Abstract:

The aims of this paper is to investigate: (a) work-related factors related to presenteeism among academicians at public universities, and (b) the association between work-related factors related to presenteeism and work productivity. This research study was conducted at the selected public universities in the East Coast region of Peninsular Malaysia. Respondents consisted of 194 academicians from three selected public universities. Data were obtained and gathered through the distribution of questionnaires to respondents. Descriptive statistics revealed that 61% respondents were female (61.3%) academicians with aged range of 30 – 39 years (33.5%). Most of  them were married (70.6%) and work as permanent staff (64.9%) of the public universities. However, the highest percentage of the respondents in job tenure was three (3) years (35.1%). Most respondents held master degree qualification (62.9%). In correlation analysis, the study found that there was a significant positive relationship between work-related contributing factors and the frequency of presenteeism in public universities. Academicians with high level of job demand were found to have high tendency and were more inclined towards attending at work while ill. In conclusion, the frequency of presenteeism could be reduced if the health status were improved. Job demand and time pressure were the work-related factors that contributing to the prevalence of presenteeism behavior. However, job demand and job security factors related to presenteeism predict the work productivity. An improvement should be made for future study in investigating the person-related factors relating to presenteeism in vary occupations.