Remote workers’ reasons for changed levels of absenteeism, presenteeism and working outside agreed hours during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Few studies have analyzed the extent of remote workers’ absenteeism, presenteeism and working outside agreed hours during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even fewer have examined the reasons that led remote workers to change these behaviors during the pandemic. The present study aimed to investigate these. An online survey containing closed- and open-ended questions was distributed to IT and communication remote workers ( N = 459). Closed-ended questions were analyzed quantitatively, while open-ended questions were analyzed qualitatively. Most participants engaged in presenteeism and worked outside of agreed work hours. Absenteeism was less common than presenteeism. Presenteeism was found to be more common among women and younger workers. Absenteeism was more frequent among younger workers, sales and support workers, and workers who did not hold management positions. Working outside agreed hours was more common among older workers and workers in managerial positions, but less common among support, sales, and administrative staff. Compared with the pre-pandemic period, absenteeism decreased, whilst presenteeism and working outside agreed hours increased during the pandemic. Health behaviors, work-related factors, and perceptions of illness influenced absenteeism and presenteeism behavior. For some individuals, health behaviors improved during remote work, reducing the need for absenteeism. Greater accessibility to work, increased workload, and the belief that one could manage work even if ill led to increased presenteeism while working remotely. The eroding of boundaries between home and work, reduced commuting, increased workload, and increased work-related communication were associated with increased working outside agreed hours.