Domain-Specific Active and Sedentary Behaviors in Relation to Workers' Presenteeism and Absenteeism

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the associations between domain-specific sedentary and active behaviors and workers' presenteeism and absenteeism in a sample of company employees.

Methods: This study recruited participants (n = 2466) from a nationwide online survey database (Japan, 2019). Participants completed a questionnaire that captured data on relative and absolute presenteeism and absenteeism and domain-specific physical activity and sedentary behaviors.

Results: Daily minutes of work-related physical activity were negatively associated with relative absenteeism. Daily minutes of leisure-related physical activity were positively associated with absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). Daily minutes of total physical activity were negatively and positively associated with relative absenteeism and absolute presenteeism (ie, better productivity). There was also a positive association between car sitting time and absolute absenteeism.

Conclusions: A change in work culture and practices that support active behaviors at work and outside of work may improve employee's productivity indices.