PSYCHOSOCIAL WORK-ENVIRONMENT AND SICKNESS ABSENCE AMONG BRITISH CIVIL-SERVANTS - THE WHITEHALL-II STUDY

Objectives. This study sought to examine the association between the p sychosocial work environment and subsequent rates of sickness absence. Methods. The analyses were based on a cohort of male and female Briti sh civil servants (n = 9072). Rates of short spells (less than or equa l to 7 days) and long spells (> 7 days) of sickness absence were calcu lated for different aspects of the psychosocial work environment, as m easured by self-reports and personnel managers' ratings (external asse ssments). Results. Low levels of work demands, control, and support we re associated with higher rates of short and long spells of absence in men and, to a lesser extent, in women. The differences were similar f or the self-reports and external assessments. After adjustment for gra de of employment, the differences were diminished but generally remain ed significant for short spells. The combination of high demands and l ow control was only associated with higher rates of short spells in th e lower grades. Conclusions. The psychosocial work environment predict s rates of sickness absence. Increased levels of control and support a t work could have beneficial effects in terms of both improving the he alth and well-being of employees and increasing productivity.