Researchers at The University of Western Australia have found practices put in place to reduce employees presenting to work sick were more likely to be observed by women than men.
Associate Professor Aleksandra Luksyte and Woodside Chair in Leadership and Management Professor Gillian Yeo, from UWA’s Business School, were co-authors of the study published in the Australian Journal of Management.
“We wanted to know what employers were doing to discourage sick people coming to work or continuing working while unwell and if they were successful,” Associate Professor Luksyte said.
The study examined the role of organisational sickness preventative practices such as promoting social distancing, wearing masks, frequently disinfecting surfaces, increasing ventilation and washing hands.
Researchers tracked employees over several months and surveyed how frequently they came or continued to be at work sick and the reasons they came in or persisted working if they were not feeling well.
The results of the study showed that organisational sickness preventative practices were particularly beneficial for minimising the behaviours of women presenting unwell compared to men.
“We found these organisational preventative practices reduced workplace anxiety of women because they tended to prioritise health more so than men,” Professor Yeo said.
“This resulted in women being more responsive to the practices put in place to reduce the risk of illness in the workplace and they were less likely to come to work or continue working when unwell.”
The results of the study can help employers understand how staff may react to organisational health initiatives implemented during public health crises as well as during normal working days.
“Organisations could proactively address and emphasise the importance of health practices for all employees, but men in particular, who tend to be reticent to engage in health-protective and health-promoting behaviours,” Associate Professor Luksyte said.
“Although absenteeism can be costly, continuing to work while sick is even costlier due to its negative effects on employees and their co-workers.”
