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Impact of Workplace Conflicts on Self-Reported Medically Certified Sickness Absence in Latvia

Author

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  • Svetlana Lakiša

    (Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

  • Linda Matisāne

    (Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

  • Inese Gobiņa

    (Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Rīga Stradiņš University, Kronvalda Boulevard 9, LV-1010 Rīga, Latvia
    Institute of Public Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Kapseļu Street 23, LV-1046 Rīga, Latvia)

  • Ivars Vanadziņš

    (Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

  • Lāsma Akūlova

    (Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

  • Maija Eglīte

    (Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

  • Linda Paegle

    (Institute for Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University, Dzirciema 16, LV-1007 Rīga, Latvia)

Abstract

Sickness absence is one of the most important working population health indicators. It is a complex phenomenon that is investigated by health care and occupational health specialists, economists, and work psychologists. Sickness absence is used as a predictor for morbidity and mortality, but besides the health status of an individual, sickness absence is influenced by demographic, socio-economic factors, and work environment factors. Conflicts at work are a common psychosocial risk factor that can affect sickness absence. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between different types of workplace conflict and self-reported medically certified sickness absence using cross-sectional survey data pooled from four periodic national surveys—Work conditions and risks in Latvia (2006–2018). The sample is representative of the working population of Latvia, as respondents were randomly drawn from different regions and industries. In total, the study sample ( n = 8557) consisted of employees between 16 and 80 years old (average 42.8 +/− 12.6) of which 46.2% were males and 53.8% were females. Researchers used the computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) method for collecting data. The association between workplace conflicts and sickness absence was analysed by using binomial logistic regression and calculated as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), with adjustment for gender, age, education and survey year. The risk of sickness absence was higher among women (OR = 1.24, CI 1.13–1.35), employees aged 25–44 years old and employees with higher income. Controlling for socio-demographic factors and survey year, the odds of sickness absence increased significantly for all types of workplace conflict analysed. The strongest association with sickness absence was related to conflicts between managers and employees (OR = 1.51, CI 1.37–1.66) and conflicts between groups of employees (OR = 1.45, CI 1.31–1.61). Conflicts between employees and with customers also increased the odds of sickness absence (OR = 1.39, CI 1.27–1.52 and OR = 1.11, CI 1.01–1.23, respectively). Our findings suggest that tailored interventions at a company level for reducing workplace conflicts as risk factors of sickness absence are required. Those should focus on the improvement of managers’ leadership and human resource management skills.

Suggested Citation

  • Svetlana Lakiša & Linda Matisāne & Inese Gobiņa & Ivars Vanadziņš & Lāsma Akūlova & Maija Eglīte & Linda Paegle, 2021. "Impact of Workplace Conflicts on Self-Reported Medically Certified Sickness Absence in Latvia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(3), pages 1-15, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:3:p:1193-:d:489186
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Catalina-Romero, C. & Sainz, J.C. & Pastrana-Jiménez, J.I. & García-Diéguez, N. & Irízar-Muñoz, I. & Aleixandre-Chiva, J.L. & Gonzalez-Quintela, A. & Calvo-Bonacho, E., 2015. "The impact of poor psychosocial work environment on non-work-related sickness absence," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 210-216.
    2. Hilla Sumanen & Olli Pietiläinen & Minna Mänty, 2017. "Self-Certified Sickness Absence among Young Municipal Employees—Changes from 2002 to 2016 and Occupational Class Differences," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(10), pages 1-12, September.
    3. Gøril Kvamme Løset & Harald Dale-Olsen & Tale Hellevik & Arne Mastekaasa & Tilmann von Soest & Kjersti Misje Østbakken, 2018. "Gender equality in sickness absence tolerance: Attitudes and norms of sickness absence are not different for men and women," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 13(8), pages 1-18, August.
    4. Isabelle Niedhammer & Jean-François Chastang & Hélène Sultan-Taïeb & Greet Vermeylen & Agnès Parent-Thirion, 2013. "Psychosocial work factors and sickness absence in 31 countries in Europe," Post-Print halshs-01228084, HAL.
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    Cited by:

    1. Tae-Soo Ha & Kuk-Kyoung Moon, 2023. "Organizational Justice and Employee Voluntary Absenteeism in Public Sector Organizations: Disentangling the Moderating Roles of Work Motivation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-18, May.
    2. Kari Kristinsson & Sigurdur Gudjonsson & Bryndis Kristjansdottir, 2023. "Tough Times Require Tough People: The Benefits of Grit for Reducing Employee Burnout," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(11), pages 1-8, June.
    3. Tom Sterud & Andrea R. Marti & Eirik Degerud, 2022. "The Relationship between Workplace Conflicts and Subsequent Physician-Certified Sick Leave: A Prospective Population Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(10), pages 1-10, May.
    4. Svetlana Lakiša & Linda Matisāne & Inese Gobiņa & Hans Orru & Ivars Vanadziņš, 2022. "Sickness Presenteeism among Employees Having Workplace Conflicts—Results from Pooled Analyses in Latvia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(17), pages 1-12, August.

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