Sickness presenteeism at work: prevalence, costs and management

Perceived Social Support and Presenteeism Among Nurses: Mediation of Psychological Capital

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the mediating role of psychological capital in the relationship between perceived social support and presenteeism among nurses.

BACKGROUND

The concept of presenteeism explored in this study refers to the behavior of nurses who hold on to their jobs despite poor physical or mental health, manifested in poor work productivity and loss of productivity. Perceived social support and psychological capital may help reduce presenteeism. However, there is limited knowledge about the association between perceived social support, psychological capital, and presenteeism among nurses.

METHODS

Data were collected through questionnaires from 468 RNs. Data analysis used Pearson's correlation analysis, multiple linear regression, and structural equation model.

RESULTS

The results indicated that perceived social support and psychological capital were significantly negatively correlated with nurses' presenteeism. Structural equation modeling revealed that psychological capital mediated the relationship between perceived social support and presenteeism, with a partial mediating effect of -0.191, accounting for 28% of the total effect.

CONCLUSIONS

These results identified structural relationships between the 3 variables of perceived social support, psychological capital, and presenteeism and provided a theoretical reference for developing strategies to decrease nurses' presenteeism.

Effect of COVID-19 Infection on Presenteeism: A Cohort Study Using Large Health Insurance-Based Data in Japan

OBJECTIVE

Presenteeism occurs when employees attend work despite experiencing problems and ill-health that require sick leave. This study examined whether presenteeism worsened following COVID-19 infection.

METHODS

We used the DeSC, a large health insurance claims database. Participants were 9241 individuals who responded to questionnaires at baseline (June 2020) and 6 months later, had been continuously insured for at least 6 months prior to baseline, and reported being employed. Propensity score matching was performed. Adjusted multiple logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals of worsening presenteeism from baseline according to COVID-19 infection compared with noninfection.

RESULTS

Conditional logistic regression analysis showed that the adjusted OR for presenteeism in the COVID-19-infected group was 1.555 (95% confidence interval, 1.086-2.225).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest that COVID-19 infection affected worsening of presenteeism.

Exploring anesthesiology nurse' presenteeism in China: cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The department of anesthesiology is the main battlefield for the treatment of acute and critical patients, with high work risk and high work pressure. Due to the particularity of the working environment and nature of work, medical staff have become a group with a high incidence of occupational exhaustion and presenteeism.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the current status of presenteeism among anesthesiology nurses in China and to analyze the related influencing factors.

METHODS

Three hundred twelve anesthesiology nurses in Sichuan Province were surveyed by means of general data questionnaire, presenteeism scale, work-family conflict scale, perceived social support scale, occupational commitment scale and stress resistance scale from September to November 2023 by convenience sampling method.

RESULTS

The total score of presenteeism was (14.67 ± 3.92), the score of work-family conflict was (45.44 ± 15.90), the score of professional commitment was (87.28 ± 14.30), and the score of perceived social support was (66.04 ± 12.78). The evaluation score of stress resistance was (73.35 ± 11.54). The results of multivariate analysis showed that age, education, mode of employment, position, overtime hours per week, work-family conflict, perceived social support and stress resistance were the factors that affected the presenteeism of anesthesiology nurses, which could explain 44.1% of the total variation. The position ( β = 0.296, P < 0.001), overtime hours per week (h) ( β = 0.271, P < 0.001), perceived social support ( β = -0.279, P < 0.001) turned out as the stronger predictors of presenteeism.

CONCLUSION

The presenteeism of anesthesiology nurses is at a high level and needs to be further improved. Clinical nursing managers should pay attention to the physical and mental health and special needs of anesthesiology nurses. Interventions are made according to the main influencing factors, so as to reduce the incidence of presenteeism and improve the quality and safety of surgery.

Work ability and return-to-work of patients with post-COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

In addition to several sequelae of post-COVID-19, individuals also experience significant limitations in work ability, resulting in negative consequences for the return-to-work (RTW) process. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the impact of post-COVID-19 on work ability and RTW of individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2.

METHODS

Studies on the work ability and RTW of patients with post-COVID-19 (more than 12 weeks after an acute SARS-CoV-2 infection) were regarded eligible for inclusion. Systematic search of literature was performed up to March 2023 using five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, CENTRAL and WHO COVID 19). Study selection followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) Statement. A meta-analysis estimated the overall success rate of RTW. The risk of bias of the included studies was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS

19 relevant studies, published between 2021 and 2023, were included in the systematic review, involving 21.155 patients from 14 different countries. The findings indicate that a significant proportion of individuals with post-COVID-19 experience persistent symptoms and functional impairments, with fatigue being the most prominent symptom. These persistent symptoms can have a considerable (negative) impact on individuals' physical and psychological capacity to participate in work-related activities, leading to lower work ability and increased absenteeism. The RTW for post-COVID-19 patients is complex, with approximately 60.9% of patients successfully returning to work after 12 or more weeks following SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among those who successfully returning to work, a considerable number need modifications in their work duties or hours to cope with residual impairments. Factors such as workplace accommodations, supportive policies, and occupational rehabilitation programs play a crucial role in facilitating successful RTW.

CONCLUSIONS

The systematic review underscores the substantial impact of post-COVID-19 on work-related outcomes. The implications of this research highlight the need for healthcare providers, employers, and policymakers to collaborate in creating inclusive work environments and implementing tailored rehabilitation programs to support individuals recovering from post-COVID-19. Further research should focus on long-term follow-up studies with mixed methods to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the long-term consequences of post-COVID-19 on work ability and RTW outcomes.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42023385436.

Association between Presenteeism, Associated Factors, and Outcomes among Intern Physicians in Public Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background and Objectives: Presenteeism, when employees continue to work despite being sick, may have increased among intern physicians during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the necessity of performing unfamiliar tasks. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of presenteeism among intern physicians (IPs) in Thailand, its associated factors, and outcomes. Material and Methods: A total of 254 IPs participated in this cross-sectional study conducted from June to July 2022. Participants completed a nationwide online questionnaire including demographics, financial status, underlying diseases, hospital location and affiliation, department, resource problems, manpower shortage, workload intensity, presenteeism, and its outcomes. IPs were recruited via various social media platforms. Statistical analysis was performed using multivariable zero-inflated Poisson regression and multivariable linear regression. Results: The average age of IPs was 25.5 years (SD 1.9), and 57.5% were female. The majority of IPs reported dealing with resource problems (74.8%), insufficient manpower (94.9%), and intense workload (83.5%). Presenteeism was prevalent among 63.8% of IPs, with the most common of the diseases being allergic rhinitis (31.3%). IPs with underlying diseases had an increased rate of presenteeism (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.33-4.55). IPs working in community hospitals during their rotations exhibited a lower rate of presenteeism (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.16-0.94) compared to other departments within general or regional hospitals. The IPs frequently exposed to insufficient manpower had an increased rate of presenteeism (aOR 4.35, 95% CI 1.02-20.00) compared to those not exposed. Additionally, IPs with presenteeism had more exhaustion (β 1.40, 95% CI 0.33 to 2.46), lower perceived well-being (β -0.65, 95% CI -1.26 to -0.03), and job satisfaction (β -0.33, 95% CI -0.63 to -0.03). Conclusions: During COVID-19, intern physicians in Thailand often exhibit presenteeism due to physical conditions, resource scarcity, and personnel shortages, impacting exhaustion, well-being, and job satisfaction. Recommendations include assessing healthcare workforces, allocating resources more effectively, enforcing policies to promote responsible use of sick leave, and implementing sick leave systems.

