Sickness absence: A gender-focused review.

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Sociology of Health and Illness
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Societal perceptions often suggest higher sickness absence rates in women compared to men.
• Determinants of sickness absence may exhibit sex-specific variations, necessitating tailored organizational interventions.
• Existing literature provides a basis for exploring gender's role in workplace absenteeism.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize existing literature on the relationship between gender and sickness absence.
• To discuss various explanations for gender differences in sickness absence using the Multi-Facet Gender and Health Model.
• To identify key areas for future research and organizational strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing studies on gender and sickness absence.
• Classification of determinants using the Multi-Facet Gender and Health Model.
• Analysis of variations in sickness absence based on country, age, and professional groups.

Main Results:

• Women appear to have higher sickness absence rates than men, though this varies by country, age, and profession.
• Observed gender differences in sickness absence seem predominantly linked to short-term absenteeism.
• The Multi-Facet Gender and Health Model provides a framework for understanding these complex relationships.

Conclusions:

• Future research should adopt context-sensitive approaches and differentiate between short-term and long-term absenteeism.
• Investigate organizational and psychosocial factors, gender bias in healthcare, and interactions between personal and work-related factors.
• Organizations should consider gender-specific determinants to refine absence management strategies.