Presenteeism caused by health conditions and its economic impacts among Japanese workers in the post-COVID-19 era.

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the common health conditions leading to presenteeism and the economic impact among Japanese workers in the post-COVID-19 era.

Methods: Between February and March 2023, 10,000 workers responded to a web-based, cross-sectional survey on health problems that interfered with their work, degree of presenteeism, and teleworking status.

Results: Approximately 35.6% of workers faced health problems that impacted their work. The primary health problems leading to presenteeism were low back pain, neck pain/stiff shoulders, and mental illness, which varied slightly with age and work style. The estimated annual costs due to presenteeism per 1000 employees were $488,210 for low back pain, $346,308 for neck pain/stiff shoulders, and $327,137 for mental illness.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that presenteeism measures, primarily for musculoskeletal pain and mental health problems, are required to increase work productivity.