Total Health-Related Costs Due to Absenteeism, Presenteeism, and Medical and Pharmaceutical Expenses in Japanese Employers

Abstract

Objective:This study aimed to examine a detailed breakdown of costs (absenteeism, presenteeism, and medical/pharmaceutical expenses), of the employees in four pharmaceutical companies in Japan.Methods:This is a cross-sectional study. Absenteeism and presenteeism were measured by a self-administered questionnaire for workers, and their costs were estimated using the human capital approach. Presenteeism was evaluated by the degree affected quality and quantity of work. Medical and pharmaceutical expenses were obtained by insurance claims.Results:The monetary value due to absenteeism was $520 per person per year (11%), that of presenteeism was $3055 (64%), and medical/pharmaceutical expenses were $1165 (25%). Two of the highest total cost burdens from chronic illness were related to mental (behavioral) health conditions and musculoskeletal disorders.Conclusion:A total cost approach can help employers set priorities for occupational health, safety, and population health management initiatives.

Association between pain‐related fear and presenteeism among eldercare workers with low back pain

“…It has recently acquired social attention because the socio‐economic burden of presenteeism was estimated to cost 1.9–5.1 times more than the direct cost, including medical and pharmaceutical costs (Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, ). According to a previous study conducted in Japan, the cost due to absenteeism was $520 per person per year and that due to presenteeism was $3,055 (Nagata et al, ). Moreover, presenteeism is a risk factor for future absenteeism and a decrement in self‐rated health (Bergstrom et al, ; Janssens, Clays, De Clercq, De Bacquer, & Braeckman, ; Taloyan et al, ).…”

“…$3,055 (Nagata et al, 2018). Moreover, presenteeism is a risk factor for future absenteeism and a decrement in self-rated health (Bergstrom et al, 2009;Janssens, Clays, De Clercq, De Bacquer, & Braeckman, 2013;Taloyan et al, 2012).…”

Construct validity and test-retest reliability of the World Mental Health Japan version of the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire Short Version: a preliminary study

“…Second, we tested the correlations between the WHO-HPQ measures and five possible predictors (two health conditions and three psychosocial job conditions. We assumed that WHO-HPQ absenteeism measures would correlate positively with psychological distress and depression/anxiety disorder 10) and negatively with job control, and supervisor and coworker support 26) ; Similarly, the WHO-HPQ presenteeism measures, for which the greater score implies better work performance 6) , would correlate negatively with psychological distress and depression/anxiety disorder, and positively with job control, and supervisor and coworker support 27) .…”

Comparative study on the activities of part-time occupational physicians in Japan between 2008 and 2016: effects of the stress-check program

“…It is interesting to note that while OPs in other studies in Japan, like the OPs in the present survey, reported spending many hours for health examination and follow-up 24) , or health counseling 22) , OPs in other studies reported spending less time on management of mental health issues and over-work cases than OPs in the present analysis. Management of mental health and health hazards due to overwork, however, has been among the important / 21 issues of OH 3,25,26) . The report of Japan Medical Association 22) In 2016, majority of OP felt difficulty in SC-related issues, especially in interview with high-stress employees ( Table 5).…”