Table 1

Reported reasons* for sickness presenteeism during the past 12 months among random samples of Norwegian and Swedish workers between 20 and 60 years of age, 2011

Reasons for SPSweden (n=686)Norway (n=722)Total (n=1408)p Value
Because I do not want to burden my colleagues 41 46 430.059
Because I enjoy my work3044370.000
Because nobody else is able to carry out my responsibilities3634350.404
Because I can't afford taking sick leave366210.000
Because my pride depends on not taking sick leave1124170.000
Because I do not want to be considered lazy or unproductive1221160.000
Because going to work was beneficial for my health417110.000
Because I do not want to be suspected of cheating8880.689
Because I am ashamed of being ill4760.013
Because I want to maintain my social network2640.000
Because I am worried about being laid off4340.179
  • Figures are percentages and p value (χ2 tests). The data were weighed according to age, gender and country of origin.

  • *The reported reasons for sickness presenteeism were selected by the respondents from a closed list in the questionnaire.

  • SP, sickness presenteeism.