The Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine published a paper in their June issue which investigates a range of influences on workplace productivity loss and found that mental and physical health are the most important factors affecting workplace productivity.

The authors of the study collected data from 31,950 workers in the UK and found that mental health, physical health, job characteristics and support from the organization are the most important (direct or indirect) determinants of productivity. Of those, mental health stood out as the most important determinant and physical health was second in having the strongest direct effect on productivity. They found that 93% of indirect influences are mediated through mental and/or physical health. They concluded that a more tailored strategy to improve employees’ wellbeing as well as the overall organizational, work and management culture is needed.

Past studies have focused on absenteeism when it comes to understanding productivity and performance, but lately “presenteeism” has gained attention as it may cause higher productivity loss than absenteeism. Presenteeism is generally though of being at work with decreased performance, productivity and work quality because of a health issue or injury.

“There is a need for a more tailored strategy to improve employees’ well-being as well as the overall organizational, work and management culture,” Mr. Stepanek and coauthors conclude. Employers need strategies that do more than just address the symptoms of poor mental and physical health, the researchers add: “It is equally or even more important to address the source of such problems through supportive management, promoting more inclusive work atmosphere, and improving job satisfaction in a healthy work environment.”

Read more of the paper in the JOEM and read more here.