J. Osland

The relationship between absenteeism and stress.

Abstract This study explores the relationshp between stress and absenteeism with a non-managerial white collar sample (n = 147). Various operationalizations of absence were employed representing, frequency, hours, and length of absence (one day, two day, > two day). Stress was operationalized with variables representing stressors and strain from both work and non-work domains. Results found small but consistent relationships between prior absence (one day, >two day, and total absence) and many of the stress measures (work events, work conditions, life events, life conditions, job satisfaction, strain and negative affect). Two sets of variance were identified from the prior absence measures, short and long-term, that were both related to stress. No relationship was observed between stress and subsequent absence.