Absence from work

Macdonald, E. B. and Asanati, K. (2016) Absence from work. Contemporary Social Science, 11(1), pp. 30-39. (doi: 10.1080/21582041.2016.1246749)

Abstract

Most absence from work is attributed to illness, and dealing with it can be a challenge in different ways, for the individual, their employing organisation and their doctors. It is a major public health concern and a significant financial burden on the economy. This paper discusses the individual, organisational and bio-psychosocial factors which underpin sickness absence (SA) behaviour. Despite health being a relatively unimportant factor in the causation of SA, SA can lead to job loss which in itself increases the risk of an earlier death. The evidence-based recommendations for managing and reducing SA through better recording and reporting, early intervention and provision of support to the employee are discussed. SA is reducible and manageable through a combination of support for the individual, which may not only be medical, but also through policies which address health, social and environmental factors and can lead to long-term benefits for the individual and society.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Asanati, Dr Kaveh and MacDonald, Professor Ewan
• Authors: Macdonald, E. B., and Asanati, K.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Health & Wellbeing > Public Health
• Journal Name: Contemporary Social Science
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• ISSN: 2158-2041
• ISSN (Online): 2158-205X
• Published Online: 21 November 2016