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Sickness Presenteeism in Prison Officers: Risk Factors and Implications for Wellbeing and Productivity

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  • Gail Kinman

    (Department of Organizational Psychology, School of Business, Economics and Informatics, Birkbeck, University of London, London WC1E 7JL, UK)

  • Andrew J. Clements

    (Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ER, UK)

Abstract

Sickness presenteeism involves employees continuing to work while unwell. As presenteeism is influenced by contextual and individual difference factors, it is important to assess its prevalence and implications for wellbeing and productivity in different occupational groups. This study examines these issues in a sample of prison officers working in UK institutions. Data were obtained from a survey of 1956 prison officers. Measures assessed the prevalence of and reasons for presenteeism and the perceived impact on job performance, along with mental health and perceptions of workplace safety climate. More than nine respondents out of ten (92%) reported working while unwell at least sometimes, with 43% reporting that they always did so. Presenteeism frequency was significantly related to mental health symptoms, impaired job performance and a poorer workplace safety climate. The reasons provided for presenteeism explained 31% of the variance in self-reported mental health, 34% in job performance and 17% in workplace safety climate, but the pattern of predictors varied according to the outcome. The findings can be used to inform interventions at the organisational and individual levels to encourage a ‘healthier’ approach to sickness absence, with likely benefits for staff wellbeing, job performance and workplace safety climate.

Suggested Citation

  • Gail Kinman & Andrew J. Clements, 2022. "Sickness Presenteeism in Prison Officers: Risk Factors and Implications for Wellbeing and Productivity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(6), pages 1-10, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:6:p:3389-:d:770380
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Mark L. Bryan & Andrew M. Bryce & Jennifer Roberts, 2020. "Presenteeism in the UK: Effects of physical and mental health on worker productivity," Working Papers 2020005, The University of Sheffield, Department of Economics.
    3. Skagen, Kristian & Collins, Alison M., 2016. "The consequences of sickness presenteeism on health and wellbeing over time: A systematic review," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 161(C), pages 169-177.
    4. Philippe Askenazy & Damien Cartron, 2020. "When Preventing Absenteeism Fuels Long‐Sickness Leave: The Case of a Leading Operator for Local Transport Services," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 58(1), pages 199-223, March.
    5. Kivimäki, M. & Head, J. & Ferrie, J.E. & Hemingway, H. & Shipley, M.J. & Vahtera, J. & Marmot, M.G., 2005. "Working while III as a risk factor for serious coronary events: The whitehall II study," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 95(1), pages 98-102.
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