Introducing workplace health promotion programmes in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation set out to find the relationship between mental and physical health problems with the number of hours worked and productivity at work (defined as presenteeism). Consequently, WHP (workplace health promotion) programmes were regarded as a mechanism for reducing absenteeism and presenteeism. This relationship was investigated by surveying a representative sample of the labour force in Malta, and asking the respondents questions regarding their mental and physical health, lifestyle habits and various information on the number of days worked in a typical week. The findings suggest that mental health problems are a major cause for a lower than average presenteeism in Malta, while the results for individuals with physical health problems remain inconclusive. A review on various literature on WHP programmes provided an understanding on how they can be implemented in Maltese firms. Since a macro-economic approach was taken, the effects of these programmes on the economy were also delved into. It was concluded that even though WHP programmes focusing on the mental health aspect would have a significant positive effect on presenteeism, further research is required to investigate the relationship between absenteeism and health problems (physical and mental).