The determinants of presenteeism: a comprehensive investigation of stress-related factors at work, health, and individual factors among the aging workforce

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of presenteeism, taking health and individual factors into account. Methods: A quantitative analysis applying structural equation modelling analysis was conducted on the basis of secondary data from the Health and Retirement Survey (2008 wave), which measured presenteeism and its determinants. Results: Stress-related factors at work (β = -0.35, p< 0.001), individual factors (β = -0.27, p< 0.001), and health (β = 0.24, p< 0.001) were significantly related to presenteeism. Individual factors were found to be directly correlated with stress-related factors at work (β =0.22, p< 0.001). Significant indirect effects between stress-related factors at work and presenteeism (Sobel z = -6.61; p< 0.001) and between individual factors and presenteeism (Sobel z = -4.42; p< 0.001), which were mediated by health, were also found. Overall, the final model accounted for 37% (R² = 0.37) of the variance in presenteeism. Conclusions: Our study indicates some important and practical guidelines for employers to avoid the burdens of stress-related presenteeism among their employees. These findings could help select target factors in the design and implementation of effective presenteeism interventions in the aging working population.