A comprehensive approach to reduce sickness absenteeism

Abstract

Globally, sickness absenteeism has gained a lot of public health significance in the last decade and is seen as an important determinant of productivity and overall development of the nation. Sickness absenteeism is not a true reflector of prevailing sickness in the work place as it is an extremely complicated phenomenon, with multi-faceted determinants. Owing to the global nature of the problem and significant impact on the life of people / nation's economic progress, the need of the hour is to formulate a holistic policy, which necessitates the involvement of all stakeholders, and thus establish safe, healthy and more productive workplaces. To conclude, the problem of sickness absenteeism is multi-factorial and complex, and thus there is an immense need to formulate a strategic policy to reduce economic expenditures, increase workers satisfaction, assist employers, and eventually facilitate economic development of the country.