Nurses' perceived work performance and health during presenteeism: Cross-sectional associations with personal and organisational factors.

AIM: To determine personal and organisational factors associated with work performance and illness outcomes during presenteeism in a cohort of nurses. BACKGROUND: Presenteeism is prevalent in nursing populations. It is known to be associated with impaired health and performance loss. Knowledge about the factors associated with presenteeism may help foster better health and performance in this group. METHODS: A survey (N = 270) was conducted in a population of nurses working with older adults. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to explore factors associated with performance loss and illness outcomes during presenteeism. RESULTS: Work performance and illness outcomes were often reported as poor during presenteeism. Less negative illness perceptions and work engagement were associated with better work performance and illness outcomes. Older age and manager support were also associated with better work performance. Non-organisational causes of illness were associated with better illness outcomes. CONCLUSION: Performance levels and illness outcomes during presenteeism are associated with a combination of illness-related, individual, attitudinal and organisational factors. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Fostering engagement, support, good relationships and a hazard-free environment may improve performance and health during presenteeism.

Remote workers' perceived health during the COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study of influencing factors in the IT and communications sector in Malta.

The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a sudden switch to remote working that many organisations and workers were unprepared for. The study investigates the perceived impact of remote working on workers' health and influencing factors. The topic has received limited attention within published studies. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to IT and communication remote workers in Malta (N=459). Closed-ended questions were analysed quantitatively in order to identify perceived changes in health. Open-ended questions were analysed qualitatively to determine the perceived reasons for such changes. More workers reported that their health had deteriorated than improved during the first 12 months of the pandemic. Greater proportions of remote work were associated with improved levels of health. Several factors were perceived to have influenced levels of health, including: health behaviours, such as physical activity, nutrition, and sleep; the development of disease, particularly mental health issues; work related factors, such as social support, work demands, and the blurring of work-life boundaries; and personal factors, including family life and leisure. The study concludes that remote working can be beneficial for health when workers engage in the correct health-promoting behaviours and are provided with the necessary support, both during their working and private life.