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Relative magnitude of presenteeism and absenteeism and work-related factors affecting them among health care professionals

International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health volume 84, pages 225–230 (2011)Cite this article

Abstract

Objective

To examine the extent and relative value of presenteeism and absenteeism and work-related factors affecting them among health care professionals.

Methods

Physicians and nurses estimated their hours of absenteeism and presenteeism during the last 4 weeks due to health reasons, and how much their work capacity had been reduced during their presenteeism hours. Socio-economic background, factors related to work and work conditions and possible chronic and acute diseases were solicited.

Results

Presenteeism was more common but indicated lower monetary value than absenteeism. Job satisfaction explained the probability and magnitude of presenteeism, but not absenteeism. Experience of acute disease(s) during the study period of 4 weeks significantly predicted the probability of both presenteeism and absenteeism.

Conclusions

Experience of presenteeism seemed to be common among health care workers, and it had significant economic value, although not as significant as absenteeism had.

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Acknowledgments

This study was supported by grants from the research funds of the Hospital District of Southwest Finland.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Author information

Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health, University of Turku, Turku, 20014, Finland

    Iina Rantanen & Risto Tuominen

  2. Department of Internal Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland

    Iina Rantanen

Authors
  1. Iina Rantanen
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  2. Risto Tuominen
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Risto Tuominen.

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Rantanen, I., Tuominen, R. Relative magnitude of presenteeism and absenteeism and work-related factors affecting them among health care professionals. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 84, 225–230 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0604-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00420-010-0604-5

Keywords

  • Presenteeism
  • Productivity costs
  • Monetary value
  • Contingent valuation
  • Willingness to accept