Financial Stress and Absenteeism : An Empirically Derived Model

This paper examines the relationship between financial stress and absenteeism. A conceptual model was derived from a Health Promotion Model and empirically tested to investigate relationships among determinants (individual characteristics), stress (financial stress), physical and psychological responses (organizational commitment and health), and absenteeism. Using data from white-collar workers at an insurance company in three mid-western states, this research determined that financial stress was negatively related to organizational commitment and was positively associated with absenteeism. Employers might reduce employee absenteeism and improve organizational commitment by helping employees reduce financial stress through effective workplace financial education programs