Work organization, exposure to workplace hazards and sickness presenteeism in the European employed population

Aim of the study was to identify work organization features and workplace hazards associated with sickness presenteeism (SP) among European workers.

The study was conducted on data from the European Working Conditions Survey 2010 and included a study population of 30,279 employees. The relationship between work-related factors and SP was assessed through Poisson multivariate robust regression models, adjusting for significant (P < 0.05) individual and work-related characteristics.

SP for at least 2 days in the previous year was reported by 35% of the workers. In fully adjusted model, several psychosocial (decision authority, skill discretion, reward, abuse; psychological, cognitive, and emotional demand), and organizational factors (shift work, working with clients, long work hours) were positively associated with SP, whereas job insecurity and exposure to physical factors (lifting or moving people, vibration) decreased SP risk.

Our results support the importance of work-related factors, especially psychosocial exposures and organizational features, in determining workers' SP.