Work performance decrements are associated with Australian working conditions, particularly the demand to work longer hours.

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the importance of including a range of working conditions in models exploring the association between health- and work-related performance.

METHODS

The Australian Work Outcomes Research Cost-benefit study cross-sectional screening data set was used to explore health-related absenteeism and work performance losses on a sample of approximately 78,000 working Australians, including available demographic and working condition factors. Data collected using the World Health Organization Health and Productivity Questionnaire were analyzed with negative binomial logistic regression and multinomial logistic regressions for absenteeism and work performance, respectively.

RESULTS

Hours expected to work, annual wage, and job insecurity play a vital role in the association between health- and work-related performance for both work attendance and self-reported work performance.

CONCLUSIONS

Australian working conditions are contributing to both absenteeism and low work performance, regardless of health status.