Purpose Working despite illness or presenteeism for short, is increasingly coming into focus in labor and health science studies as well as in sociopolitical discussions. In the context of occupational health management (OHM) presenteeism is also receiving increasingly more attention. This article provides for the first time representative findings on presenteeism for a state administration and provides indications for appropriate OHM measures. Methods The study is based on the “Status survey on work ability and health 2023/2024”, in which the Schleswig-Holstein state administration surveyed its employees in administration, schools and the police on the topics of presenteeism, health and work ability as well as work-related protective and stress factors. In addition to descriptive analyses, the relationship between personal, health and work-related variables on the one hand and critical presenteeism on the other is analyzed using logistic multilevel regression. Results Of the almost 60,000 state employees 47% (26,797) took part in the cross-sectional survey. Of the survey participants 89% stated that they had been sick at work at least once in the past 12 months and 26% had done so more than 5 times (critical presenteeism). Employees in the elementary/middle service and employees aged 35–55 years showed critical presenteeism particularly frequently. A high work intensity is associated with higher critical presenteeism and a strong sense of community with lower critical presenteeism. According to multilevel regression, the higher proportion of critical presenteeism in the school sector can be attributed in particular to the work-related contextual factors perceived as more unfavorable there. Discussion Differences in critical presenteeism are not only related to personal and health-related factors but also in particular to work-related contextual factors. Work intensification appears to be a key driver here, while a sense of community seems to have a protective effect. The OHM measures to prevent presenteeism should therefore not only target particularly affected employee groups but also always aim to reduce work-related stress and increase work-related protective factors. To confirm these findings and conclusions longitudinal studies are needed that measure presenteeism in a targeted and differentiated manner.

Präsentismus in der öffentlichen Verwaltung

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发表日期：

2025年11月21日

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Betje Schwarz,
Mathis Elling,
Torsten Alles,
Christian Hetzel

摘要

Purpose

Working despite illness or presenteeism for short, is increasingly coming into focus in labor and health science studies as well as in sociopolitical discussions. In the context of occupational health management (OHM) presenteeism is also receiving increasingly more attention. This article provides for the first time representative findings on presenteeism for a state administration and provides indications for appropriate OHM measures.

Methods

The study is based on the “Status survey on work ability and health 2023/2024”, in which the Schleswig-Holstein state administration surveyed its employees in administration, schools and the police on the topics of presenteeism, health and work ability as well as work-related protective and stress factors. In addition to descriptive analyses, the relationship between personal, health and work-related variables on the one hand and critical presenteeism on the other is analyzed using logistic multilevel regression.

Results

Of the almost 60,000 state employees 47% (26,797) took part in the cross-sectional survey. Of the survey participants 89% stated that they had been sick at work at least once in the past 12 months and 26% had done so more than 5 times (critical presenteeism). Employees in the elementary/middle service and employees aged 35–55 years showed critical presenteeism particularly frequently. A high work intensity is associated with higher critical presenteeism and a strong sense of community with lower critical presenteeism. According to multilevel regression, the higher proportion of critical presenteeism in the school sector can be attributed in particular to the work-related contextual factors perceived as more unfavorable there.

Discussion

Differences in critical presenteeism are not only related to personal and health-related factors but also in particular to work-related contextual factors. Work intensification appears to be a key driver here, while a sense of community seems to have a protective effect. The OHM measures to prevent presenteeism should therefore not only target particularly affected employee groups but also always aim to reduce work-related stress and increase work-related protective factors. To confirm these findings and conclusions longitudinal studies are needed that measure presenteeism in a targeted and differentiated manner.