Association between Workplace Burnout and Sickness Absenteeism and Presenteeism Among Staff of a Tertiary Government Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Study
Celine Anne ESPINA
Burnout is exhibited as emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and reduced personal accomplishment, which impacts healthcare workers, leading to occupational hazards such as absenteeism and presenteeism. Understanding these relationships is essential in establishing proactive strategies to enhance employees’ well-being. The rise in sickness absences among staff of Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Medical Center (GCGMMC) prompted this study.The study aimed to determine the association between workplace burnout, sickness absenteeism and presenteeism among staff of GCGMMC.A cross-sectional observational study was conducted at GCGMMC using proportionate stratified random sampling method to select 304 participants from 1449 employees based on a 95% confidence level. Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Services Survey was used to measure burnout levels and the World Health Organization’s Health and Work Performance Questionnaire measured absenteeism and presenteeism.Seventy-five percent of GCGMMC staff reported workplace burnout with no significant difference (p=0.111) across services. It was highest among staff of Allied Health Professionals (87.9%), Hospital Operations and Patient Support Services (82.4%) and the Medical Service (78.0%). Single (p=0.013), non-permanent (p=0.001) and college level employees (p=0.017) experienced significantly higher burnout rates and were significantly associated with lower absolute presenteeism and higher relative absenteeism.This study explores the relationship between workplace burnout, sickness absenteeism, and presenteeism among staff of GCGMMC.Data showed that burnt-out employees are more likely to take time off when sick, accumulate greater exhaustion at work leading to increased leave of absence. The reduced productivity at work is an issue from across services affecting burned-out and non-burned-out employees.
