Factors Associated With Work Productivity Loss Among Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Correlations.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined individual and work-related factors associated with productivity loss among workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. It included 24 studies and synthesized correlations for 21 factors using random-effects methods. Job stress, fear of COVID-19, mental health problems, job insecurity, turnover intention, exhaustion, and job demands had moderate positive correlations with productivity loss. Fear of COVID-19 and mental health problems had relatively large positive correlations with presenteeism, while general health status had the strongest association with absenteeism, a moderate negative correlation.

Key findings

• Across 24 studies, 21 factors were analyzed for their correlations with work productivity loss.
• Job stress, fear of COVID-19, mental health problems, job insecurity, turnover intention, exhaustion, and job demands showed moderate positive correlations with productivity loss.
• Fear of COVID-19 and mental health problems had relatively large positive correlations with presenteeism.
• General health status was most strongly associated with absenteeism, with a moderate negative correlation.

Why it matters

The findings suggest that pandemic-related productivity loss is associated with both workplace conditions and workers’ mental and general health. Distinguishing factors linked to presenteeism from those linked to absenteeism may help inform workplace health promotion, mental health support, and preparedness planning during public health emergencies. Because the evidence concerns correlations, these factors should not be interpreted as proven causes.