Working While Ill Is Not Always Bad-Positive Effects of Presenteeism

Area of Science:

• Organizational Psychology
• Occupational Health

Background:

• Presenteeism, or working while ill, is a global phenomenon.
• Prior research predominantly focused on the detrimental effects of presenteeism.
• A comprehensive content model of presenteeism, initially based on negative effects, was developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the positive consequences of presenteeism.
• To assess the relevance and impact of positive effects derived from a content model of presenteeism.
• To explore the relationship between positive effects and presenteeism propensity.

Main Methods:

• A quantitative online survey was administered to 181 employees.
• Participants rated experienced or potential positive effects of presenteeism.
• Data were analyzed to compare effects between those who worked while ill and those who did not.

Main Results:

• All postulated positive effects within the content model were found to be relevant.
• Employees who engaged in presenteeism reported significantly higher positive effects compared to those who did not.
• Positive effects significantly predicted presenteeism propensity (adjusted R² = 0.20) among those who had worked while ill.

Conclusions:

• The study validates the applicability of the content model to understanding the positive effects of presenteeism.
• Findings underscore the need for further research into the positive aspects of presenteeism.
• The positive consequences of presenteeism should be considered in its management strategies.