Relationship between occupational stress and presenteeism status among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises

This study aimed to identify characteristics of workers experiencing health problems without a decline in labor productivity to address presenteeism. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 554 workers in Japan, with a median age of 43 years. Participants reported any health problems in the past month, along with job stressors, stress responses, social support, and job and life satisfaction using the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire. They were categorized into three groups: "no symptoms," "pre-presenteeism" (health problems without work impact), and "presenteeism" (health problems with work impact). Results showed that 30.1% were in "prepresenteeism" and 52.0% in "presenteeism." Stress responses and social support were linked to both "pre-presenteeism" and "presenteeism," while job stressors and job and life satisfaction were only associated with "presenteeism." These findings offer insights for preventing presenteeism.

Presenteeism and associated factors among women with menstrual symptoms

PURPOSE

Menstrual characteristics can affect a woman's productivity at work and college, but studies in a general population of adult women are scarce. In addition, it is important to know which menstrual symptoms are most associated with presenteeism in women to promote specific health actions. The present study aimed to assess menstrual symptoms associated with presenteeism in adult women.

METHODS

Online cross-sectional study in which menstrual characteristics, including menstrual flow, age of menarche, menstrual pain and cycle duration were assessed by a self-report questionnaire. The menstrual pain intensity was assessed by Numerical Rating Scale, and the presenteeism, by the Stanford Presenteeism Scale-6 (SPS-6). Women were divided in two groups, with and without presenteeism, based on the SPS-6 cutoff point. Data were analyzed by binary logistic regression and presented as odds ratios (OR).

RESULTS

Among the 430 women who participated in the study, 44.2% were classified as with presenteeism. Women with severe menstrual flow were more likely to have presenteeism (OR = 2.12) compared with women with mild and moderate menstrual flow. The higher menstrual pain intensity the higher the chances of a woman presenting with presenteeism (OR = 1.29).

CONCLUSIONS

These menstrual characteristics (intensity of menstrual flow and menstrual pain) seem to affect women's productivity at work and/or college, and should be assessed in research and clinical practice. Thus, public policies on women's health can be carried out based on these results.

Culture of presenteeism: emergent perspectives from an NHS-workforce convenience sample

BACKGROUND

The United Kingdom's National Health Service (NHS) has been under strain for more than a decade, which has been exacerbated by the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. According to NHS staff, this is felt especially during the winter (also called 'winter pressure'), when both absenteeism and presenteeism rates are high in the healthcare workforce.

AIMS

To understand the culture of presenteeism amongst NHS staff, focusing specifically on how presenteeism both persisted and changed during the COVID-19 pandemic and during periods of annual winter pressure.

METHODS

Data for this study were derived from 20 in-depth interviews conducted with NHS staff, drawn from a convenience sample of primary- and secondary-care services. Interviews were guided by a semi-structured interview protocol.

RESULTS

This study contributes to an understanding of presenteeism by describing the ways in which the practice both changed and, in some ways, stayed the same during COVID-19 self-isolation regulations, with remote work arrangements enabling some healthcare workers to continue working even when unwell. Despite this, isolation guidelines threw into stark relief NHS workers' deeply held beliefs about duty, service, and commitment to the wider healthcare system, while exposing their experiences and perceptions of profound systemic challenges and a lack of wider support to carry out their work.

CONCLUSIONS

The emergent findings from this study suggest that the culture of presenteeism is linked to wider NHS staff's identification with the institutional goals of the NHS, resulting in their motivation to continue working, even if remotely; yet, the consequences are not fully understood.

Examining the Relationship Between Workplace Industry and COVID-19 Infection: A Cross-sectional Study of Canada's Largest Rapid Antigen Screening Program

OBJECTIVES

To control virus spread while keeping the economy open, this study aimed to identify individuals at increased risk of COVID-19 transmission in the workplace using rapid antigen screening data.

METHODS

Among adult participants in a large Canadian rapid antigen screening program (January 2021-March 2022), we examined screening, personal, and workplace characteristics and conducted logistic regressions, adjusted for COVID-19 wave, screening frequency and location, role, age group, and geography.

RESULTS

Among 145,814 participants across 2707 worksites, 6209 screened positive at least once. Workers in natural resources (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1 [1.73-2.55]), utilities (OR = 1.67 [1.38-2.03]), construction (OR = 1.35 [1.06-1.71]), and transportation/warehousing (OR = 1.32 [1.12-1.56]) had increased odds of screening positive; workers in education/health (OR = 0.62 [0.52-0.73]), leisure/hospitality (OR = 0.71 [0.56-0.90]), and finance (OR = 0.84 [0.71-0.99]) had lesser odds of screening positive, compared with professional/business services.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain industries involving in-person work in close quarters are associated with elevated COVID-19 transmission. Continued reliance on rapid screening in these sectors is warranted.

Do worksite health promotion programs (WHPP) influence presenteeism among employees? A systematic review1

BACKGROUND

Worksite health promotion programs (WHPP) aiming to reduce presenteeism are rapidly increasing. However, program-efficacy seems impaired by lack of conceptual understanding and theoretical frameworks related to presenteeism.

OBJECTIVES

To study (1) the concept of presenteeism, (2) the causes of the phenomenon and (3) which WHPP affect presenteeism.

METHODS

We followed the PRISMA 2020 guidelines for mapping relevant literature in seven databases. The main search-terms were "worksite", "WHPP", "presenteeism", "employee productivity" and "interventions". Reviews and review of reviews were included and analysed according to research questions and ecological theory.

RESULTS

Of 2196 studies identified, 14 reviews were included, comprising 1390 single studies. Conceptually, presenteeism was poorly defined, mostly related to productivity/performance limitations due to ill health. Factors causing presenteeism addressed individual health or lifestyle (78%), and, to a lesser extent work and organisational factors (management/job stress) (22%). Forty-five highly diverse WHPP were identified, about 90% focusing health outcomes. 22/45 WHPP affected presenteeism/productivity positively. Multi-component WHPP implemented at multi levels accounted for 55%. Single-component programs, implemented at individual level, were mostly targeting health-risk subgroups. No specific WHPP seems preferable. Methodological quality seems highly associated with worksite intervention-efficacy.

CONCLUSION

Increased telework opportunities due to COVID-19 experiences has affected working conditions worldwide, for better and worse, requiring adaptions at employee, management, organisational and socio-cultural levels. Our results showed high program diversity, several adaptable to future needs (e.g., digital solutions), however hampered by narrow focus on individual health. Future research should focus on theory-based high quality multilevel WHPP comprising contextual, work, and organisational factors.

Investigating Associations Between Physical Activity and Presenteeism - A Scoping Review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to scope the literature on what is currently known between physical activity and presenteeism.

DATA SOURCE

A search strategy was conducting in six scientific databases.

STUDY INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION CRITERIA

Studies written in English about the relation between physical activity and presenteeism were considered for inclusion.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data on definitions and measurement of presenteeism and physical activity were extracted.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The data is categorized according to the understanding of presenteeism of the studies to give a better idea of how this phenomenon is studied in relation to physical activity.

RESULTS

After screening 9773 titles and abstracts and 269 full-text articles, 57 unique articles fulfilled our eligibility criteria. The majority of the articles were published since 2010 and originated predominantly in the United States. Most studies (70%) define presenteeism as lost productivity due to health problems, according to the American line of research, whereas 19% of the studies define it as "working while ill" which refers to the European line of research. The studies that reflected the American school of thought tends to report more results that supported their hypothesis (i.e., that more physical activity is associated with less presenteeism).

