Young workers at risk: Absenteeism and presenteeism in raine study 23 year olds

Background As the working population of many countries ages, the reliance on young workers will increase. Government and industry have identified worker productivity as a critical issue to ensure Australia’s future. However, currently there is no regularly collected national data set providing ongoing estimates of the productivity of young Australian workers despite the importance of productivity to ergonomics. Aims The aim of this study was to use a representative cohort of young workers to determine levels of productivity loss due to both absenteeism and presenteeism. Methods A cross sectional observational design study was used to gather absenteeism and presenteeism from participants in the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. At around the time of their 23 rd birthday, participants were sent a survey which included the World Health Organisation’s recommended Health and Productivity Questionnaire (HPQ). Participants report whole and part days absent from work as well as reductions in productivity whilst at work.