A Grounded Theory Study on the Intention to Work While Ill among Workers with Musculoskeletal Disorders: An In-Depth Understanding of Workers’ Experiences

Background: Frequent short-term sickness absence is prevalent among workers with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This in return leads to poor productivity in organizations and decreased ability to work among workers. Nevertheless, some workers with MSDs still continue to work despite pain and are able to maintain their productivity. Existing literature on attending work while ill is very limited. Understanding the factors influencing workers’ attendance to work while having symptoms is crucial to help workers live with their MSD productively and healthily. According to literature on behavior theories, the proximal determinant of behavior is one’s intention to engage in that behavior. Thus, this study was conducted to explore the factors that influence the intention to work while ill among workers with MSD. Methods: Twenty-one in-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured guide according to a grounded theory approach. Workers with MSD were recruited via a purposive and snowballing sampling until data saturation was attained. Data were analyzed by means of thematic analysis using computer software, ATLAS.ti. Results: Nine major significant themes of factors influencing the intention to work while ill were identified after transcription. From these, a total of six themes were associated with attendance incentives driving workers to attend work while ill (work commitment, work satisfaction, support from colleagues, workplace arrangements, ability to recover at home and ability to manage pain at work) and three themes were linked to attendance requirements (consequences to self, consequences to others and poor acceptance of one’s illness for sickness absence by supervisor and colleagues) faced by workers to attend work while ill. Conclusions: This study underlines the importance of both positive and negative motivators in influencing the intention to work while ill among workers with MSD. Future research suggests comparing both motivators in terms of work performance to aid more workers to work while ill.