CONCLUSION

This review has highlighted the homogeneity in how presenteeism is conceptualized and measured in studies included in our sample. Research on physical activity and presenteeism should be expanded across various disciplines in social sciences to respond to the needs that many researchers have expressed to promote healthier organizations.

Association between lifestyle habits and presenteeism

BACKGROUND

Presenteeism is affected by work-related and individual factors. Among individual factors, the effect of combining various lifestyle habits on presenteeism is unknown.

AIMS

This study aimed to determine the relationship between changes in multiple good lifestyle habits with a change in presenteeism and to examine the effect of psychological factors on this relationship.

METHODS

We performed a 1-year retrospective cohort study on employees of large Japanese companies. Data were collected from health check-ups and a self-administered questionnaire. Changes in presenteeism were measured using the Quality and Quantity method. Changes in lifestyle habits were measured using a modified form of Breslow's seven health practices. Psychological factors were measured using the Kessler 6-Item Psychological Distress Scale. Linear regression was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

The number of practised lifestyle habit changes was negatively correlated with a change in presenteeism. This result was consistent when adjusted for age, sex and company (B, -0.010; P < 0.05), but became non-significant when additionally adjusted for psychological distress (B, -0.006). When analysed separately, only an improvement in the body mass index (B, -0.054; P < 0.05) and a worsened sleep habit (B, 0.040; P < 0.01) influenced a change in presenteeism.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that improving various practised lifestyle habits in combination, rather than improving a single lifestyle habit, is beneficial in reducing presenteeism. Our finding that psychological distress altered the relationship of practised lifestyle habit changes with presenteeism indicates the importance of organizational-level intervention in presenteeism.

Trait anxiety and depressive rumination mediate the effect of perceived childhood rearing on adulthood presenteeism

AIM

Productivity loss in the workplace due to physical or mental health problems, which is called presenteeism, leads to large financial losses. Personal and work environment factors, as well as physical and mental illnesses are associated with presenteeism, but the detailed underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the effects of perceived childhood rearing on the presenteeism of adult workers, and the mediating effects of trait anxiety and depressive rumination.

METHODS

In 2017 and 2018, a cross-sectional paper-based survey was conducted, and written consent from 447 adult workers was obtained. Demographic information and results from the Parental Bonding Instrument, trait anxiety of State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y, Ruminative Responses Scale, and Work Limitations Questionnaire were surveyed. Multiple regression analyses and structural equation modeling were conducted.

RESULTS

The low perceived quality of rearing from parents in childhood, i.e., low care and high overprotection, indirectly worsened current presenteeism via trait anxiety and depressive rumination. Presenteeism was directly worsened by trait anxiety and depressive rumination, and the low perceived quality of rearing from parents directly affected trait anxiety and depressive rumination, and trait anxiety affected depressive rumination.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study clarified the long-term influences of the low perceived quality of rearing experienced in childhood on adulthood presenteeism via trait anxiety and depressive rumination. Therefore, assessing the quality of childhood rearing, trait anxiety, and depressive rumination of individuals may help to elucidate the causes of presenteeism in the workplace, and how to manage it effectively.

Association between lone work and self-rated health status: using the 5th Korean Working Conditions Survey

Background

Lone workers are generally defined as individuals who work alone without supervision, including self-employed people. While lone workers are considered a vulnerable group in some countries, there is a lack of research on their health status in domestic studies. Globally, the number of lone workers has been increasing, and this trend has been further accelerated since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic with the rise of remote work.

Methods

The study analyzed data from 44,281 participants, excluding unpaid family workers, soldiers, and those with missing data. Lone workers were defined as individuals who reported having no colleagues with the same job at their current workplace. Self-rated health status was categorized as "good" or "poor."

Results

This study found a statistically significant higher number of lone workers among women compare to men. The largest occupational category for lone workers was service and sales workers, followed by agriculture and fisheries workers. A majority of non-lone workers reported working 40 hours or less per week, while the majority of lone workers reported working 53 hours or more per week. In addition, lone workers had significantly poorer health status evaluations compared to non-lone workers (odds ratio: 1.297; 95% confidence interval: 1.165-1.444).

Conclusions

Further research is needed to investigate the causal relationship between lone work and health, using data collected after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Extent and predictors of presenteeism among healthcare professionals working in Swiss hospitals, nursing homes and home care organizations

Presenteeism can have negative impacts on employees' health and organizational productivity. It occurs more often among occupations with high attendance demands, such as healthcare professionals. Information is lacking regarding the extent to which presenteeism differs between disciplines and settings in the health sector and what the reasons are for presenteeism as well as influencing factors. This study used cross-sectional data on 15,185 healthcare professionals (nursing staff, midwives, physicians, medical-technical and medical-therapeutic professionals) from various settings (acute care, rehabilitation or psychiatric hospitals, nursing homes and home care organizations). Presenteeism was measured by examining how many days participants had gone to work despite feeling sick during the past 12 months. Kruskal-Wallis was used to test for significant differences between healthcare professions/settings and regression analysis to identify significant predictors of presenteeism. Nursing assistants with a formal education reported the most days of presenteeism in the past 12 months (mean = 4.3, SD = 12.0). Healthcare professionals working in nursing homes reported the most days of presenteeism in the past 12 months (mean = 4.2, SD = 8.7). The majority of healthcare professionals had been present at work while being ill due to a sense of duty (83.7%), followed by consideration for colleagues and/or managers (76.5%). In particular, the psychiatric hospitals (β = 0.139; p < 0.001), nursing homes (β = 0.168; p < 0.001) and home care organizations (β = 0.092; p < 0.001), as well as the language regions of Swiss French (β = - 0.304; p < 0.001) and Italian (β = - 0.154; p < 0.001), were significantly associated with presenteeism. Presenteeism differs between disciplines and settings in the health sector. The reasons for presenteeism and its influencing factors in the health sector are mostly consistent with those in other sectors. Cultural differences should be afforded greater relevance in future presenteeism research.

Sickness Presenteeism and Psychosocial Risk Factors According to Inequality Axes

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between psychosocial risk factors (PSRs) and sickness presenteeism (SP) and examine possible differences according to the major axes of inequality in the labor market. Methods: Cross-sectional study based on a representative sample of the Spanish salaried population. Results: Although nearly all PSR show crude associations with SP, when adjusted for every other PSR, only the workers exposed to lack of role clarity (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01 to 1.68), having role conflicts (aPR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.19 to 1.77) and lack of sense of community at work (aPR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.59) show a significant association. Conclusions: After adjusting for all PSR, those significantly associated to SP belong to the interpersonal relationships domain. Some of the PSR effects change according to the segmentation axes analyzed.

Post COVID-19 condition, work ability and occupational changes in a population-based cohort

Background

Evidence on the impact of post COVID-19 condition (PCC) on work ability is limited but critical due to its high prevalence among working-age individuals. This study aimed to evaluate the association between PCC, work ability, and occupational changes in a population-based cohort.

Methods

We used data from working-age adults included in a prospective, longitudinal cohort of a random sample of all individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2 between August 2020 and January 2021 in the Canton of Zurich, Switzerland. We evaluated current work ability, work ability related to physical and mental demands, and estimated future work ability in 2 years (assessed using Work Ability Index), and PCC-related occupational changes one year after infection.

Findings

Of 672 individuals included in this study, 120 (17.9%) were categorised as having PCC (defined as presence of self-reported COVID-19 related symptoms) at 12 months. There was very strong evidence that current work ability scores were mean 0.62 (95% CI 0.30-0.95) points lower among those with PCC compared to those without in adjusted regression analyses. Similarly, there was very strong evidence for lower odds of reporting higher work ability with respect to physical (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 0.30, 95% CI 0.20-0.46) and mental (aOR 0.40, 0.27-0.62) demands in individuals with PCC. Higher age and history of psychiatric diagnosis were associated with more substantial reductions in current work ability. 5.8% of those with PCC reported direct effects of PCC on their occupational situation, with 1.6% of those with PCC completely dropping out of the workforce.

