Two definitions of presenteeism: sickness presenteeism and impaired work function

Abstract

Background Two major definitions exist for presenteeism: sickness presenteeism and impaired work function. The evidence for comparing previous studies on presenteeism is insufficient because of the different definitions of presenteeism used. Aims To assess the relationship between the two major definitions of presenteeism. Methods This cross-sectional study analysed secondary data on 5334 respondents to an employee survey administered in a construction company in Japan. Impaired work function was measured using the Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun). Multiple logistic regression was performed. Results A strong linear association was observed between the number of days of sickness presenteeism and impaired work function (all P < 0.001). In contrast, the number of days of sickness absence was only partially positively associated with impaired work function. All choices for most frequent health problem were positively associated with impaired work function, beginning with mental problems (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 20.45, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.94–28.01), followed by malaise (adjusted OR = 11.91, 95% CI: 9.08–15.62) and sleeping problems (adjusted OR = 8.62, 95% CI: 6.57–11.33). Conclusions A strong relationship was observed between the two major definitions of presenteeism, even after adjusting for a variety of chronic health conditions. Although a consensus on the definition of presenteeism is yet to be reached, this study provides insight on comparing existing studies on presenteeism.

Job insecurity is associated with presenteeism, but not with absenteeism: A study of 19 720 full-time waged workers in South Korea

“…For example, workers who have chronic diseases are more likely to have insecure job status and experience of absenteeism and presenteeism. Fourth, because the single‐item question was used to measure absenteeism and presenteeism, we could not consider the type or severity of workers’ illness at the time of being absent or present at work 38 . Workers’ choice to be absent or present at work could be dependent on the severity of illness.…”

Presenteeism and absenteeism: Implications from a study of job insecurity

“…We previously reported that there is no standard metric for measuring presenteeism, leading to varying definitions in the literature. 4 The current study used "sickness presenteeism," which is normally assessed by the number of days per year that employees worked despite feeing unwell. 5 Because of the lack of a standard value for "sickness presenteeism," occupational health practitioners cannot define it uniformly in daily practice.…”

“…Another discussion point in this article is the cutoff value for days of presenteeism. We previously reported that there is no standard metric for measuring presenteeism, leading to varying definitions in the literature 4 . The current study used “sickness presenteeism,” which is normally assessed by the number of days per year that employees worked despite feeing unwell 5 .…”

Presenteeism among fruit farm workers in Northeast Brazil: cross-sectional study

“…Presenteeism, or going to work despite feeling physically or psychologically sick 1) , is frequently found among workers from a range of occupations all around the world 2,3) . However, there is no standard metric for measuring presenteeism 4) . The reason for this fact relies on two different conceptions of presenteeism.…”