The Role of the Work Environment in the Relationship Between Shiftwork and Sickness Absence

Vilde Hoff Bernstrøm*, Mehmet Mehmetoglu, Inge Houkes

*Corresponding author for this work

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the role of four team-level work environment factors as potential mediators and moderators of the relationship between shiftwork and sickness absence.

METHODS: In a longitudinal cohort study, we analyze data obtained from 11,842 employees in a large Norwegian hospital using generalized structural equation model estimations.

RESULTS: The results did not support a moderation hypothesis. The results did support partial mediation, showing a significant indirect positive relationship between shiftwork and short-term sickness absence via participation, a significant indirect positive relationship between shiftwork and long-term sickness absence via control, and a significant indirect negative relationship between shiftwork and long-term sickness absence via commitment.

CONCLUSIONS: These results support that differences in available work environment resources may partially explain the increased level of sickness absence among shiftworkers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)e509-e520
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Volume64
Issue number8
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2022

Keywords

  • Absenteeism
  • Cohort Studies
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Sick Leave
  • Workplace
  • FAMILY CONFLICT
  • RESOURCES
  • RISK-FACTORS
  • work scheduling
  • job demand resource model
  • SOCIAL-FACTORS
  • employee absenteeism
  • occupational health
  • SATISFACTION
  • JOB DEMANDS
  • TIME CONTROL
  • NURSES
  • ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT
  • HEALTH
  • job characteristics

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