Interpretation

These findings highlight the need for providing support and interdisciplinary interventions to individuals affected by PCC to help them maintain or regain their work ability and productivity.

Funding

Federal Office of Public Health, Department of Health of the Canton of Zurich, University of Zurich Foundation, Switzerland; Horizon Europe.

Return to Work for People with Common Mental Disorders: Insights into the Implementation of a Collaborative Program in a Specialized Mental Health Hospital

Purpose Common mental disorders (CMDs) are a major cause of sick leave. Return-to-work (RTW) interventions providing mechanisms that support the participation and collaboration of the different stakeholders appear promising in these circumstances. The Therapeutic Return-to-Work (TRW) Program offers such mechanisms designed to enable affected workers to fully reintegrate into their jobs on a sustainable basis. This study evaluated the feasibility of implementing this program for workers with CMDs, within a specialized mental health hospital. Methods The study was conducted using a multiple case design and three main data sources: (1) the worker's medical file, (2) the log completed by the clinicians, and (3) individual interviews with stakeholders. Data were analyzed using a qualitative approach. Results Twelve workers between 32 and 60 years old, mostly women with complex mental health profiles working in large enterprises, participated in this study. Three main observations were made regarding the TRW Program implementation: (1) eight cases were characterized by complete or virtually complete implementation; (2) no explanatory factor could be identified for the different implementation levels; (3) eight cases achieved RTW success (RTW to the original job or another job), which appears partially attributable to the high level of program implementation. Conclusions: The TRW Program seems highly promising for supporting the return to work of workers with CMDs. However, studies identifying the factors likely to influence the implementation process in different health service contexts and specifying the scope and nature of the program's actual impact on RTW outcomes should be conducted before larger-scale implementation takes place.

How Much Does Presenteeism Change in Response to Interventions or Alterations in Health Status? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Using the COSMIN Methodology

Purpose The purpose of this study was to estimate the extent to which measures of presenteeism among workers change in response to alterations in health status induced by treatment or natural history. Methods We searched eight databases in August 2020 for studies published since 2012 measuring presenteeism longitudinally. Two independent reviewers screened the titles, abstracts, and full-text articles and performed data extraction. Studies were stratified into longitudinal studies using presenteeism as an outcome and measurement studies designed to test the responsiveness of presenteeism measures. We appraised the methodological quality of the measurement studies using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) risk of bias checklist. Standardized response means (SRMs) for interventional studies where participants reported improvement on anchor measures were quantitatively pooled.Results Our searches returned 2882 results. Eleven measurement studies and 126 longitudinal studies were included. Of the measurement studies (n = 2625 participants), 7 had adequate study quality and 4 studies were deemed doubtful. Anchors and responsiveness methods varied considerably. Our estimate of responsiveness from 5 measurement studies and 4 presenteeism measures is an SRM of 0.85 (95% CI 0.77, 0.92) and Cohen's d of 0.54 (95% CI 0.49, 0.58), translating to an average important change of 17/100. For deterioration, the value is - 17/100. Conclusions We found considerable variation regarding how responsiveness data was reported in measurement studies. There is evidence that responsiveness is strong for four presenteeism measures: the Work Productivity Survey, the Work Functioning Impairment Scale, the Work Role Functioning Questionnaire, and the Nurses Work Functioning Questionnaire.

Presenteeism-the case for action

There is evidence that presenteeism (working while sick) is commonplace and is increasing, especially among homeworkers. Working while not fully fit can be therapeutic and functional, but growing knowledge of its wide-ranging impact means that it can be a potentially high-risk behaviour. This editorial presents an overview of the factors that encourage people to work while sick and the wide-ranging implications for their health and functioning. Also provided is evidence-informed guidance on the actions that organizations can take to reduce dysfunctional presenteeism and develop a ‘healthier’ sickness absence culture.

Beyond direct costs: individual and societal financial burden of asthma in young adults in a Danish nationwide study

INTRODUCTION

As a common chronic disease seen across all ages, asthma has the potential to incur high societal and individual costs from both direct healthcare costs and loss of productivity. Most previous studies use smaller, selected populations to assess the cost of asthma, possibly reducing generalisability. We, therefore, aimed to assess the total, nationwide economic burden of asthma by severity from both an individual and a societal perspective.

METHODS

The annual cost of asthma was assessed in a Danish nationwide cohort of patients aged 18-45 during 2014-2016 as excess healthcare costs, loss of income and welfare expenditure compared with controls (matched 1:4) using national registries. Asthma severity was defined as mild-to-moderate (steps 1-3 or step 4 without exacerbations) or severe (step 4 with exacerbations or step 5).

RESULTS

Across 63 130 patients (mean age 33, 55% female), the annual excess cost of asthma compared with controls was predicted to €4095 (95% CI €3856 to €4334) per patient. Beyond direct costs related to treatment and hospitalisations (€1555 (95% CI €1517 to €1593)), excess indirect costs related to loss of income (€1060 (95% CI €946 to €1171)) and welfare expenditure (eg, sick pay and disability pensions) (€1480 (95% CI €1392 to €1570)) were seen. Crude pooling of excess costs resulted in an annual societal cost of €263 million for all included patients.Severe asthma (4.5%) incurred 4.4 times higher net costs (€15 749 (95% CI 13 928 to €17 638)) compared with mild-to-moderate disease (€3586 (95% CI €3349 to €3824)). Furthermore, patients with severe asthma experienced an annual loss of income of €3695 (95% CI €4106 to €3225) compared with controls.

CONCLUSION

In young adults with asthma, a significant societal and individual financial burden of disease was seen across severities. Expenditure was mainly driven by loss of income and welfare utilisation, rather than direct healthcare costs.

Factors related to career interruption and Re-employment of women in human health and social work activities sector: Comparison with other industry sectors

AIMS

This study aims to examine the factors related to career interruption and re-employment of women who had worked or were working in the human health sector and to compare them with those in other industrial sectors.

DESIGN

Secondary data analysis study.

METHODS

Data from the 2019 economic activities survey of career-interrupted women of South Korea was used, and 2570 participants were included in the analysis.

RESULTS

Women who had majored in health care and had worked, or were working, in the human health and social work activities sector showed a higher tendency to work more than 40 h per week, compared to the mean of all participants. Moreover, parental leave and flexible working time were related to career interruption and re-employment.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION

Policies that encourage the use of parental leave and flexible shift work systems should be developed and implemented to prevent career interruption of women in the health sector.

Effects of air pollution on restricted activity days: systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The adverse effects of air pollution on human health include many diseases and health conditions associated with mortality, morbidity and disability. One example of these outcomes that can be translated into economic costs is the number of days of restricted activity. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of outdoor exposure to particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 and 2.5 μm (PM₁₀, PM_2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃), on restricted activity days.

METHODS

Observational epidemiological studies with different study designs were included, and pooled relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated for an increase of 10 μg/m³ of the pollutant of interest. Random-effects models were chosen because of the environmental differences between the studies. Heterogeneity was estimated using prediction intervals (PI) and I-Squared (I2) values, while risk of bias was assessed using a tool developed by the World Health Organization specifically designed for air pollution studies, and based on different domains. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed where possible. The protocol for this review was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022339607).

