Sickness absence trend analysis and financial outcomes of a nine-year comprehensive workplace health promotion program

Abstract

Purpose – This study investigated sickness absence trends and economic outcomes of a multiyear comprehensive workplace health promotion (WHP) program. Design/methodology/approach – The nine-year WHP program was implemented emphasizing lifestyle behaviours as key targets in 2010–2013, whereas the latter half focused on stress management and mental health resources in 2014–2018. Sickness absence data was collected from the employer’s HR system from 2009 to 2019. The investment and employer costs data were collected from the service provider's and employer's data basis. Economic impact was estimated for the actual nine-year program period by comparing implementation costs to estimated savings from sickness absences only. Findings – Sickness absence rate reduced by 38 percent from 2009 to 2019. The average investment was 331 EUR in the program per employee per year. Altogether, the employer invested 1.65 MEUR in the intervention and gained sickness absence savings of approximately 0.78 MEUR. Originality/value – This study found a moderate decrease in sickness absence data and a positive curve of financial outcomes in a long-term analysis. Estimated program savings, limited to sickness absence benefits only, were not sufficient to cover the employer's costs of the program. Future research should explore other potential long-term savings beyond sickness absence.