A research on determining the relationship between presenteeism and work-life balance

Previously mixed with absenteeism concept, presenteeism was a concept that emerged during the economic downturn in 1990s. Presenteeism occurs when employees come to work when they are sick and work with incomplete capacity. Presenteeism, which is a common problem in enterprises in recent years, refers to situations where individuals are physically present at work but cannot mentally participate fully in the workforce. It is necessary to examine the concept closely in order to prevent the damages of Presenteeism for both individuals and organizations. Work-life balance means that individuals can respond satisfactorily to demands from their work lives and private lives. The word balance is used as a metaphor means that the individual can participate in the living spaces with minimum role conflict. The aim of the study is to reveal the relationship between presenteeism and work life balance. Dissertation consists of three sections. First section devoted to presenteeism concept, history, importance and reasons are examined. Then, the scale and measurement questions developed to measure the concept of presenteeism are mentioned. Second section includes the definition of work-life balance, importance and theories of explaining the concept are examined. Then, the determinants of work-life balance and the results of imbalance were examined. Afterwards, there are widely used measurement tools of work-life balance. Finally, previous presenteeism and work-life balance relationship researches are examined to compare with thesis research. The final section of the study is including the field research of the dissertation determining the relationship between presenteeism and work-life balance. The field research was conducted on 274 participant working in public sector. Standford Presenteeism Scale and work-life balance scale which developed by Çiğdem Apaydın(2011) were used in the research to measure presenteeism and work-life balance score. According to the results of the study, high presenteeism score had a positive effect on the work-life balance. Also ensuring work life balance increased presenteeism score. Keywords: Presenteeism, Work Life Balance, Focus on Work Process, Focus on Work Outcome.