Affiliations: ArboNed N.V., Zwolle, The Netherlands | Department of Health Sciences, University Medical
Center, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
Note: [] Address for correspondence: C.A.M. Roelen, ArboNed N.V., PO Box
158, 8000 AD Zwolle, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 38 4554700; Fax: +31 58
4537272; E-mail: corne.roelen@arboned.nl
Abstract: Objective: This study investigated whether short episodes of
sickness absence were associated with job satisfaction. Participants: 199
wage earners who reported sick due to the common cold between January 2003 and
April 2003. Methods: Job satisfaction was assessed on the first day of
sickness absence and associated with the duration of sickness absence using a
multiple logistic regression model to which demographics, working conditions,
and the week day on which sick-leave was taken were stepwise added as
covariates. Results: Workers with low job satisfaction scores had higher
odds (odds ratio [OR] =3.85; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74 to 8.51)
of being > 3 days absent from work due to the common cold compared to
satisfied workers. However, the duration of sickness absence due to the common
cold was more strongly related to the day of taking sick-leave with workers who
reported sick on Monday or Tuesday being longer absent (OR=5.36; 95% CI
1.44 to 9.90) than those who reported sick on Friday. Conclusions: When having a common cold, dissatisfied workers are longer absent from work although
the duration of short episodes of sickness absence seems to be determined by
the week day on which sick-leave is taken rather than working conditions or
perceptions about work.
Keywords: Absenteeism, sick-leave, job satisfaction, short sickness absence, the common cold, day of sick-leave
