Presentation (CTI)

OBJECTIVES: The current literature underscores that health influences human capital, affecting productivity outcomes. In Greece, little is known about the effect of deteriorating health on productivity. This study evaluates this impact on the middle-aged and elderly population.
METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on respondents aged ≥ 50 years from the Greek subsample of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) Wave 7. Individuals were identified based on whether they had ever left a job permanently due to ill health or disability. We assessed the extent of the impact of ill health on work capacity, the prevalence of extended temporary leave (≥6 months), the duration of leave, and whether respondents had ever reduced their working hours due to ill health.
RESULTS: Among respondents (N = 3,070), 1.14% reported having permanently left a job due to ill health or disability. Of those individuals, 48.6% could no longer perform their job, 40.0% reported a strong negative impact on their work ability, and 11.4% indicated a moderate impact. 28.6% also reported having taken temporary leave of absence lasting ≥6 months. Of those, 60.0% were absent between six months and one year, 30.0% for more than two years, and 10.0% for one to two years. Additionally, 25.7% reported reducing their weekly working hours due to health problems, with reductions ranging from four to 30 hours per week.
CONCLUSIONS: Deteriorating health can negatively affect the work productivity of older individuals. Furthermore, health-related job exit may be preceded by work impairment. Our findings could inform the development of future policies, programs, and interventions, which may help prevent prolonged or permanent productivity losses.