New Publication Chair Health Economics, Policy and Management

Key Message

Occupational health interventions (OHIs) show no measurable effect on reducing sick days, but demonstrate a tendency toward positive economic returns. In particular, mental health and stress interventions are associated with a positive return on investment (ROI). The findings suggest that economic benefits arise primarily from improved productivity while at work (presenteeism) rather than from reduced absence (absenteeism).

Background

Health-related productivity losses result from both absenteeism and presenteeism. Against the backdrop of demographic change, rising mental health burdens, and evolving working conditions, OHIs are gaining importance. Despite their widespread use, it often remains unclear which interventions are effective and economically successful, as existing reviews are frequently methodologically heterogeneous or focus on a limited range of OHI types.

Study & Design

This study is a systematic literature review with meta-analysis conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 guidelines:

· Systematic literature search (PubMed, Web of Science; 2004–2024)

· 68 included studies from OECD countries, of which 23 were included in the meta-analysis

· Interventions across three domains: mental health, physical health, and workplace climate

· Outcomes: sick days and return on investment (ROI)

· Risk of bias assessment using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists

· Random-effects meta-analyses and exploratory subgroup analyses

Results

The meta-analysis showed no significant effect on sick days (−0.18 days per year; 95% CI: −2.80 to 2.43). For ROI, a positive tendency was observed (ROI = 1.92; 95% CI: −0.34 to 4.17), albeit with statistical uncertainty. Mental health and stress interventions were the only intervention group with a statistically significant positive ROI.

Implications for Practice & Policy

The findings indicate that absenteeism alone is not a sufficient success indicator for occupational health interventions. Presenteeism should be systematically considered, as productivity gains may occur while employees are present at work. Furthermore, mental health and stress interventions show the greatest economic potential, as measured by ROI. Finally, the results highlight that the effectiveness of OHIs depends substantially on organizational culture, leadership, and quality of implementation.

Publication

Title: Occupational Health Interventions’ Impact on Absenteeism and Economic Returns: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Published in: Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health You can read the full study here: https://doi.org/10.5271/sjweh.4265