Kartläggning av sjukfrånvaro på en distributionscentral

Sammanfattning: Purpose – The purpose of this study is to identify patterns in the absence due to illness at a distribution center with higher absence due to illness compared to other companies in the same industry, and to investigate how managers work with routines for absence due to illness. To achieve the purpose, it has been divided into two research questions: Which patterns in absence due to illness can be found at a distribution center with higher sick leave compared to other companies in the same industry? How do managers work with routines regarding the absence due to illness at a distribution center with higher sick leave compared to other companies in the same industry? Method – Theories about sick leave, work environment, psychosocial health, motivation, organization and leadership were collected to fulfil the purpose of the study. A case study was carried out to collect empirical data on the basis of interviews and document studies which then were compared with the theory for further analysis. Findings – The study identifies patterns that were found after mapping the statistics of the absence due to illness on the case company. The result shows that women have higher absence due to illness than men, mostly younger women and older men. Permanent and temporary employees have more absence due to illness than workers on deputy posts and that employees who have worked one to three years have more absence due to illness than other groups. The mapping also shows that employees have the highest sick leave in the fall, on Mondays and only one day is most prevalent. There are clear routines regarding sick leave and rehabilitation at the case company. Improvements can be made with the documentation in the web-portal for sick leave, how the first day reporting sick should be done, and that a comprehensive action plan could be designed for managers to use. The study shows that the managers who are committed and have a higher focus on creating a good group dynamic through activities generally have lower absence due to illness. By creating a satisfying work environment where employees have the opportunity to participate, influence, take responsibility, develop and be seen and heard can therefore improve productivity, motivation and workplace health. Implications – A mapping of absence due to illness can improve the same work on other companies and create a greater understanding of why some groups have higher absence due to illness in the workplace than others. This case study also shows that the work environment, motivation and leadership are essential to encourage health in the workplace which can be applied on companies in several sectors. Limitations – Deviation may have occurred as a large amount of data during the study was processed. To do a mapping is considered generalizable but the result may differ between companies, therefore is the study not applicable in all contexts. The authors consider however that the study could be applied in general to other businesses as work environment and absence due to illness is an issue in all industries.