. Associations between opportunities for recovery at work and excellent work ability were assessed by multiple logistic regression models stratified for gender.

Results Having varied work was associated with excellent work ability in all young men (p<0.0006; prevalence ratio [PR] 1.3) and also specifically in men with high work demands (p=0.019; PR 1.3). For the latter group the possibility of deciding when to perform a work task was also associated with excellent work ability (p=0.049; PR 1.3). Among young women with high work demands, the possibility of deciding one’s working hours was associated with excellent work ability (p=0.046; PR 1.2).

Conclusions For young men, having varied work can contribute to excellent work ability. In addition, for men with high work demands, the possibility of deciding when to perform a work task may be favourable for excellent work ability. For young women with high work demands, the possibility of deciding one’s working hours can contribute to excellent work ability. Employers could use these opportunities for recovery in promoting work ability among young workers.