UWA study finds workplace preventative health measures makes women less likely to go to work sick than men

Women are less likely to come to work sick than men when sickness-preventative practices are implemented in the workplace, according to new research from the University of Western Australia. The study, which involved UWA co-authors Aleksandra Luksyte and Gillian Yeo, examined the effectiveness of organisational sickness-preventative practices such as promoting social distancing, wearing masks, frequently disinfecting surfaces, increasing ventilation, and washing hands. Researchers tracked employees over several months and surveyed how frequently they came to work sick, revealing women were less likely to attend work when unwell. Professor Yeo said the study proved organisational sickness-preventative practices were more effective for women. “We found these organisational preventative practices reduced workplace anxiety of women because they tended to prioritise health more so than men,” Professor Yeo said. “This resulted in women being more responsive to the practices put in place to reduce the risk of illness in the workplace and they were less likely to come to work or continue working when unwell.” It is hoped the results of the study can help employers understand how staff may react to health initiatives implemented during public health crises as well as during normal working days. The research highlighted workplaces should be aware of the different effects preventative health practices have on men and women, suggesting employers should explicitly address attendance pressure in a bid to prevent more people coming to work unwell. Associate Professor Luksyte said workplaces needed to emphasise the importance of not coming to work sick. “Organisations could proactively address and emphasise the importance of health practices for all employees, but men in particular, who tend to be reticent to engage in health-protective and health-promoting behaviours,” he said. “Although absenteeism can be costly, continuing to work while sick is even costlier due to its negative effects on employees and their co-workers.”