The Effect of remission in schizophrenia on employee absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace

Abstract

This study aimed to advance insight on remission in schizophrenia in the workplace by examining absenteeism and presenteeism of employees. It measured the absenteeism and presenteeism of employees in businesses in Nairobi with remission in schizophrenia attending Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital follow up clinics with the aim of recommending a strong talent management strategy. The study adapted a quantitative method of research. All the questionnaires were filled. The Health and Work Performance Questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization was used to measure absenteeism and presenteeism. Remission in schizophrenia was measured by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Organizational support was measured by the Survey of Perceived Organizational Support. The Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support was used to measure social support. A Pearson’s correlation was done to measure the strength and direction of the relationship between remission in schizophrenia and absenteeism and presenteeism. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to predict the value of absenteeism based on the value of remission in schizophrenia, social and organizational support. The correlation analysis revealed that remission in schizophrenia has a weak negative correlation with absenteeism, that is, when remission in schizophrenia was increased, absenteeism decreased. However, there was no statistically significant relationship between remission in schizophrenia and presenteeism. The multiple regression analysis revealed that when remission in schizophrenia was changed by one unit, absenteeism decreased by three and a half working hours. However, there are other factors that explain absenteeism in employees with remission in schizophrenia. Based on the findings of this study, the main recommendation was employers should investigate what these factors are in order to retain talent in their organizations.