Discrepancy between objective and subjective measures of job stress and sickness absence

Rehkopf, David H.; Kuper, Hannah; Marmot, Michael

doi:10.5271/sjweh.3081

Cited by 14 publications

(16 citation statements)

References 26 publications

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“…This is in contrast with some previous studies stating an association of high demands with absenteeism 31,32) . However, the association of high demands with lower sickness absence figures was also demonstrated in a sample from the Whitehall II cohort 33) . A possible explanation is that selection of ambitious workers occurred in this predominantly white-collar sample.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

The Relation between Presenteeism and Different Types of Future Sickness Absence

Janssens

Clays

Clercq

et al. 2013

Journal of Occupational Health

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The Relation between Presenteeism and Different Types of Future Sickness Absence: Heidi JANSSENS, et al. Department of Public Health, Ghent University, Belgium-Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the relation between sickness presenteeism and different types of future sickness absence in 2,983 Belgian middle-aged workers. Methods: Data were collected from 1,372 male and 1,611 female workers. Presenteeism was assessed by a single question, evaluating the frequency of occasions of going at work, despite illness, during the preceding year. Prospective, registered sickness absence data were collected during 12 months of follow-up. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to investigate the relationship between presenteeism and short/long spells of absenteeism and high sickness absence frequency. Results: High rates (>5 times) of presenteeism at baseline were significantly and independently associated with both long spells of sickness absence (at least 15 consecutive sick leave days) (men, OR=2.73, 95% CI=1.24−6.03; women, OR=2.40, 95%CI=1.31−4.40) and short spells of sickness absence (sick leave between 1 and 3 days) (men, OR=2.38, 95%CI=1.25−4.51; women, OR=1.90, 95%CI=1.17−3.11) in both genders during one year follow-up. Moderate rates (2−5 times) of presenteeism were significantly associated with long spells of sickness absence only in the male group (OR=1.90, 95%CI= 1.21−2.97). With regard to high sickness frequency (at least 3 sick leave episodes), a significant and positive association with high rates of presenteeism was demonstrated only in the female workers (OR=2.38, 95%CI=1.40−4.04). Conclusions: These results suggest that presenteeism was related to different types of future sickness absence. (J Occup Health 2013; 55: 132−141)

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

The Relation between Presenteeism and Different Types of Future Sickness Absence

Janssens

Clays

Clercq

et al. 2013

Journal of Occupational Health

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“…Further, an objective change in workplace conditions – downsizing – has been reported to both increase [34] and decrease [35] sickness absence, although these responses may be subject to type of employment contract and local social conditions. Rehkopf [36] in a further analysis of Whitehall II data suggested that whilst sickness absence was differentially predicted by subjective and objective measures of job demands, no such difference was observed for decision latitude.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

A Lifecourse Approach to Long-Term Sickness Absence—A Cohort Study

et al. 2012

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BackgroundMost research on long-term sickness absence has focussed on exposure to occupational psychosocial risk factors such as low decision latitude. These provide an incomplete explanation as they do not account for other relevant factors. Such occupational risk factors may be confounded by social or temperamental risk factors earlier in life.MethodsWe analysed data from the 1958 British Birth Cohort. Long-term sickness absence was defined as receipt of Incapacity Benefit/Severe Disablement Allowance at age 42. In those in employment aged 33 we examined the effects of psychological distress, musculoskeletal symptoms, and low decision latitude. These were then adjusted for IQ, educational attainment, and the presence of early life somatic and neurotic symptoms.ResultsLow decision latitude predicted subsequent long-term absence, and this association remained, albeit reduced, following adjustment for psychological distress and musculoskeletal symptoms at age 33. Low decision latitude was no longer associated with long-term absence when IQ and educational attainment were included. Adjusting for early life somatic and neurotic symptoms had little impact.DiscussionA greater understanding of the ways in which occupational risk factors interact with individual vulnerabilities across the life-course is required. Self reported low decision latitude might reflect the impact of education and cognitive ability on how threat, and the ability to manage threat, is perceived, rather than being an independent risk factor for long-term sick leave. This has implications for policy aimed at reducing long-term sick leave.

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“…Time pressure may be harmful to employees’ health and well-being, although the evidence on the relationship between time pressure and absenteeism is still inconclusive 5 6. Psychosocial time pressures, such as tight deadlines, perceived time pressure, or a time famine, may be more important for health than hours spent on the job 7.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%