Change of productivity loss due to presenteeism among the ageing workforce: Role of work support, workplace discrimination, and the work-nonwork interface

Presenteeism behaviour (working while one is ill or experiencing cognitive or emotional difficulties) and the consequent productivity loss are attracting growing attention. Without proper support, employees who are under stress or ill are prone to presenteeism, which incurs invisible burdens on organizations. In this study, we focussed on productivity loss due to presenteeism (PRE) among the ageing workforce, because this group may be more vulnerable to productivity loss due to age-related deteriorating cognitive functions and physical abilities. We established a longitudinal latent difference score model over a two-wave period so we could examine whether and how the work–nonwork interface mediates the effects of work support and workplace discrimination (DIS) on PRE. The results showed that the work–nonwork interface fully mediated the positive influence of DIS on PRE as well as the negative influence of supervisor support.