[Job satisfaction and organizational culture as predictors of absenteeism].

BACKGROUND

Absenteeism caused by sick leaves generates an important economic burden.

AIM

To determine if job satisfaction, psychological climate, hierarchic level and age are predictors of absenteeism caused by sick leaves.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

FOCUS-93 survey that measures organizational culture and the satisfaction scale of Warr, Cook and Wall were distributed to 1387 workers of a hospital and answered by 874. Absenteeism data was obtained from the justified absenteeism registry of the Chilean Health Services.

RESULTS

Absenteeism is influenced by job satisfaction and organizational culture. Age has no influence. Hierarchic level has a negative influence on absenteeism among men and a negligible effect among women.

CONCLUSIONS

Those workers that are not satisfied with their work have higher rates of absenteeism.