• Project number: F 2561
• Institution: Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA)
• Status: Ongoing Project
• Planned end: 2026-09-30

Description:

Sickness presenteeism describes the behaviour of working despite feeling sick. It is associated with considerable negative consequences for employees and organisations. For example, the physical and mental health of employees may be affected and organisations may experience a loss of productivity which is associated with financial costs. In the digital world of work, this behaviour is highly relevant, particularly since working from home has become increasingly common.

This project aims to present new insights into the extent to which working from home or digital work is related to sickness presenteeism. For this purpose, the study will draw on existing BAuA-data. In addition, an online vignette study will be conducted by IFAK insitute as part of a supplementary survey of the BIBB/BAuA-ETB 2024 to examine the reasons underlying the decision to exhibit presenteeism. By doing so the study aims to identify operational and organisational mechanisms that mitigate or promote (virtual) presenteeism and thus, provide starting points for implementing healthy work environments.