COVID-19, Telecommuting, and (Virtual) Sickness Presenteeism: Working From Home While Ill During a Pandemic

Abstract

This study explored (virtual) sickness presenteeism in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using qualitative data from 505 members of the German working population, it investigates how working from home, which rapidly increased because of the COVID-19 outbreak, is perceived with regard to the pandemic. The study explored how this development affects the decision to show absence or presence in case of illness. More than 1,300 responses to different open-end questions by presenteeists and non-presenteeists were analyzed. The findings suggest that many previously identified reasons for deciding for or against presenteeism are still applicable. However, noteworthy differences with regard to both telecommuting and the pandemic occurred. Virtual sickness presenteeism seems to be strongly encouraged by the possibility to adjust working conditions at home. Additionally, COVID-19 has affected the perceptions of health at work. The study contributes to a more in-depth understanding of (virtual) sickness presenteeism during a global pandemic. Six propositions for future research are developed, and the importance of context for the consequences of virtual sickness presenteeism is discussed.

Association of Preference and Frequency of Teleworking with Work Functioning Impairment

“…Previous studies have reported that workers who prefer telework choose teleworking when feeling unwell because this allows them to work at their own pace and freely adjust their break time. 26,27 Other previous studies state that female employees with children choose to telework but are not highly satisfied with telework. 28,29 Attention to the background related to teleworking preferences is important to support teleworkers with severe work functioning impairment.…”

“…The preference for teleworking could be based on difficulties with working in the workplace owing to ill health or work–family conflicts. Previous studies have reported that workers who prefer telework choose teleworking when feeling unwell because this allows them to work at their own pace and freely adjust their break time 26,27 . Other previous studies state that female employees with children choose to telework but are not highly satisfied with telework 28,29 .…”

Association of preference and frequency of teleworking with work functioning impairment: a nationwide cross-sectional study of Japanese full-time employees

“…Previous studies have reported that workers who prefer telework choose teleworking when feeling unwell because this allows them to work at their own pace and freely adjust their break time. 26,27 Other previous studies state that female employees with children choose to telework but are not highly satisfied with telework. 28,29 Attention to the background related to teleworking preferences is important to support teleworkers with severe work functioning impairment.…”

Presenteeism and absenteeism in the manufacturing sector: A multilevel approach identifying underlying factors and relations to health

“…Moreover, adequate internal (i.e., CSE) and external (i.e., job control) resources might help maintaining performance when health is impaired (Karanika-Murray & Biron, 2020 ). Currently, the influences of the COVID-19 pandemic on (virtual) sickness presenteeism while working from home are also being investigated (Ruhle & Schmoll, 2021 ). This needs further exploration.…”