In a factory, sickness absenteeism predicts: September 2007, March 2013
**Core Concept**
Sickness absenteeism is a measure of the number of days employees are absent from work due to illness. It is often used as an indicator of workplace health and well-being. The relationship between sickness absenteeism and other workplace factors is a topic of interest in occupational health and organizational behavior.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the concept of "sickness presenteeism" - a phenomenon where employees come to work despite being unwell, which can lead to decreased productivity and increased risk of transmission of infectious diseases. Sickness absenteeism is often a precursor to sickness presenteeism, as employees may initially take a day or two off to recover before returning to work. This is because the underlying factors contributing to sickness absenteeism, such as poor working conditions, lack of job control, or inadequate social support, can also contribute to sickness presenteeism.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it is unrelated to the concept of sickness absenteeism. While employee morale is an important aspect of workplace health, it is not directly related to sickness absenteeism.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is a consequence of sickness presenteeism, rather than a predictor. Employees who come to work despite being unwell may experience decreased productivity, but this is not a direct result of sickness absenteeism.
* **Option C:** This option is incorrect because it is a separate concept from sickness absenteeism. Employee turnover refers to the rate at which employees leave a company, and is influenced by a range of factors including job satisfaction, pay, and opportunities for advancement.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key takeaway is that sickness absenteeism can be a "canary in the coal mine" for workplace health issues, and addressing these underlying factors can help reduce both sickness absenteeism and presenteeism.
**Correct Answer: D. Sickness presenteeism.**