Presenteeism Caused by Health Conditions and Its Economic Impacts Among Japanese Workers in the Post-COVID-19 Era

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the common health conditions leading to presenteeism and the economic impact among Japanese workers in the post-COVID-19 era. METHODS: Between February and March 2023, 10, 000 workers responded to a web-based, cross-sectional survey on health problems that interfered with their work, degree of presenteeism, and teleworking status. RESULTS: Approximately 35. 6% of workers faced health problems that impacted their work. The primary health problems leading to presenteeism were low back pain, neck pain/stiff shoulders, and mental illness, which varied slightly with age and work style. The estimated annual costs due to presenteeism per 1000 employees were 488, 210 for low back pain, 346, 308 for neck pain/stiff shoulders, and 327, 137 for mental illness. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that presenteeism measures, primarily for musculoskeletal pain and mental health problems, are required to increase work productivity.