Sickness presenteeism determines job satisfaction via affective-motivational states

Research on the consequences of sickness presenteeism, or the phenomenon of attending work whilst ill, has focused predominantly on identifying its economic, health, and absenteeism outcomes, in the process neglecting important attitudinal-motivational outcomes. A mediation model of sickness presenteeism as a determinant of job satisfaction via affective-motivational states (specifically engagement with work and addiction to work) is proposed. This model adds to the current literature, by focussing on (i) job satisfaction as an outcome of presenteeism, and (ii) the psychological processes associated with this. It posits sickness presenteeism as psychological absence and work engagement and work addiction as motivational states that originate in that. An online survey on sickness presenteeism, work engagement, work addiction, and job satisfaction was completed by 158 office workers. The results of bootstrapped mediation analysis with observable variables supported the model. Sickness presenteeism was negatively associated with job satisfaction. This relationship was fully mediated by both engagement with work and addiction to work, explaining a total of 48.07% of the variance in job satisfaction. Despite the small sample, the data provide preliminary support for the model. Given that there is currently no available research on the attitudinal consequences of sickness presenteeism, these findings offer promise for advancing theorising in this area. •This model posits sickness presenteeism as a determinant of job satisfaction.•Working while ill is negatively associated with job satisfaction.•Work engagement and addiction to work mediate the relationship between presenteeism and job satisfaction.•Presenteeism fuels work addiction, which is in turn linked to job dissatisfaction.•Presenteeism can reduce work engagement, which is in turn positively related to job satisfaction.