Multilevel analysis of workplace and individual risk factors for long-term sickness absence

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine if psychosocial and physical work-environment factors predict long-term sickness absence (>8 weeks) at both the individual and the workplace level.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected in a prospective study in 52 Danish workplaces. Psychosocial factors were aggregated as workplace means. We used multilevel logistic regression models with psychosocial factors as predictors of long-term sickness absence over 5 years based on data from a national absence register.

RESULTS: Long-term sickness absence was predicted by physical work-environment factors at the individual level and psychosocial work environment factors at the workplace level. Interaction between the individual physical and workplace-level psychosocial risk factors was found.

CONCLUSION: Workplace-based absence reduction interventions can be enhanced by concurrently addressing the individual and the workplace level.