Absenteeism correlated to predicted VO2 maximum in sedentary office workers
Date
1987
Authors
Boyd, Darlene Caroline
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Abstract
The relationship between absenteeism and physical fitness levels has been used as one of the factors to justify employee fitness programs. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between absenteeism as measured by the number of sick leave days used (SLDU) and predicted VO2 maximum, in sedentary office workers (SOW,n=100). The group of sedentary office workers was broken down into two sub-groups based on their job classifications. The two groups were Computer Technical Analysts (CTA, n=31) who tended to be self directed, and Clerks (CLK, n=69) who were basically responsive to others in their daily work. As a preliminary investigation the reasons for sick days were examined using an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Ninety-two percent of the reported sick day leave use was for medical reasons. Therefore the variable, number of sick leave days used, can be seen as a variable relating to health rather than non-medical reasons for absenteeism. The Canada Home Fitness Test was used to measure the predicted VO2 maximum. SLDU data were provided by the Human Resources Department computer data base for a one year period prior to the testing. There was a significant negative correlation (r=-.24; df=99; p<0.01) between SLDU and predicted VO2 maximum for the subjects overall. However, when the group was divided into two categories relative to job type, it was found that this negative relationship was not sustained for the computer professional (CTA's), r=.20; df=30; p=.14. The negative correlation was sustained for the CLK's r=-.31; df=68; p<.01.
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UN SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth