INTRODUCTION: Productivity loss is an increasing problem in an aging working population that is decreasing in numbers. The aim of this study is to identify work-related and health-related characteristics associated with productivity loss, due to either sickness absence or reduced performance at work. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data of the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey of 2007 were used, which includes a national representative sample of 22,759 employees aged 15 to 64 years. Demographic characteristics, health-related and work-related factors were assessed with a questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to study the relationship of work-related and health-related factors with low performance at work and sickness absence in the past 12 months. RESULTS: Poor general health, the number of longstanding health conditions, and most types of longstanding health conditions were associated with productivity loss. Health-related factors were in general stronger associated with sickness absence than with low performance at work. Performance: poor health OR 1.54 CI 1.38-1.71, >1 health conditions OR 1.21 CI 1.09-1.35; sickness absence: poor health OR 2.62 CI 2.33-2.93, >1 health conditions OR 2.47 CI 2.21-2.75. Of the different types of longstanding health conditions, only psychological complaints and to a small extent musculoskeletal symptoms, were associated with low performance (respectively OR 1.54 CI 1.27-1.87; OR 1.09 CI 1.00-1.18). Low performance at work was less likely among employees with high physically demanding work (shift work OR 0.70 CI 0.63-0.76, using force OR 0.78 CI 0.72-0.84, and repetitive movements OR 0.74 CI 0.70-0.79). Psychosocial factors were stronger associated with low performance at work than with sickness absence (performance: job autonomy OR 1.28 CI 1.21-1.37, job demands OR 1.23 CI 1.16-1.31, emotionally demanding work OR 1.73 CI 1.62-1.85; sickness absence: job autonomy ns, job demands OR 1.09 CI 1.03-1.17, emotionally demanding work OR 1.09 CI 1.02-1.16). CONCLUSION: Except for psychological complaints, workers with a longstanding health condition generally perform well while being at work. Nevertheless, the likelihood of taking sick leave is increased. Among work-related factors, psychosocial work characteristics have the strongest relation with productivity loss, mostly with performance while at work.
INTRODUCTION: Productivity loss is an increasing problem in an aging working population that is decreasing in numbers. The aim of this study is to identify work-related and health-related characteristics associated with productivity loss, due to either sickness absence or reduced performance at work. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, data of the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey of 2007 were used, which includes a national representative sample of 22,759 employees aged 15 to 64 years. Demographic characteristics, health-related and work-related factors were assessed with a questionnaire. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to study the relationship of work-related and health-related factors with low performance at work and sickness absence in the past 12 months. RESULTS: Poor general health, the number of longstanding health conditions, and most types of longstanding health conditions were associated with productivity loss. Health-related factors were in general stronger associated with sickness absence than with low performance at work. Performance: poor health OR 1.54 CI 1.38-1.71, >1 health conditions OR 1.21 CI 1.09-1.35; sickness absence: poor health OR 2.62 CI 2.33-2.93, >1 health conditions OR 2.47 CI 2.21-2.75. Of the different types of longstanding health conditions, only psychological complaints and to a small extent musculoskeletal symptoms, were associated with low performance (respectively OR 1.54 CI 1.27-1.87; OR 1.09 CI 1.00-1.18). Low performance at work was less likely among employees with high physically demanding work (shift work OR 0.70 CI 0.63-0.76, using force OR 0.78 CI 0.72-0.84, and repetitive movements OR 0.74 CI 0.70-0.79). Psychosocial factors were stronger associated with low performance at work than with sickness absence (performance: job autonomy OR 1.28 CI 1.21-1.37, job demands OR 1.23 CI 1.16-1.31, emotionally demanding work OR 1.73 CI 1.62-1.85; sickness absence: job autonomy ns, job demands OR 1.09 CI 1.03-1.17, emotionally demanding work OR 1.09 CI 1.02-1.16). CONCLUSION: Except for psychological complaints, workers with a longstanding health condition generally perform well while being at work. Nevertheless, the likelihood of taking sick leave is increased. Among work-related factors, psychosocial work characteristics have the strongest relation with productivity loss, mostly with performance while at work.
Authors: Ronald C Kessler; Catherine Barber; Arne Beck; Patricia Berglund; Paul D Cleary; David McKenas; Nico Pronk; Gregory Simon; Paul Stang; T Bedirhan Ustun; Phillip Wang Journal: J Occup Environ Med Date: 2003-02 Impact factor: 2.162
Authors: Debra Lerner; Benjamin C Amick; Jennifer C Lee; Ted Rooney; William H Rogers; Hong Chang; Ernst R Berndt Journal: Med Care Date: 2003-05 Impact factor: 2.983
Authors: Saskia F A Duijts; Ijmert Kant; Gerard M H Swaen; Piet A van den Brandt; Maurice P A Zeegers Journal: J Clin Epidemiol Date: 2007-08-23 Impact factor: 6.437
Authors: Laura Viester; Evert A L M Verhagen; Paulien M Bongers; Allard J van der Beek Journal: Int Arch Occup Environ Health Date: 2014-12-07 Impact factor: 3.015
Authors: Fenna Leijten; Swenneke van den Heuvel; Goedele Geuskens; Jan Fekke Ybema; Astrid de Wind; Alex Burdorf; Suzan Robroek Journal: J Occup Rehabil Date: 2013-03
Authors: Desta Fekedulegn; Cecil M Burchfiel; Tara A Hartley; Michael E Andrew; Luenda E Charles; Cathy A Tinney-Zara; John M Violanti Journal: Chronobiol Int Date: 2013-06-28 Impact factor: 2.877
Authors: Fenna R M Leijten; Swenne G van den Heuvel; Allard J van der Beek; Jan Fekke Ybema; Suzan J W Robroek; Alex Burdorf Journal: J Occup Rehabil Date: 2015-03
Authors: Saskia Knies; Math J J M Candel; Annelies Boonen; Silvia M A A Evers; Andre J H A Ament; Johan L Severens Journal: Pharmacoeconomics Date: 2012-09-01 Impact factor: 4.981