RESULTS

We included 18 articles in the quantitative analysis. Associations between pollutants and restricted activity days in time-series studies of short-term exposures, measured as work-loss days, school-loss days, or both were significant for PM₁₀ (RR: 1.0191; 95%CI: 1.0058-1.0326; 80%PI: 0.9979-1.0408; I2: 71%) and PM_2.5 (RR: 1.0166; 95%CI: 1.0050-1.0283; 80%PI: 0.9944-1.0397; I2: 99%), but not for NO₂ or O₃. Some degree of heterogeneity between studies was observed, but sensitivity analysis showed no differences in the direction of the pooled relative risks when studies with a high risk of bias were excluded. Cross-sectional studies also showed significant associations for PM_2.5 and restricted activity days. We could not perform the analysis for long-term exposures because only two studies analysed this type of association.

CONCLUSION

Restricted activity days and related outcomes were associated with some of the pollutants under evaluation, as shown in studies with different designs. In some cases, we were able to calculate pooled relative risks that can be used for quantitative modelling.

The Effects of Job Demand-control-support Profiles on Presenteeism: Evidence from the Sixth Korean Working Condition Survey

Background

Presenteeism is closely related to work performance, work quality and quantity, and productivity at work. According to the job demand-control-support model, job demand, job control, and support play important roles in presenteeism. The present study investigated job characteristics profiles based on the job demand-control-support model and identify the association between job characteristics profiles and presenteeism.

Methods

This secondary data analysis used the Sixth Korean Working Condition Survey, a nationwide cross-sectional dataset. The study included 25,361 Korean wage workers employed in the workplace with two or more workers. Participants were classified into four job characteristics profiles based on the job demand-control-support model, using latent profile analysis, and logistic regression was performed to examine the association between study variables.

Results

Overall, 11.0 % of study participants reported experience of presenteeism in the past 12 months. Age, sex, location, monthly income, shift work, work hours, health problems, and sleep disturbances were significantly associated with presenteeism. The rate of presenteeism was the highest in the passive isolate group. The passive collective, active collective, and low-stain collective groups had a 23.0%, 21.0%, and 29.0% lower likelihood of experiencing presenteeism, respectively, than the passive isolate group.

Conclusions

The job demand-control-support profiles and the risk of presenteeism were significantly associated. The most significant group that lowered the experience of presenteeism was the low-strain collective group, which had a low level of demand and high levels of control and support. Therefore, we need a policy to reduce job demand and increase job control and support at the organizational and national levels.

Changes in sick leave utilization at an academic medical center during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic drastically changed work arrangements, but COVID-19's impact on employee leave utilization is unclear. The authors sought to understand how sick leave and vacation leave utilization changed during the pandemic among clinical and non-clinical departments at an academic medical center (AMC).

Design/methodology/approach

Clinical departments were defined as work units with a primary mission of providing direct patient care. Per-person, per-month leave utilization data were obtained from the AMC's time-keeping system for 3 clinical departments and 4 non-clinical departments in the first 12 months of the pandemic and the preceding 12 months. Monthly data for each department were analyzed with mixed-effects regression.

Findings

Available data represented 402 employees from 3 clinical departments and 73 employees from 4 non-clinical departments. The authors found no statistically significant change in sick leave utilization among either clinical or non-clinical departments. Vacation leave utilization decreased during the pandemic by 5.9 h per person per month in non-clinical departments (95% confidence interval [CI]: −8.1, −3.8; p < 0.001) and by 3.0 h per person per month in clinical departments (95% CI: −4.3, −1.7; p < 0.001).

Originality/value

Among employees in clinical departments, the authors found no increase in sick leave utilization and a decrease in vacation utilization. These findings are concerning for presenteeism, risk of burnout or understaffing resulting in workers' inability to take time away from work in clinical departments.

Presenteeism and noise perception at work: a cross-sectional study using association analysis

BACKGROUND

Presenteeism refers to the presence of a worker at work with reduced performance due to illness, and it is a common public health problem. Exposure to noise during production processes brings risk to workers' health.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the health profile of workers in the automotive industry and identify the association between noise perception and presenteeism among workers in the Brazilian automotive industry.

DESIGN AND SETTING

This was a cross-sectional study utilizing a case study design analyzing the automotive industry in the interior of São Paulo state, Brazil.

METHODS

This study included 306 workers using the Presenteeism Work Limitations Questionnaire protocol. Multiple logistic regression was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Male workers with reports of headache, tension, and limited well-being at work, having perceived that noise exposure interferes with productivity, showed a positive association with the occurrence of presenteeism. Physical demand had the highest score in terms of interfering with the presenteeism index.

CONCLUSION

Workers' perceptions of noise were associated with presenteeism.

Transtornos mentais comuns, produtividade e presenteísmo em trabalhadores de enfermagem

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a associação entre a ocorrência de transtornos mentais comuns com a perda de produtividade e o presenteísmo em trabalhadores de enfermagem de um serviço de saúde público. Método: Estudo transversal, com 291 trabalhadores da região Centro-oeste do Brasil. Coleta de dados realizada de outubro de 2019 a janeiro de 2020, com instrumentos para caracterização sociodemográfica, condições laborais e de saúde: Self Reporting Questionnaire-20, Standford Presenteeism Scale e Work Limitations Questionnaire. Os dados foram analisados por estatística descritiva e inferencial, com Testes de Mann-Whitney e regressão logística, respeitando o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: A ocorrência de transtornos mentais comuns apresentou chances 4,27 maiores para vivenciar o presenteísmo, com 10,17% da produtividade geral comprometida e prejuízos para as demandas mental/interpessoal e de produção. Conclusão: A ocorrência de transtornos mentais comuns esteve associada ao presenteísmo, com repercussões em perda de produtividade dos trabalhadores de enfermagem.

Complex effects of childhood abuse, subjective social status, and trait anxiety on presenteeism in adult volunteers from the community

Background

Presenteeism, which is reduced productivity levels owing to physical or mental problems, causes substantial economic loss. It is known to be associated with personal and working environment factors, but the mechanism has not been fully clarified to date. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of childhood abuse on presenteeism of general adult workers, and the mediating effects of subjective social status and trait anxiety.

Methods

From 2017 to 2018, a cross-sectional survey was performed, and 469 adult workers provided written consent. Demographic information, and results from the Child Abuse and Trauma Scale, Subjective Social Status, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y, and Work Limitations Questionnaire were investigated. Multiple linear regression and path analyzes were performed.

Results

Childhood abuse indirectly affected current presenteeism via subjective social status and trait anxiety. Presenteeism was directly affected only by trait anxiety, childhood abuse directly affected subjective social status and trait anxiety, and subjective social status affected trait anxiety.

Conclusion

This study clarified the long-term effects of childhood abuse on presenteeism in adulthood via trait anxiety. Therefore, assessing childhood abuse, subjective social status, and trait anxiety may help to elucidate the mechanism of workplace presenteeism and develop measures against it.

Evaluation of human error in workers of an Iranian copper mine during the COVID-19 pandemic using the CREAM

BACKGROUND

The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected both global economy and public health around the world. These effects have also been observed in many workplaces, including mines.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the human error of copper miners during the pandemic.

METHOD

This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was performed on 192 workers of a copper mine in Iran. For this, occupation tasks were firstly analyzed using the Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA), and then the human error in different subunits was assessed using the basic Cognitive Reliability and Error Analysis Method (CREAM). The prevalence of COVID-19 among miners was determined by assessing positive PCR test records.

