Anxiety and Depression Mediate the Relationship Between Perceived Workplace Health Support and Presenteeism: A Cross-sectional Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the mediation effect of anxiety and depression on the relationship between perceived health-promoting workplace culture and presenteeism.

METHODS: Paper surveys were distributed to 4703 state employees. Variables included symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2 [PHQ-2]); anxiety (General Health Questionnaire-12 [GHQ-12]); perceived workplace support for healthy living and physical activity; and presenteeism (Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire). Correlational analyses assessed relationships among culture, mental health, and productivity.

RESULTS: Indirect effects of workplace culture on productivity, mediated by anxiety and depression symptoms were significant (P's = 0.002). Healthy living culture and anxiety were significantly associated (r = -0.110, P < 0.01), and anxiety and presenteeism were significantly associated (r = +0.239, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Anxiety and depression determine the impact of perceived health promotive workplace culture on employee productivity. The paper highlights importance of health promotive practices targeting employee mental well-being.