Which modifiable health risks are associated with changes in productivity costs?

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health
• Health Economics
• Preventive Medicine

Background:

• Workplace absenteeism and presenteeism represent significant productivity losses.
• Modifiable health risks are potential drivers of these productivity losses.
• Understanding these associations is crucial for designing effective employer health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess longitudinal associations between modifiable health risks and workplace absenteeism and presenteeism.
• To estimate the economic costs associated with lost productivity due to health risks.
• To identify specific health risks and demographic factors influencing these associations.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective, longitudinal study of 17,089 employees from a US computer manufacturer (2007-2010).
• Health risk assessments and analysis of absenteeism/presenteeism data.
• Generalized estimating equation models adjusted for sociodemographic factors, stratified by age (<45 vs. ≥45).

Main Results:

• Poor emotional health, inadequate exercise, tobacco use, and BMI > 35 were linked to absenteeism and presenteeism across all ages.
• High BMI and poor emotional health had the largest impact on absenteeism and presenteeism, respectively.
• Older workers showed greater absenteeism linked to hypertension, blood sugar, exercise, and alcohol use compared to younger workers.

Conclusions:

• Productivity loss is strongly associated with emotional health and obesity-related risks (BMI, exercise), with age-related differences.
• Employer-sponsored preventive health programs targeting these risks can mitigate productivity losses.
• Maintaining the health and productivity of an aging workforce is vital for economic competitiveness.