'Transformational managers' may be bad for workplace health

Conclusion This study shows that a popular leadership style called transformational leadership may increase employee sick days, but this depends on employees' existing tendencies to show up to work when they're ill. Those who tended to show up to work ill the most were also those most likely to be off sick more when a transformational leader was installed. The researchers' theory was that those more likely to come into work when they're ill don't have a chance to recover from work and illness fully, leading to more sickness in the long term. However, this study has a number of limitations to be aware of. Those reporting high levels of presenteeism may have been trying to appear to be good workers who would soldier on and go into work despite being unwell, which could skew the results. Similarly, postal work – which is somewhat outdoorsy and active – is probably not a good model for most jobs in the UK, many of which are office based. This means the conclusions of this study can't be stretched to apply to all workers and settings.  Also, sick leave was self-reported by employees, who were asked to recall the number of days they had off because of illness over the past year. The employees' absence records would have been a more accurate source of days off work, but would not have been restricted to sick leave – also including absence because of a family emergency, for example. The researchers appeared to have both sets of information available, and said that sel...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Lifestyle/exercise Mental health Source Type: news