Presenteeism : a systematized review

Abstract

Background: A growing body of literature on presenteeism is emerging from various academic fields. However, the diversity in concepts, definitions, and measures applied results in a conceptual confusion. The aim of this systematized review was to examine the concept of presenteeism and to provide a current status of the research field. Methods: Five databases were searched for articles that investigated presenteeism, and two methodological frameworks were combined to examine the retrieved articles. Eligible articles were identified using specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the selected articles were analyzed, and synthesized using a thematic approach. Results: Of the 1395 articles identified, 95 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the systematized review. The results show that researchers have not reached a consensus on the use of concepts, definitions, and measurement practices, which provides evidence of the Construct Identity Fallacy. Evidence that provides an insight into how sickness presenteeism can be characterized as a positive and negative phenomenon is summarized at the individual, organizational, and societal level. Moreover, the results indicate that sickness presenteeism is commonly portrayed as a negative phenomenon, based on two main lines of reasoning. Discussion: To develop a deeper understanding of how sickness presenteeism can be characterized as both a positive and negative phenomenon, two issues need to be resolved. First, there is a need for concept clarification. Second, the use of single-item measures of SP is problematic, and it is necessary to develop measures that allow for subtle distinctions in future research. Conclusion: This systematized review provides a conceptualization of presenteeism and sickness presenteeism, discusses important issues in current research, and identifies future research directions. Keywords: presenteeism, sickness presenteeism, sickness presence, sickness attendance, sickness presenteeism, Construct Identity Fallacy