Affiliations: Department of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Health
Sciences, University of Sydney, Australia
Note: [] School of Behavioural & Community Health Sciences, The
University of Sydney, Cumberland Campus C42, East Street (PO Box 170),
Lidcombe, NSW 1825, Australia. Tel.: +61 2 9351 9560; Fax: +61 2 9351 9540;
E-mail: R.Cant@cchs.usyd.edu.au
Abstract: Stereotypes of older people suggest that they may experience more
sickness and injury therefore may not be as productive as younger employees.
The present paper attempts to test these stereotypes and reports research into
patterns of sick leave in different age cohorts and attitudes towards the use
of sick leave. The research was carried out at two case study sites. Managers
were interviewed and focus groups were held with workers. A complex pattern was
found, suggesting structural issues such as sick leave entitlements, workplace
organisation, and flexible work patterns interacted with managers' and workers'
attitudes, age, gender and family responsibilities. Flexible workplace hours,
and part payment for unused sick leave and insecurity of employment appeared as
important factors in reducing absenteeism. The most striking finding was that
older workers past pensionable age took the least sick leave. Older workers
were careful to conserve sick leave as a `cushion' for serious illness.
Workplace pressures especially those resulting from the failure of management
to replace absent workers resulted in work pressure on peers and thus
reluctance of workers to take leave.
