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Sickness and sickness absence of remaining employees in a time of economic crisis: A study among employees of municipalities in Iceland

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  • Sigursteinsdóttir, Hjördís
  • Rafnsdóttir, Gudbjörg Linda

Abstract

This article focuses on sickness and sickness absence among employees of 20 municipalities in Iceland who remained at work after the economic crisis in October 2008. The aim was to examine the impact of economic crisis on sickness and sickness absence of “survivors” working within the educational system (primary school teachers and kindergarten teachers) and the care services (elderly care and care of disabled people) operated by the municipalities. The study was based on mixed methods research comprising a balanced panel data set and focus groups. An online survey conducted three times among 2356 employees of 20 municipalities and seven focus group interviews in two municipalities (39 participants). The generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze the quantitative data, and focused coding was used to analyze the qualitative data. The main finding showed that the economic crisis had negative health implications for the municipal employees. The negative effects grew stronger over time. Employee sickness and sickness absence increased substantially in both downsized and non-downsized workplaces. However, employees of downsized workplaces were more likely to be sick. Sickness and sickness absence were more common among younger than older employees, but no gender differences were observed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sigursteinsdóttir, Hjördís & Rafnsdóttir, Gudbjörg Linda, 2015. "Sickness and sickness absence of remaining employees in a time of economic crisis: A study among employees of municipalities in Iceland," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 95-102.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:132:y:2015:i:c:p:95-102
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.03.023
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Johansson, Gun & Lundberg, Ingvar, 2004. "Adjustment latitude and attendance requirements as determinants of sickness absence or attendance. Empirical tests of the illness flexibility model," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 58(10), pages 1857-1868, May.
    2. Østhus, Ståle & Mastekaasa, Arne, 2010. "The impact of downsizing on remaining workers' sickness absence," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 71(8), pages 1455-1462, October.
    3. Knut Røed & Elisabeth Fevang, 2007. "Organizational Change, Absenteeism, and Welfare Dependency," Journal of Human Resources, University of Wisconsin Press, vol. 42(1).
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    1. Michael R. Frone & Ann-Renee Blais, 2020. "Organizational Downsizing, Work Conditions, and Employee Outcomes: Identifying Targets for Workplace Intervention among Survivors," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(3), pages 1-22, January.
    2. Hjordis Sigursteinsdottir & Gudbjorg Linda Rafnsdottir, 2022. "The Well-Being of Primary School Teachers during COVID-19," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-12, September.

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