The relationship between gender segregation in the workplace and long-term sickness absence in Sweden

Bryngelson, Anna; Hertzman, Jennie Bacchus; Fritzell, Johan

doi:10.1177/1403494811414242

Cited by 28 publications

(46 citation statements)

References 24 publications

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“…In several European countries, women have higher rates of sickness absence than men [13-15]. Laaksonen et al [16] found that occupation accounted for half of the female sick leave episodes lasting more than 60 days and approximately one third of sick leave less than 60 days.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The influence of lifestyle and gender on sickness absence in Brazilian workers

et al. 2014

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BackgroundDespite an increasing body of knowledge concerning gender and lifestyle factors as determinants of sickness absence in well-developed countries, the relationship between these variables has not been elucidated in emerging economic power countries, where the burden of non-communicable diseases is particularly high. This study aimed to analyze the relationships among lifestyle-related factors and sick leave and to examine whether gender differences in sickness absence can be explained by differences in socio-demographic, work and lifestyle-related factors among Brazilian workers.MethodsIn this longitudinal study with a one year follow-up among 2.150 employees of a Brazilian airline company, sick leave was the primary outcome of interest. Independent variables collected by interview at enrolment in the study were gender, age, educational level, type of work, stress, and lifestyle-related factors (body mass index, physical activity and smoking). In addition, the risk for coronary heart disease was determined based on measurement of blood pressure, total cholesterol and glucose levels. The total number of days on sick leave during 12 months follow-up was available from the company register. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the influence of socio-demographic, type of work and lifestyle-related factors on sick leave.ResultsYounger employees, those with lower educational level, those who worked as air crew members and those with higher levels of stress were more likely to have sick leave. Body mass index and level of physical activity were not associated with sick leave. After adjustment by socio-demographic variables, increased odds for 10 or more days of sick leave were found in smokers (OR = 1.51, CI = 1.05-2.17), and ex-smokers (OR = 1.45, CI = 1.01-2.10). Women were more likely to have 10 or more days of sick leave. Gender differences were reduced mainly when adjusted for type of work (15%) and educational level (7%).ConclusionsThe higher occurrence of sick leave among women than among men was partly explained by type of work and educational level. Our results suggest that type of work, a stressful life, and smoking are important targets for health promotion in this study population.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The influence of lifestyle and gender on sickness absence in Brazilian workers

et al. 2014

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“…The degree of contact among workers within the same occupation at a workplace can vary, making both occupations and workplace gender composition valid units of analysis. The few studies that have focused on workplaces have analysed gender composition in relation to sickness absence and self-rated health [7-10], whereas mental health remains unexplored. Although mental illness accounts for a substantial part of the sickness absence in Sweden, especially for women [11], there is also a need for studies that focus on the mental ill- health aspects of the gender composition.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Based on Kanter’s theory of “tokens”, researchers have suggested that being a small minority at the workplace could be extra harmful for health status [12,13]. However, this theory has not been supported empirically [7,14]. For women, the highest levels of sickness absence have been found at workplaces with a majority of women [7,8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, this theory has not been supported empirically [7,14]. For women, the highest levels of sickness absence have been found at workplaces with a majority of women [7,8]. For men, one study showed no differences in sickness absence in relation to workplace gender composition [7], and another study showed poorer self-rated health among men at workplaces with a majority of women [9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Workplace gender composition and psychological distress: the importance of the psychosocial work environment

2014

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BackgroundHealth consequences of the gender segregated labour market have previously been demonstrated in the light of gender composition of occupations and workplaces, with somewhat mixed results. Associations between the gender composition and health status have been suggested to be shaped by the psychosocial work environment. The present study aims to analyse how workplace gender composition is related to psychological distress and to explore the importance of the psychosocial work environment for psychological distress at workplaces with different gender compositions.MethodsThe study population consisted of participants from the Northern Swedish Cohort with a registered workplace in 2007 when the participants were 42 years old (N = 795). Questionnaire data were supplemented with register data on the gender composition of the participants’ workplaces divided into three groups: workplaces with more women, mixed workplaces, and workplaces with more men. Associations between psychological distress and gender composition were analysed with multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for socioeconomic position, previous psychological distress, psychosocial work environment factors and gender. Logistic regression analyses (including interaction terms for gender composition and each work environment factor) were also used to assess differential associations between psychosocial work factor and psychological distress according to gender composition.ResultsWorking at workplaces with a mixed gender composition was related to a higher likelihood of psychological distress compared to workplaces with more men, after adjustments for socioeconomic position, psychological distress at age 21, psychosocial work environment factors and gender. Psychosocial work environment factors did not explain the association between gender composition and psychological distress.ConclusionsThe association between gender composition and psychological distress cannot be explained by differences in the perception of the psychosocial work environment and thus the work environment hypothesis is not supported. Workplaces with a mixed gender composition needs further research attention to explain the negative development of psychological distress during working life for both women and men at these workplaces.

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“…A small handful of studies have examined whether gender imbalances in the workplace are associated with morbidity and differences in sickness absenteeism rates for males and females, but the evidence is mixed (Bryngelson, Hertzman, and Fritzell 2011;Mastekaasa 2005;Hensing and Alexanderson 2004;Svedberg et al 2009). Even less research has been conducted on the relationship between sex ratios and mortality risk.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Sex ratios at sexual maturity and longevity

Barclay¹

2013

DemRes

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The relationship between gender segregation in the workplace and long-term sickness absence in Sweden

Cited by 28 publications

References 24 publications

The influence of lifestyle and gender on sickness absence in Brazilian workers

The influence of lifestyle and gender on sickness absence in Brazilian workers

Workplace gender composition and psychological distress: the importance of the psychosocial work environment

Sex ratios at sexual maturity and longevity

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