RESULTS

The probability of human error in the operational subunits including mining, crushing, processing, and support subunits was estimated to be 0.0056, 0.056, 0.0315, and 0.0177, respectively. All three operational units were found to be in the scrambling control mode. The support unit was determined to be in the tactical control mode. Approximately 50% of all workers had been infected with COVID-19, with the highest prevalence in support units.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, copper miners are at higher risk of human error induced by poor working conditions. Therefore, it is recommended to employ some management strategies such as promotion of safety, health monitoring, and adopting supportive measures to control occupational stresses and therefore the probability of human error in the mine's operational units.

The health-performance framework of presenteeism: A proof-of-concept study

There is emerging research that considers presenteeism as a neutral behavior that has both positive and negative predictors and outcomes for individuals and organizations. This neutral perspective diverges from the traditional negative view of presenteeism and is aligned with the Health-Performance Framework of Presenteeism (HFPF) in which presenteeism is considered to be an adaptive behavior that aims to balance health limitations and performance demands. This proof-of-concept study aims to investigate the existence of different profiles of presentees based on their common health problems (mental and physical) and performance, and differences in attendance and job stressors among these subgroups. Latent profile analysis with 159 clerical employees and managers from the UK private sector supported the HPFP and revealed four profiles: those reporting a good health and high performance were labeled functional presentees (who represented 19% of the sample), those with poor health and low performance were the dysfunctional presentees (14%), those with relatively high performance but poor health were labeled overachieving presentees (22%), and those with average scores on both dimensions were the average Joe/Jane presentees (45%; a new profile based on this sample). There was no profile in the present sample that corresponded to therapeutic presenteeism, characterized by low performance but relatively good health. Although average Joe/Jane presentees were comparable to functional presentees in exposure to most job stressors, they reported poorer pay and benefits, and more health problems than the latter. Average Joe/Jane presentees reported the lowest number of days of presenteeism. No difference was found in absenteeism across profiles, highlighting difficulties in measuring presenteeism using a count-measure, since three profiles presented a similar number of days of presenteeism yet contrasted health-performance configurations. Dysfunctional presentees were systematically more exposed to job stressors compared to functional presentees. The results support the HPFP proposition for different subgroups of presentees who are influenced by their work environment. The study takes a person-centered approach, disentangle presenteeism from the total count of presenteeism days, offering implications for management and intervention practice. Presenteeism can have a bright side and be functional in certain contexts when the appropriate resources are available.

Barriers to mental health help-seeking in veterinary professionals working in Australia and New Zealand: A preliminary cross-sectional analysis

Despite higher reported rates of mental ill-health than the general population, professionals working in the animal care industry have low reported rates of help-seeking behavior. Potential factors involved in veterinary professionals' reluctance to seek help include stigma toward mental ill-health, practical barriers to accessing supports, and a cultural normalization of symptoms in the industry. This preliminary study sought to explore these factors in a sample of veterinarians, veterinary nurses, and veterinary technicians and examine effects of gender, years' experience, and practice location. A total of 408 veterinary professionals working in Australia and New Zealand completed an online survey between June and December 2021 measuring perceived stigma, practical barriers to mental health help-seeking, perceptions of normalized psychopathology and sickness presenteeism. Results indicated moderate levels of both perceived stigma and barriers to mental health help-seeking. Interestingly, psycho/pathology (e.g., burnout, fatigue, and sickness presenteeism) was perceived to be a normalized aspect of the profession by majority of respondents. Although no effect of gender or geographic location were observed, stage of career did have an effect on findings. Early career veterinary professionals were identified as more vulnerable to perceived stigma and barriers to care. The practical and research implications of the findings are discussed and include the need for mental health to be more centrally incorporated into the veterinary curriculum and professional development. Also discussed is an agenda for future research aimed at improving the mental health and wellbeing of professionals working in the animal care industry.

Sickness Presenteeism among Employees Having Workplace Conflicts-Results from Pooled Analyses in Latvia

The study's objective was to investigate the associations between workplace conflicts and self-reported sickness presenteeism defined as going to work while being ill. Cross-sectional survey data pooled from four national surveys in years 2006, 2010, 2013 and 2018 with a study sample of 6368 employees (mean age 42.9 years and 52.9% females) were used. Respondents were randomly drawn from different regions and industries; therefore, the sample is representative of the working population of Latvia. The computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) method was used to collect data at respondents' places of residence. The associations between conflicts in the workplace and presenteeism were analyzed by using binomial logistic regression and calculated as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted (aOR) for gender, age, education, and survey year. On average, 11% of respondents reported sickness presenteeism during the last year. The odds of presenteeism significantly increased for all types of workplace conflicts, but most for conflicts with managers (OR = 2.84). The odds of presenteeism doubled for those reporting conflicts with other employees (OR = 2.19) and conflicts with customers (OR = 1.85). The odds of sickness presenteeism were significantly higher if the workplace conflicts occurred often (seven times for conflicts between managers and employees, and four times for conflicts with customers) and with other employees. Presenteeism frequency increased more than three times if respondents had more than two types of conflict at work. The results of this study show that having any type of conflict in the workplace significantly increases the frequency of sickness presenteeism, especially when conflicts are frequent or an employee has more types of conflicts in the workplace. The study results justify the need to implement targeted and effective workplace conflict management measures at the organizational level to decrease sickness presenteeism.

Contributing Factors of Presenteeism among Portuguese and Swiss Nurses: A Qualitative Study Using Focus Groups

Evidence of nurse presenteeism has mainly focused on quantifying its prevalence and consequences on productivity, quality of care, and patient safety. Few data exist on nurses’ perceptions of their presenteeism and its related causes. We explored concepts of presenteeism and its contributing factors with frontline nurses and nurse managers in different healthcare settings in Portugal and Switzerland. Our qualitative study design involved 8 online focus groups involving 55 participants. The transcribed data was explored using thematic analysis. Three main reasons for presenteeism were identified: unfamiliar terminology; the paradoxical effect of `being present’ but absent; and presenteeism as a survival strategy. Six contributing factors were also recognized: (a) institutional disinterest toward employees; (b) paradigm shift: the tension between person-centered and task-centered care; (c) sudden changes in care practices due to the COVID-19 pandemic; (d) a lack of shared work perspectives with hierarchical superiors; (e) the financial burden of being absent from work; and (f) misfit of human responses. This study generates valuable, in-depth knowledge about the concepts and causes of presenteeism, and significant suggestions for the broader audience of nurse managers and leaders seeking to improve the quality of care.

Disease Control, Not Severity, Drives Job Absenteeism in Young Adults with Asthma - A Nationwide Cohort Study

Introduction

The impact of asthma and disease control on job absenteeism in young adults is sparsely investigated and conflicting evidence exist. Based on a nationwide cohort, the present study aims to describe the overall job absenteeism across asthma severities and describe the possible influence of asthma control.

Methods

REASSESS is a nationwide cohort of Danish asthma patients aged 18–45 using controller medication between 2014 and 2018, followed retrospectively for up to 15 years using national databases. Impact of asthma was investigated using negative binomial regression adjusted for age, sex, Charlson score and level of education and presented as adjusted incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

A total of 60,534 patients with asthma (median age 33 (25, 39), 55% female, 19% uncontrolled disease and 5.7% possible severe asthma) were followed for 12.7 (6.5–14.8) years. The prevalence of any absenteeism was more common in both mild-to-moderate and possible severe asthma compared to the background population (67%, 80% and 62%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Compared to the background population, mild-to-moderate and possible severe asthma were more likely to have temporary sick leave (1.37 (1.33–1.42); 1.78 (1.62–1.96)), unemployment (1.11 (1.07–1.14); 1.26 (1.15–1.38)) and obtain disability benefits (1.67 (1.66–1.67); 2.64 (2.63–2.65)). Uncontrolled asthma had increased temporary sick leave (1.42 (1.34–1.50)), unemployment (1.40 (1.32–1.48)) and disability (1.26 (1.26–1.27)) when compared to controlled disease. Significant increases in absenteeism could be measured already at ≥100 annual doses of rescue medication (1.09 (1.04–0.1.14)), patients’ first moderate or severe exacerbation (1.31 (1.15–1.49) and 1.31 (1.24–1.39), respectively). Further increases in absenteeism were observed with increasing rescue medication use and severe exacerbations.

