Almost half workers in Malta went to work even when sick, new OHSA study finds 

Almost half of the workers took sick leave during the past six months, however 47 per cent of them attended work despite that they were sick – a phenomenon known as presenteeism, according to a new study from The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA).

OHSA presented the results of its first national study on sick workers attendance at work during a conference with the theme The True Cost of Showing Up: A Psycho-social View on Presenteeism. The study was carried out by the University’s Centre for Work Studies under the direction of Dr Luke Fiorini.

Dr Fiorini said that this phenomenon, common among women, young workers and those who work from home, has serious consequences on mental wellbeing and moral at the place of work. 

The study showed that a strong psycho-social environment, where there is clarity in the role, positive relationships and support among colleagues, significantly reduces this phenomenon. 

However, sectors that need improvement were identified, among them decision participation and the techno-stress problem, especially among managers and professionals who use a lot of technology.

“We established that in work places where psycho-social factors are problematic, they have more sick leave, more workers attend the place of work sick and also their performance at work is more problematic.”

OHSA chief executive, Dr Josianne Cutajar, said the Authority will continue to train professionals and to promote a culture of respect and wellbeing at the place of work.

“It was important that the Authority had a clear picture of the risks, so that it can address this mental health challenge at the place of work,” she said. 

Justice and Construction Sector Reform Minister, Jonathan Attard, stressed  the importance that the place of work offers an environment where workers feel safe, respected and supported, adding that a new Budget measure focuses on the prevention of the psycho-social risks at work.