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The Combined Effect of Poor Perceived Indoor Environmental Quality and Psychosocial Stressors on Long-Term Sickness Absence in the Workplace: A Follow-Up Study

Author

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  • Eerika Finell

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

  • Jouko Nätti

    (Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, 33014 Tampere, Finland)

Abstract

Background: Poor perceived indoor environmental quality (IEQ) can generate conflicts and experiences of injustice in workplaces. Therefore we examined whether the combined effect of poor IEQ and self-reported psychosocial stressors (low social support from supervisors and experiences of injustice) increase the risk of employees’ long-term sickness absence (more than 10 days) in comparison to employees who report only poor perceived IEQ and no psychosocial stressors. Methods: Using negative binomial modelling, we analysed a representative sample of the working-age population in Finland (N = 16,084) from the Finnish Quality of Work Life Surveys (FQWLS) from 1997, 2003, 2008 and 2013, combined with register-based follow-up data on employees’ long-term absences covering a period of one to three years after each FQWLS was collected. Results: After background variables were included in the model, employees who reported poor IEQ and low social support had 1.18 (incidents rate ratios; 95% CI 1.05–1.33) higher rates of long-term absence than those who reported poor IEQ and high support. Similarly, employees who reported poor IEQ and experiences of injustice had 1.31(incidents rate ratios; 95% CI 1.15–1.48) higher rates of absence than those who reported poor IEQ and no injustice. Conclusions: Employees who reported poor perceived IEQ and a psychosocial stressor had higher rates of long-term sickness absence one to three years later, in comparison with those who report only poor perceived IEQ and no psychosocial stressors. These findings demonstrate the importance of taking account of psychosocial stressors as well, when resolving indoor environmental problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Eerika Finell & Jouko Nätti, 2019. "The Combined Effect of Poor Perceived Indoor Environmental Quality and Psychosocial Stressors on Long-Term Sickness Absence in the Workplace: A Follow-Up Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:24:p:4997-:d:295615
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eerika Finell & Asko Tolvanen & Juha Pekkanen & Jaana Minkkinen & Timo Ståhl & Arja Rimpelä, 2018. "Psychosocial Problems, Indoor Air-Related Symptoms, and Perceived Indoor Air Quality among Students in Schools without Indoor Air Problems: A Longitudinal Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-13, July.
    2. Paolo Carrer & Peder Wolkoff, 2018. "Assessment of Indoor Air Quality Problems in Office-Like Environments: Role of Occupational Health Services," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(4), pages 1-8, April.
    3. Couch, S.R. & Coles, C.J., 2011. "Community stress, Psychosocial hazards, and EPA decision-making in communities impacted by chronic technological disasters," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(SUPPL. 1), pages 140-148.
    4. Väänänen, Ari & Toppinen-Tanner, Salla & Kalimo, Raija & Mutanen, Pertti & Vahtera, Jussi & Peiró, José M., 2003. "Job characteristics, physical and psychological symptoms, and social support as antecedents of sickness absence among men and women in the private industrial sector," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 57(5), pages 807-824, September.
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