OHSA and Centre for Labour Studies collaborate on national study exploring psychosocial risks at work

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) organised a conference entitled The True Cost of Showing Up: A Psychosocial View on Presenteeism, dedicated to presenting and discussing the results of a comprehensive national study carried out by the Centre for Labour Studies at the University of Malta for the OHSA.

The study, conducted by Dr Luke Fiorini and Prof. Manwel Debono, is titled “Psychosocial Factors and Their Interactions: A Focus on Absenteeism, Presenteeism, Work Performance and Turnover.” It represents the first national study of its kind in Malta.

Initial findings reveal that psychosocial risk factors in the workplace, such as excessive work demands or limited employee involvement in workplace changes, are linked to a range of negative outcomes, including increased sick leave, presenteeism (working while unwell), reduced performance, and a greater intention to leave one’s job. These findings highlight how poor psychosocial work environments can negatively affect both employee well-being and organisational sustainability.

Following a presentation of the study’s findings by Dr Luke Fiorini, a panel of experts, including leaders of Malta’s largest trade unions and employer associations, discussed the implications of the research. The event also featured remarks by OHSA CEO Dr Josianne Cutajar and Hon. Dr Jonathan Attard, Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector.