Is it safe to be safe? Examining underreporting and presenteeism among European pilots: The role of employment type

Background

Atypical employment among pilots is a growing concern in the European aviation industry. Following deregulation, atypical forms of employment (e.g., being employed by subsidiaries or agencies, or on a temporary basis) have become more common, raising concerns about their implications for flight safety and pilots’ safety behaviors. It is suggested that pilots in such forms of employment experience greater job insecurity and will thus refrain from certain safety behaviors as it is more advantageous to their tenure.

Method

This cross-sectional survey study aimed at examining deviations in safety behaviors, such as underreporting and presenteeism (attending work while ill), with regards to typically and atypically employed pilots (N = 4,546).

Results

Pilots in atypical employment reported significantly higher frequencies of both presenteeism (47.5% vs. 31%) and underreporting (59.5% vs. 41.2%) when compared to their typically employed counterparts. Those atypically employed were more likely to cite fear of disciplinary action or dismissal as the reason for not adhering to safety practices. Underreporting and presenteeism were common, with organizational barriers, e.g., lack of feedback, being primary drivers, in line with previous research. Personal financial reasons were the most prevalent factor motivating presenteeism, regardless of employment type.

Conclusion

The present study highlights the frequent occurrence of presenteeism and underreporting in the European aviation industry, highlighting a need for regulatory, organizational, and safety management attention to address these inclinations. While employment type is associated with these behaviors, further research is needed to understand better the mechanisms influencing pilots’ decisions to underreport and attend work in unfit states.