Reducing sickness absence: a work environment intervention in Norwegian hospitals

Area of Science:

• Occupational health
• Healthcare management
• Workplace interventions

Background:

• High sickness absence rates pose a challenge in the healthcare sector.
• Limited research exists on effective interventions within this context.
• This study evaluates a work environment intervention in Norwegian hospitals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of a comprehensive intervention on sickness absence rates.
• To examine changes in employee job satisfaction and self-reported health.
• To explore a framework for tailoring solutions to specific unit needs.

Main Methods:

• Utilized HR-registered sickness absence data over three years for intervention and control groups.
• Employed a pre- and post-survey design in intervention units.
• Measured job satisfaction and self-reported health in a subsample of units.

Main Results:

• Significant decrease in total sickness absence in the first year post-intervention.
• Significant decrease in long-term sickness absence in both first and second years.
• Improved employee job satisfaction observed in the intervention units.

Conclusions:

• The "Where the shoe pinches" framework offers a potential approach to reducing sickness absence.
• Intervention results were mixed, with uncertain overall impact on total absence.
• Further research is needed to refine strategies for managing healthcare sickness absence.