A prospective cohort study of presenteeism and increased risk of unemployment among Japanese workers

Abstract

ObjectiveWe examined the association between presenteeism and risk of job resignations and unemployment among Japanese workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsA prospective study of 27,036 Internet monitors was conducted, starting in December 2020, with 18,560 (68.7%) participating in the follow-up by December 2021. The Work Functioning Impairment Scale (WFun) was used to measure the degree of work function impairment.ResultsThe group with the highest WFun scores had higher odds ratios (ORs) for both retirement and unemployment for health reasons than the group with the lowest WFun scores. ORs were 2.97 (95%CI: 2.46-3.59, p<0. 001) and 1.80 (95%CI: 1.64-1.98, p<0.001), respectively.ConclusionsWorkers with work functioning impairment were at increased risk of resignation or unemployment. Management strategies for workers with work functioning impairment are needed to reduce their disadvantages in employment.