Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: Limited data exists on work productivity loss among employees due to respiratory infections, such as influenza, Covid-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumonia. The objective of this study was to assess productivity loss (presenteeism and absenteeism) among individuals with respiratory infections in Denmark.
METHODS: We used survey data from 3,000 respondents employed in Danish private mid-size companies with 50+ employees. Data was collected from January to March 2025 via online interviews. Information about socioeconomic background, work environment, and number of sick days due to respiratory infections, defined as either partial or full sick days (absenteeism) or days at work while feeling sick (presenteeism) was included.
RESULTS: In the population, 32% of respondents were women, with a mean age of 44.5 years (range: 18-70). The majority of participants were from the Capital Region, and 31% of respondents reported having children at home. 95% were employed full time, with 61% working in organizations with 250+ employees. The survey encompassed more than 10 different industries and 7 distinct job types. On average, respondents worked from home 1.79 days per week. Notably, 30% reported being sick due to respiratory diseases during the past month, whereof 54% reported 1-3 sick days, 32% reported 4-7 sick days, and 14% reported 8+ sick days. 67% indicated they had not received any vaccinations. Among the 33% who were vaccinated, 97% were vaccinated for the flu, primarily provided by the employer, while 49% were vaccinated for Covid-19, primarily provided through the Danish national immunisation programmes. 6% were vaccinated for RSV and 6% were vaccinated for pneumonia.
CONCLUSIONS: Our research underscores that respiratory diseases during the winter months are associated with absenteeism and presenteeism leading to substantial productivity loss. More research is needed in this field to quantify the impact of this for the employees, employers, and society.