Engaging in sickness presenteeism: how do people decide? The decision-making process behind sickness presenteeism, and implications for its management

Chen, H ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6261-3326, 2024. Engaging in sickness presenteeism: how do people decide? The decision-making process behind sickness presenteeism, and implications for its management. PhD, Nottingham Trent University.

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Abstract

Presenteeism, the phenomenon of working while unwell, is highly prevalent and costly. Although many studies consider presenteeism as an attendance behaviour with negative consequences to the workplace, some highlight that with appropriate management and adjustments, presenteeism can positively impact organisations and individuals. Research has identified several factors that impact individuals’ decisions regarding presenteeism. However, little is known about how individuals decide to enact presenteeism, instead of taking sick leave, specifically in how they evaluate and prioritise different factors within the decision-making process. Using an experience sampling approach, supplemented by an initial cross-sectional questionnaire and subsequent semi-structured interviews, this thesis examines the decision-making process of presenteeism based on the conceptual model developed by Whysall et al. (2023), which comprises four linear stages: (1) Trigger, (2) Options, (3) Evaluation, and (4) Feedback. Through a combination of qualitative (i.e., thematic analysis and narrative analysis) and quantitative analyses (i.e., logistic regression, multiple linear regression and bivariate correlation), the results substantiated the characteristics of the four stages and disclosed a cyclical association among them, implying that the process may not strictly adhere to the linear progression outlined in the conceptual model. Individuals may bypass certain stages or swing between stages 2 and 3, depending on the severity of their symptoms and work-related factors. Moreover, the significance of work-related factors throughout the decision making process has been highlighted. Nevertheless, individuals do not tend to reflect on their attendance decisions unless their symptoms persist or worsen, which increases the possibility of long-term sickness absence in the future. These findings underscore the critical necessity for effective managerial interventions targeting presenteeism behaviour, which can be informed by a more comprehensive understanding of the decision-making process. Creating a positive and supportive work environment with enhanced support from line managers is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of presenteeism.

Item Type: Thesis
Creators: Chen, H.
Contributors:
Name
Role
NTU ID
ORCID
Whysall, Z.
Thesis supervisor
NBS3WHYSAZ
Hewitt, M.
Thesis supervisor
NBS3HEWITM
Karanika-Murray, M.
Thesis supervisor
PSY3KARANM
Date: August 2024
Rights: The copyright in this work is held by the author. You may copy up to 5% of this work for private study, or personal, non-commercial research. Any re-use of the information contained within this document should be fully referenced, quoting the author, title, university, degree level and pagination. Queries or requests for any other use, or if a more substantial copy is required, should be directed to the author.
Divisions: Schools > Nottingham Business School
Record created by: Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added: 22 Oct 2024 12:19
Last Modified: 22 Oct 2024 12:19
URI: https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/52451

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