Work Absence Related to the Psychosocial Work Environment

Abstract

The aim of this report is to investigate how the psychosocial working environment influences work absence. Consequently, a case study has been made where the psychosocial working environment and its influences on the individual has been viewed from three different levels, the organisational, operational/human resource management and individual level. The traditional human resource motivators have been questioned in terms of its manipulative force to increase performance, rather than support and encourage the employee in his or her daily work. These factors have shown to influence stress levels and personal health negatively since the motivational forces are exaggerated and therefore conflict with the organisation’s traditional values. Further, they and are adopted under general assumptions rather than individually adapted to the needs and abilities of the employee. According to the case study, it is of higher importance for the employees to be noticed and appreciated, in terms of social support from the closest manager. The time and opportunities given to achieve this seems to be more vital for the individuals than traditional human resource motivators, as learning and development and extrinsic rewards. The main finding is that since the rapidly changing environment of today influences the individuals as well as the organisations they operate within, the necessity to satisfy psychological needs of the individual should be emphasised further. These needs have to be considered by the organisation in order to create a positive and supporting psychosocial working environment, which in turn influences the well being and health of the individual.