DETERMINANTS OF ABSENTEEISM - STUDY USING CROSS-SECTION AND TIME-SERIES DATA

This paper analyses the determinants of absence from work due to illness in West Germany. After a description of stylised facts and a short theoretical discussion we present econometric estimations based on cross-section establishment data and time series aggregate data. At the establishment level, significant determinants prove to be firm size and the proportion of white collar employees. At the aggregate level, we find a significant impact of business cycle variables such as growth in GDP and unemployment, and we point out the likely influence of structural change on absenteeism.