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Reduced Immune Fitness and Job Performance: Absenteeism, Presenteeism, and Associated Costs for the Dutch Economy

Author

Listed:
  • Annabel S. M. Sips

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Noortje R. Severeijns

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Aletta D. Kraneveld

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Johan Garssen

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Global Centre of Excellence Immunology, Nutricia Danone Research, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands)

  • Joris C. Verster

    (Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
    Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Swinburne University, Melbourne, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

Reduced immune fitness can have a significant negative impact on work performance. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of reduced immune fitness on job performance and associated costs for the Dutch economy. Data from n = 425 Dutch working adults (18–65 years old) who completed an online survey were analyzed to evaluate the number of days of absenteeism (not going to work) and presenteeism (working while sick) due to reduced immune fitness, and the performance level on days worked with reduced immune fitness. Data from for the year 2019 were analyzed. Participants reported 2.9 absenteeism days and 19 presenteeism days, with an average performance reduction of 22.8% when working on days with reduced immune fitness. Significantly more days of absenteeism and presenteeism were reported by women, individuals with a poorer immune fitness, and those with underlying disease. Performance impairment on days worked while experiencing reduced immune fitness was significantly greater among individuals with a younger age at the junior career level, those with underlying disease, and among highly educated individuals. The associated costs of reduced immune fitness were estimated at €4.3 billion for absenteeism and €6.4 billion for presenteeism. Together, the costs of reduced immune fitness for the Dutch economy in 2019 were estimated at €10.7 billion. These findings demonstrate that reduced immune fitness has a significant negative impact on the Dutch economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Annabel S. M. Sips & Noortje R. Severeijns & Aletta D. Kraneveld & Johan Garssen & Joris C. Verster, 2023. "Reduced Immune Fitness and Job Performance: Absenteeism, Presenteeism, and Associated Costs for the Dutch Economy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-12, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:3:p:1761-:d:1039766
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Aurora J. A. E. van de Loo & Nikki Kerssemakers & Andrew Scholey & Johan Garssen & Aletta D. Kraneveld & Joris C. Verster, 2020. "Perceived Immune Fitness, Individual Strength and Hangover Severity," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-8, June.
    4. Livia J. F. Wilod Versprille & Aurora J. A. E. van de Loo & Marlou Mackus & Lizanne Arnoldy & Titia A. L. Sulzer & Sterre A. Vermeulen & Smedra Abdulahad & Hendrikje Huls & Ton Baars & Andrew Scholey , 2019. "Development and Validation of the Immune Status Questionnaire (ISQ)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(23), pages 1-18, November.
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