(in German)

On behalf of the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), IFAK Institute for Market and Social Research conducted a follow-up survey between May and October 2024 to examine sickness presenteeism among employees in Germany. The aim of the study was to analyze the decision-making processes that lead individuals to work despite experiencing health issues - whether at the workplace or while working from home. The survey was designed as a follow-up to the 2024 BIBB/BAuA Employment Survey (BB-ETB 2024) and was based on a sample of respondents who had previously consented to participate in follow-up surveys. A total of 5,106 self-administered online interviews (CAWI) were completed. The study included a factorial survey, in which respondents evaluated ten hypothetical vignettes depicting illness-related decision scenarios. These vignettes systematically varied relevant contextual dimensions, including illness severity, supervisor attitudes, project workload, and peer expectations. In addition to a generic vignette, five experimental groups were implemented. These introduced further dimensions such as health-related risk information, project-related career implications, or specific symptoms (e.g., menstrual discomfort). To ensure data quality, cognitive pretests were conducted to assess the clarity of the vignettes, and technical pretests tested the functionality of the online instrument. Data collection followed a multimodal contact strategy, including both email and telephone invitations and reminders. Design and post-stratification weights were applied based on the BB-ETB 2024 sample structure to achieve representativeness. This report documents the study design, development and implementation of the instrument, fieldwork procedures, data validation, processing, and weighting.

Please download the complete report "Factorial Survey on Presenteeism in 2024: Methodological Report" (in German only).