Conclusion

Across severities, job absenteeism is increased among patients with asthma compared to the background population. Increases in absenteeism was seen already at ≥100 annual doses of rescue medication, representing a substantial, and probably preventable, reduction in productivity among young adults.

Are You All right (AYA)? Association of cumulative traumatic events among Danish police officers with mental health, work environment and sickness absenteeism: protocol of a 3-year prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Police officers are frequently exposed to potentially traumatic events at work that increases risk of developing mental health problems, in particular post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Individual and organisational factors may influence the detrimental effects of cumulative exposure to traumatic events. Occupational stress and lack of organisational support are associated with increased risk of PTSD among police officers. The Are You All right? (AYA) project is a prospective cohort study investigating the cumulative effect of traumatic events at work on mental health problems and absenteeism among police officers. The study also investigates whether potential risk and protective factors modify the association of traumatic events at work with mental health problems and absenteeism.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

The AYA-study includes the entire Danish police force. Prospective survey data are collected over a 3-year period beginning in the spring of 2021. Electronic surveys are sent out at baseline with 1-year, 2-year and 3-year follow-up. Further, short surveys are sent out every third month, covering exposure to traumatic events and current mental health status. The survey data are paired with workplace register data on sickness absence. Register data on sickness absence cover the period from 2020 to 2025.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was presented for evaluation at the National Ethics Committee in Denmark (reference number: 20202000-216), but according to Danish legislation, survey studies do not require approval by official Danish scientific or ethical committees. Participation in the project is based on informed consent, and data are handled in accordance with the Danish data legislation (journal number: 20/41457). Results are published in scientific journals and disseminated at international conferences.

Sickness Presenteeism in Prison Officers: Risk Factors and Implications for Wellbeing and Productivity

Sickness presenteeism involves employees continuing to work while unwell. As presenteeism is influenced by contextual and individual difference factors, it is important to assess its prevalence and implications for wellbeing and productivity in different occupational groups. This study examines these issues in a sample of prison officers working in UK institutions. Data were obtained from a survey of 1956 prison officers. Measures assessed the prevalence of and reasons for presenteeism and the perceived impact on job performance, along with mental health and perceptions of workplace safety climate. More than nine respondents out of ten (92%) reported working while unwell at least sometimes, with 43% reporting that they always did so. Presenteeism frequency was significantly related to mental health symptoms, impaired job performance and a poorer workplace safety climate. The reasons provided for presenteeism explained 31% of the variance in self-reported mental health, 34% in job performance and 17% in workplace safety climate, but the pattern of predictors varied according to the outcome. The findings can be used to inform interventions at the organisational and individual levels to encourage a ‘healthier’ approach to sickness absence, with likely benefits for staff wellbeing, job performance and workplace safety climate.

Some of the workforce face post COVID after the acute phase of the illness: The employer’s supportive role

BACKGROUND: A considerable proportion of workers that recover from an acute phase of COVID-19 are confronted with post COVID-19 symptoms of varying severity and duration. Employers have an important role in addressing this new condition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review organisational practises that could help employees suffering from long COVID-19 return to work and to link these suggestions to theoretical frameworks from the field of work and organisational psychology. METHODS: Since scientific publications on post COVID-19 are published daily, but sound empirical studies are still scarce, the synthesis of the scientific and professional literature was performed in the form of a narrative review. RESULTS: The results were organised according to the healthy workplace model and explained through the lens of the job demands-resources theory. The role of the employer has three aspects: collaboration, instructional pillars, and key actors. The main guidelines for implementation of the policies are an individualised approach, flexibility, and support. Supportive policies, practises, and relationships might have a direct impact on workers’ psychological resources. CONCLUSIONS: The model could help employers understand the conditions and necessary adaptations for workers with post COVID-19, as well as advance research in work and organisational psychology.

Sickness presenteeism associated with influenza-like illness in veterinarians working in New South Wales: Results of a state-wide survey

BACKGROUND

Sickness presenteeism in the veterinary profession potentially jeopardises the wellbeing of veterinary team members and endangers quality of patient care. In veterinary team members with influenza-like illness (ILI), sickness presenteeism poses a risk to the health and wellbeing of colleagues and clients, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate factors associated with sickness presenteeism in NSW registered veterinarians suffering from ILI, both before and since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Veterinarians registered in NSW were invited to complete an anonymous online mixed-methods survey between 31 March 2021 and 31 June 2021, regarding sickness presenteeism and absenteeism associated with ILI. The questionnaire was distributed through online and print newsletters of the Australian Veterinary Association NSW Branch and the NSW Veterinary Practitioners Board.

RESULTS

From a total of 122 participants, 81 veterinarians (66.4%) reported that they would attend work despite displaying symptoms of ILI. Most veterinarians would stay at home with a fever alone (n = 108, 88.5%), however, many would still attend work with a sore throat (n = 121, 99.2%) or a dry cough (n = 91, 74.6%). Sickness presenteeism was significantly associated with lack of staff to cover workers. Although sickness presenteeism remained common, participants reported that they were less likely to attend work with symptoms of ILI since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DISCUSSION

The data are discussed in relation to sickness presenteeism in healthcare workers. These findings underscore an urgent need for relief staff to decrease sickness presenteeism.

Cost data in implementation science: categories and approaches to costing

A lack of cost information has been cited as a barrier to implementation and a limitation of implementation research. This paper explains how implementation researchers might optimize their measurement and inclusion of costs, building on traditional economic evaluations comparing costs and effectiveness of health interventions. The objective of all economic evaluation is to inform decision-making for resource allocation and to measure costs that reflect opportunity costs—the value of resource inputs in their next best alternative use, which generally vary by decision-maker perspective(s) and time horizon(s). Analyses that examine different perspectives or time horizons must consider cost estimation accuracy, because over longer time horizons, all costs are variable; however, with shorter time horizons and narrower perspectives, one must differentiate the fixed and variable costs, with fixed costs generally excluded from the evaluation. This paper defines relevant costs, identifies sources of cost data, and discusses cost relevance to potential decision-makers contemplating or implementing evidence-based interventions. Costs may come from the healthcare sector, informal healthcare sector, patient, participant or caregiver, and other sectors such as housing, criminal justice, social services, and education. Finally, we define and consider the relevance of costs by phase of implementation and time horizon, including pre-implementation and planning, implementation, intervention, downstream, and adaptation, and through replication, sustainment, de-implementation, or spread.

Treatment interruption is a risk factor for sickness presenteeism: A large-scale cross-sectional study during the COVID-19 pandemic

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the relationship between interruption to routine medical care during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and sickness presenteeism among workers in Japan.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study using data obtained from an internet monitor questionnaire was conducted. Interruption to medical care was defined based on the response "I have not been able to go to the hospital or receive treatment as scheduled." The fraction of sickness presenteeism days in the past 30 days was employed as the primary outcome. A fractional logit model was used for analysis to treat bounded data.

