Sick leave is viewed with suspicion and its credibility is scrutinised. In the popular imagination, sick leave is seen as a genuine break from physical illness or as an elaborate lie to cover a working day between bank holidays. Sick leave is often taken lightly, but prolonged sick leave among middle-aged women reveals the underlying work-related stress that forces them to take a break between their work and personal lives to cope.

A new study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care revealed the link between work-related psychological stress and longer sick leave. Work-related stress is a significant predictor of longer sick leave. The study highlighted the various work factors responsible for this.

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Labour disputes

Women who were involved in conflict at work or felt powerless to influence decisions were more than twice as likely to take long periods of sick leave compared to their male counterparts. Women often play second fiddle to important decisions in the workplace, which in turn makes them doubt their abilities. The underlying misogyny of having their decisions casually disregarded or not receiving support when conflict arises leads to them feeling undervalued and disempowered in the workplace.

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Toxic workplace

Disputes and conflicts in the workplace are not the only factors that lead to sick leave; general workplace toxicity plays an equally important role. Even if a person is not directly confronted with a dispute, indirect contact with a tense and pervasive environment characterized by observing disputes and conflicts can lead to feelings of insecurity and instability that can trigger anxiety and burnout.

The study again underlined the need for a healthy workplace that goes beyond simply avoiding open conflict. It is about creating a positive, supportive atmosphere where everyone feels safe, respected and valued. A supportive and empowering workplace not only increases productivity, but also reduces the number of sick days.

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