Middle-aged women facing stress at work significantly raise their chances of taking sick leave in the future, according to a recent study. Issues such as lack of control and workplace conflicts are primary contributors to this stress.
A recent study from the University of Gothenburg reveals that middle-aged women who endure job-related stress are at a notably higher risk of needing sick leave later on. Key stressors include a lack of control and conflicts in the workplace.
The focus of this research, published in the Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care, was to explore the correlation between work-related mental stress and sick leave in middle-aged women within the workforce.
The study analyzed data from 573 women aged 38 and 50, sourced from the comprehensive Population Study of Women in Gothenburg (PSWG) at the University of Gothenburg, paired with sick leave records from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency.
Workplace conflicts pose significant risks
At the start of the study, most participants (504 women) were employed. Around 75% reported experiencing work-related stress or general mental stress, or both. Over the next year, 16% of these women took at least one sick leave lasting two weeks or longer, revealing clear patterns of absence.
Among 21 specific work-related issues assessed, conflicts at work and limited decision-making authority were most strongly linked to sick leave. The influence of conflicts was evident whether the women were directly involved or not.
Women reporting job conflicts were over twice as likely (2.31 times more) to take sick leave in the year that followed. Even after accounting for general stress, past sick leaves, age, sleep quality, overall well-being, and physical activity, the risk remained high at nearly twice the baseline (1.98 times). Additionally, a lack of empowerment further increased the risk for sick leave (1.71 times after adjustments).
Enhancing the work environment is crucial
Kirsten Mehlig, Associate Professor of Epidemiology and Senior Lecturer in Health Science Statistics at Sahlgrenska Academy, is a leading author of this study. She states, “Limited opportunities for decision-making and conflicts in the workplace can forecast sick leave, regardless of general mental stress and prior sick leave periods. Therefore, improving workplace conditions is essential to decrease sick leave rates among women in the workforce.”
The study was led by Dominique Hange, Associate Professor and Senior Lecturer in General Medicine, who also practices as a general practitioner at Närhälsan’s Tidan primary care center in Skövde. She mentions, “The impact of workplace conflicts, regardless of a woman’s direct involvement, might indicate a particular vulnerability among women, which could be worth exploring in future research.”
