The Mediating Role of Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders on the Relationship between Psychosocial Factors and Presenteeism among Administrative Workers

Abstract

In a highly demanding working environment, the problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) is getting more serious as compared to previous days. This phenomenon brings significant negative effect on the productivity of the employees. Therefore, the present study was conducted to investigate the factors that contribute to the prevalence of WRMDs and to examine the influence of WRMDs on employees’ presenteeism. Analyzing a total of 368 responses collected from the administrative employees, the findings indicate that the prevalence of WRMDs among administrative workers includes neck disorder (67.1%), shoulders’ disorder (73.4%), upper-back disorder (70.1%) and wrists/hands’ disorder (41.0%). The study also found that shoulders’ and upper-back disorders partially mediate the relationship between social support and personal risk factors and presenteeism, neck and wrists/hands’ disorders serve as partial mediators in the relationship between personal risk factors and presenteeism. The implication of the study is discussed.