Effect of perceived workplace health support on absenteeism and presenteeism among Japanese workers: a prospective cohort study.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of perceived workplace health support on absenteeism and presenteeism among Japanese workers to determine the significance of health and productivity management in improving labor productivity.

Methods: This prospective cohort study, using data from the Workers' Health Internet-based Survey Research study, involved 1,879 Japanese workers aged 20-69 years. The intensity of perceived workplace health support was assessed using self-administered questionnaires. The participants were followed up from October 2021 to October 2022 to evaluate the incidence of absenteeism and presenteeism based on the perceived workplace health support level.

Results: The study findings revealed that higher perceived workplace health support significantly correlated with lower presenteeism, indicating better work productivity. Conversely, the relationship between perceived workplace health support and absenteeism was less clear, with no consistent trend observed across different levels of perceived workplace health support intensity. Conclusion" Enhanced perceived workplace health support was associated with reduced presenteeism among Japanese workers, underscoring the importance of workplace health support for improving employee productivity. This finding emphasizes the need for companies to focus on health promotion activities and recognize the potential of perceived workplace health support as a performance indicator in corporate health management.