Productivity Loss Linked to Non-Communicale Diseases Across Socio-Demographic Profiles: Evidence from Sedentary Occupation Employees During COVID-19

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly transformed work dynamics, leading to a notable shift towards remote work, particularly for those in sedentary roles.  This change has been linked to a heightened risk of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), many of which stem from lifestyle-related factors.  

Aim: This study examines the costs of presenteeism and absenteeism related to NCDs across socio-demographic variables.

Methods: Using stratified and purposive sampling, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 426 employees in sedentary occupations in the Delhi-NCR region.  Productivity losses from presenteeism and absenteeism were assessed using the WHO HPQ Questionnaire.  Additionally, the General Linear Model (GLM) was utilised to analyse the relationship between loss productive time (LPT) costs associated with presenteeism and absenteeism across disease categories and socio-demographic factors.

Results: Employees diagnosed with 'NCDs Category I', 'NCDs Category II', and those with 'comorbid' conditions were estimated to lose between 40 and 48 workdays each year.  Absenteeism accounts for a greater portion of productivity losses than presenteeism in all disease categories. Comorbidities contribute to the most significant losses, with costs surpassing those associated with CDs by INR 51.78 thousand (932.04 AUD) for presenteeism and INR 226.47 thousand (4,076.46 AUD) for absenteeism.  Additionally, every extra year of education corresponds to an increase of INR 4.96 thousand (89.28 AUD) in costs related to LPT due to presenteeism and a reduction of INR 15.68 thousand (282.24 AUD) in absenteeism-related LPT costs.

Conclusion: The research indicates that NCDs, particularly in the presence of comorbid conditions, have a substantial effect on workplace productivity.  Notably, individuals with higher levels of education and Income exhibit elevated presenteeism costs, which may be attributed to the influence of remote work arrangements.  Conversely, absenteeism rates appear to be lower among highly educated employees in similar settings.