Satisfaction with Work Conditions and Sickness Absence
Author Information
Author(s): Munch-Hansen Torsten, Wieclaw Joanna, Agerbo Esben, Westergaard-Nielsen Niels, Bonde Jens Peter
Primary Institution: Aarhus University Hospital
Hypothesis
Do specific aspects of psychosocial work conditions function as independent predictors of sickness absence beyond a one-dimensional global measure of satisfaction?
Conclusion
Low global satisfaction with psychosocial work conditions is associated with increased levels of sickness absence.
Supporting Evidence
- Dissatisfaction with each of the six aspects of psychosocial work conditions was associated with an increase in sickness absence.
- When all aspects were included in the model, only skill discretion and professionalism were negatively associated with sickness absence.
- The global measure of satisfaction explained more of the negative association with sickness absence than any specific aspect.
Takeaway
If people are not happy with their work conditions, they tend to take more sick days. Just looking at specific parts of their work conditions doesn't help explain this.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 13,437 employees using a questionnaire that assessed satisfaction with various aspects of psychosocial work conditions and their association with sickness absence.
Potential Biases
The study design may not account for individual characteristics that could influence both satisfaction and sickness absence.
Limitations
Important predicting variables such as physical demands and individual lifestyle were not included.
Participant Demographics
Employees from 698 public service workplaces in Aarhus County, Denmark.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -0.21 ; -0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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