An Investigation of Self-reported Health-related Productivity Loss in Office Workers and Associations With Individual
Michelle Jessica Pereira1, Venerina Johnston, Leon Melville Straker
1Health Services and Outcomes Research, National Healthcare Group, Singapore (Ms Pereira), Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Ms Pereira, Drs Johnston, O'Leary), School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (Dr Straker), Department of Sport Sciences and Clinical Biomechanics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (Dr Sjøgaard), Centre for Medical Research, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (Dr Melloh), Curtin Medical School, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia (Dr Melloh), Institute of Health Sciences, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland (Dr Melloh), Department of Physiotherapy, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Dr O'Leary), Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Dr Comans), and Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (Dr Comans).
Objective:
Office workers have a high prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions. This can be a significant economic burden due to health-related productivity loss. Individual and work-related factors related to office worker health-related productivity were investigated.
Methods:
A survey including the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire, which estimated productivity loss, also recorded individual and work-related factors with potential associations with health-related productivity. Muscle function and workstation ergonomics were examined through physical assessments. Linear models investigated the relationships between these factors and health-related productivity.
Results:
Significant factors identified were occupational category (0.001 < P < 0.050), job satisfaction (P < 0.001), psychological wellbeing (P = 0.031), and musculoskeletal pain (P = 0.023). Health-related productivity loss was greater in office workers working as managers, with lower job satisfaction and psychological wellbeing, and those with musculoskeletal pain.
Conclusion:
Office worker health-related productivity loss is represented by a combination of both individual and work-related factors.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Illness
For instance, risk factors are connected to illness,...
Self-Discrepancy Theory
Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques I
Conscientiousness
Conscientious individuals tend to be organized, responsible, and disciplined. They prioritize completing tasks and following structured routines,...
Dimensions of Health and Illness
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System I: Subjective Data
Initial Enquiry
Ask the patient about their primary concern and thoroughly explore all reported symptoms.
Medical History
Investigate past illnesses affecting the cardiovascular system, such as angina, anemia, rheumatic fever, congenital heart disease, stroke, thrombophlebitis, dysrhythmias, varicosities
Inquire about symptoms...


