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Effectiveness of Workplace Interventions for Improving Absenteeism, Productivity, and Work Ability of Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Author

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  • Lucia Tarro

    (Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Diseases Group (NFOC-Salut), Health Education and Promotion, 43201 Reus, Spain
    Technological Unit of Nutrition and Health, EURECAT-Technology Centre of Catalonia, 43204 Reus, Spain)

  • Elisabet Llauradó

    (Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Diseases Group (NFOC-Salut), Health Education and Promotion, 43201 Reus, Spain)

  • Gemma Ulldemolins

    (Activa Mutua, Mutua Colaboradora con la Seguridad Social, Tarragona, 43204 Catalonia, Spain)

  • Pedro Hermoso

    (Activa Mutua, Mutua Colaboradora con la Seguridad Social, Tarragona, 43204 Catalonia, Spain)

  • Rosa Solà

    (Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Facultat de Medicina i Ciències de la Salut, Functional Nutrition, Oxidation, and Cardiovascular Diseases Group (NFOC-Salut), Health Education and Promotion, 43201 Reus, Spain
    Technological Unit of Nutrition and Health, EURECAT-Technology Centre of Catalonia, 43204 Reus, Spain
    Hospital Universitari Sant Joan de Reus, Internal medicine department IISPV, Reus, 43204 Catalonia, Spain)

Abstract

To determine the effectiveness of workplace interventions and the most effective methodological design for the improvement of employee productivity, work ability, and absenteeism. A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of workplace interventions was conducted (PROSPERO, CRD42018094083). The PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Cochrane databases were searched. RCTs from 2000 to 2017 and with employees (18–65 years) were selected. Then, intervention characteristics and work-related outcomes data were extracted. A total of 47 RCTs were included in the systematic review, and 19 RCTs (11 absenteeism, 7 productivity, and 5 work ability) were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis showed that the effectiveness of workplace interventions for absenteeism was −1.56 (95% CI, −2.67 to −0.44) and −2.65 (95% CI, −4.49 to −0.81) considering only moderate quality RCTs. In contrast, only a few studies of workplace interventions for productivity and work ability were included, which was insufficient for determining the effectiveness and best design for improving these work outcomes. The workplace is an interesting environment to reduce absenteeism, and individualized and counseling interventions with <10 sessions/total were the most effective workplace intervention methodological design for reducing the absenteeism of employees. Future high-quality RCTs that also consider health risks should be implemented to strengthen the results.

Suggested Citation

  • Lucia Tarro & Elisabet Llauradó & Gemma Ulldemolins & Pedro Hermoso & Rosa Solà, 2020. "Effectiveness of Workplace Interventions for Improving Absenteeism, Productivity, and Work Ability of Employees: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-26, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:6:p:1901-:d:332678
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Catherine Borness & Judith Proudfoot & John Crawford & Michael Valenzuela, 2013. "Putting Brain Training to the Test in the Workplace: A Randomized, Blinded, Multisite, Active-Controlled Trial," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(3), pages 1-8, March.
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    2. Yeboah, Samuel, 2023. "Balancing Growth and Green: Strategies for Sustainable Development in Developing Economies," MPRA Paper 118180, University Library of Munich, Germany, revised 20 Jun 2023.
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    6. Tamar Icekson & Avital Kaye-Tzadok & Aya Zeiger, 2024. "Childhood Maltreatment and Adult Work Absenteeism: Work Meaningfulness as a Double-Edged Sword," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(4), pages 1-16, April.

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