RESULTS

Of the 27 036 participants, 17 526 (65%) were workers who did not require routine medical care, 8451 (31%) were using medical care as scheduled, and 1059 (4%) experienced interrupted medical care. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of sickness presenteeism was significantly higher among workers who experienced interrupted medical care (3.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.04-3.89) than those who did not require routine medical care. In terms of symptoms, the highest aOR was observed among workers with mental health symptoms (aOR: 5.59, 95% CI: 5.04-6.20).

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests the importance of continuing necessary treatment during a pandemic to prevent presenteeism.

Victimization in Childhood Influences Presenteeism in Adulthood via Mediation by Neuroticism and Perceived Job Stressors

BACKGROUND

Victimization in childhood profoundly influences the mental health of individuals in adulthood, causing depression, anxiety disorder, suicidality, and self-harm, which leads to productivity loss in the workplace, ie, presenteeism. However, the specific effects of victimization on presenteeism remain unclear. We hypothesized that victimization affects the presenteeism of workers through neuroticism and perceived job stressors and analyzed the association among these factors by path analysis.

METHODS

A questionnaire survey, including demographic and clinical data, Japanese versions of victimization scale in childhood, Brief Job Stress Questionnaire, and Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ), was administered to 443 adult volunteers between April 2017 and April 2018 in Tokyo, Japan. Multiple variables were analyzed by multiple regression analysis and path analysis. The Institutional Review Board of Tokyo Medical University approved this study.

RESULTS

Path analysis demonstrated that neuroticism and perceived job stressors had direct effects on presenteeism in the WLQ. Victimization indirectly increased presenteeism via neuroticism and its subsequent effects on perceived job stressors. This model accounted for 18% of the variability of presenteeism (R ² = 0.180).

LIMITATIONS

There may be possible recall bias owing to the self-administration of the questionnaire. In addition, this study had a cross-sectional design, and hence the causal associations among variables should be validated in a prospective study.

CONCLUSION

The present study indicates that the experience of victimization in childhood is a risk factor of adulthood presenteeism, and this effect is mediated by neuroticism and adverse effects on job stressors. These results suggest that multiple factors, including childhood victimization, neuroticism, and job stressors, should be considered when assessing and preventing presenteeism.

The Forgotten (Invisible) Healthcare Heroes: Experiences of Canadian Medical Laboratory Employees Working During the Pandemic

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the stressors and coping strategies of medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) and assistants (MLAs) working during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

In this descriptive qualitative study, we held two focus groups with MLTs and MLA who were working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The focus group sessions were transcribed verbatim followed by thematic analysis to develop codes and themes.

FINDINGS

A total of 13 participants across Ontario were involved in our study, which included one MLT (n = 7) group and one MLA (n = 6) MLA. Overall, the stressors and coping methods identified between both focus groups were consistent. Our results revealed four main themes: (1) COVID-19 contributing to the notable and existing staff shortage; (2) the pandemic reinforced that medical laboratory employees are forgotten within the healthcare system; (3) a poor work environment exacerbated by the pandemic; and (4) a resilient and passionate group. Rich descriptions explained the underlying issues related to the themes.

CONCLUSIONS

MLTs and MLAs are critical members of the healthcare team and provide vital patient care services. This study explored their experiences working during the pandemic and offers timely recommendations to mitigate against occupational stressors.

When does presenteeism harm productivity the most? Employee motives as a key moderator of the presenteeism–productivity relationship

Purpose

While presenteeism is empirically linked to lower productivity, the role of a person's motives for engaging in presenteeism has been overlooked. Using a Conservation of Resources Theory framework, we examine the moderating effects of presenteeism motives (approach and avoidance motives) on the presenteeism–productivity relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 327 dental hygienists with chronic health conditions was surveyed. Moderated multiple regression was used to test study hypotheses.

Findings

Results indicate that presenteeism does indeed appear to detriment productivity. However, we demonstrate that motives are an important moderator, such that high approach motives appear to mitigate the negative effects of presenteeism on productivity.

Practical implications

Based on our findings, we suggest managers strive to improve the approach motives of their employees through processes such as job enrichment.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates that presenteeism is not always detrimental to productivity, as approach motives appear to mitigate the negative effects of presenteeism on productivity. These results could drive future research on presenteeism, as well as inform best practices related to managing workers with chronic health issues.

Work and Non-Work Sickness Presenteeism: The Role of Workplace COVID-19 Climate

OBJECTIVE

To test the role of workplace coronavirus disease (COVID-19) climate in shaping employee attitudes toward the CDC prevention guidelines and subsequent levels of work and non-work sickness presenteeism.

METHODS

Three waves of anonymous survey data were collected in October and December 2020 and February 2021. Participants were 304 employed adults in the U.S., of whom half were working onsite.

RESULTS

Time 1 workplace COVID-19 climate was positively associated with Time 2 employee attitudes toward the CDC prevention guidelines, which in turn predicted Time 3 levels of non-work and work sickness presenteeism.

CONCLUSIONS

The workplace can shape employee attitudes toward the CDC COVID-19 prevention guidelines and their work and non-work sickness presenteeism, thus highlighting the important role companies have in reducing community spread of the novel coronavirus in work and non-work settings.

Olive Garden's Expansion Of Paid Sick Leave During COVID-19 Reduced The Share Of Employees Working While Sick

The COVID-19 pandemic has focused public and policy attention on the acute lack of paid sick leave for service-sector workers in the United States. The lack of paid sick leave is potentially a threat not only to workers' well-being but also to public health. However, the literature on the effects of paid sick leave in the US is surprisingly limited, in large part because instances of paid sick leave expansion are relatively uncommon. We exploit the fact that large firms in the US were not required to expand paid sick leave during the COVID-19 pandemic but that one casual dining restaurant in particular, Olive Garden, faced intense public pressure to do so. We drew on data collected from 2017 through fall 2020 from 10,306 food service-sector workers in the US by the Shift Project, which include employer identifiers. Using a difference-in-differences design, we found strong evidence of an increase in paid sick leave coverage among Olive Garden workers, as well as evidence that this expansion reduced the incidence of working while sick among front-line food service workers.

After the Pandemic: New Responsibilities

Seasonal influenza kills many hundreds of thousands of people every year. We argue that the current pandemic has lessons we should learn concerning how we should respond to it. Our response to the COVID-19 not only provides us with tools for confronting influenza; it also changes our sense of what is possible. The recognition of how dramatic policy responses to COVID-19 were and how widespread their general acceptance has been allowed us to imagine new and more sweeping responses to influenza. In fact, we not only can grasp how we can reduce its toll; this new knowledge entails new responsibilities to do so. We outline a range of potential interventions to alter social norms and to change structures to reduce influenza transmission, and consider ethical objections to our proposals.

Health-Related Symptoms and Working Conditions on Vulnerability to Presenteeism Among Nurses in South Korea

Presenteeism among nurses is reported to be higher than that of other professional workers, and affects one's health and the safety of their patients. Therefore, study on correlation between complex working condition and presenteeism is needed among nurses. This study aimed to predict characteristics of high-risk groups for presenteeism among nurses. The analysis used data which generated 478 nurses who participated in the fifth Korean Working Conditions Survey (2017). This study built a complex samples logistic regression model and decision tree analysis. Presenteeism was significantly higher among those who experienced musculoskeletal pain, high emotional demands, discrimination, and psychological adverse social behavior at the workplace. Combined presence of psychological adverse social behavior and musculoskeletal pain was predicted presenteeism, and should be treated as groups with a high risk of presenteeism. Nurses should be aware of high-risk group for presenteeism and treat them as a priority group to manage.