The relationship between stress and objective sickness absence: The role of psychosocial work environment

Purpose. The health impairment process of the Job Demands-Resources model posits that perceived job demands lead to job strain (e.g. emotional exhaustion), which in turn is related to increased sickness absence. Sickness absence constitutes a strategy to save energy, provide an opportunity for recuperation, and detach oneself from a stressful, nonrewarding, non-supportive, and conflictual work environment. The current study aims to test the mediational role of emotional exhaustion in the relationship between job demands (e.g. work-family conflict) and sickness absence frequency. Additionally, we hypothesize that this mediated relationship is moderated by available job resources (e.g. job autonomy and personal development). Design/Methodology. Data were collected by questionnaire and objective data in a sample of 234 employees (51.7% women; mean age= 43.6; SD= 8.8) working in the headquarters of a retail chain. Results. Results supported the mediational role of emotional exhaustion in the relationship between job demands and sickness absence frequency. Additionally job resources moderate this mediated relationship. Limitations. We used a cross-sectional design that precludes causal interpretation of the postulated relationships. Research/Practical Implications. Our findings have important implications for organizations that aim to reduce costs related to absenteeism and improve productivity by changing the psychosocial work environment, i.e. job demands and job resources, in order to lower exhaustion. Originality/Value. The methodological strength of this study is that data on sick leaves were obtained from an objective source, that is the personnel department of the organization. We also contributed to the understanding of the role of the psychosocial work environment in the relationship between emotional exhaustion and sickness absence.