THE PREDICTORS OF NURSING STAFF PRESENTEEISM IN PRIVATE HOSPITALS IN COLOMBO 05: ROLE OF WORKLOAD AND CO-WORKER PRESSURE

Abstract

Presenteeism is the act of attending work despite illness or diminished capacity to perform effectively and represents a critical concern in healthcare environments, particularly among nursing staff. This study examines the key predictors of presenteeism among nurses employed in private hospitals in Colombo 05, with specific emphasis on workload, co-worker pressure, and gender. The primary objectives were to explore the relationships between these variables, assess gender-based differences in presenteeism, evaluate the combined predictive power of the factors under study, and propose evidence-based strategies for mitigating presenteeism. A quantitative research methodology was adopted, involving a sample of 270 nurses. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson correlation, independent samples t-tests, ANOVA, and multiple linear regression. The findings indicate significant positive correlations between presenteeism and both workload and co-worker pressure. Additionally, a statistically significant gender difference was identified, with female nurses reporting higher levels of presenteeism compared to their male counterparts. However, regression analysis revealed that only workload and gender were significant predictors of presenteeism, while co-worker pressure did not demonstrate a statistically significant influence. The study concludes that excessive workload and gender are key determinants of presenteeism among nursing staff in private hospital settings. Based on these findings, the study recommends the implementation of organizational interventions aimed at managing nurse workloads, fostering a supportive work culture, and promoting staff well-being. These insights offer valuable guidance for healthcare administrators and policymakers seeking to reduce presenteeism and improve the quality of healthcare delivery.