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. 2026 Feb 1;68(2):115-120.
doi: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000003577. Epub 2025 Oct 17.

Association of Working Time Control With Health-Related Productivity Loss and Work Engagement: Evidence From the Fifth Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study

Jae Rim Jeon  1 , Seong-Sik Cho, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Sangjun Choi, Hye-Eun Lee, Mo-Yeol Kang
Affiliations

Association of Working Time Control With Health-Related Productivity Loss and Work Engagement: Evidence From the Fifth Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study

Jae Rim Jeon et al. J Occup Environ Med. .

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the association of working time control (WTC)-the degree of employee autonomy over work hours-with health-related productivity loss (HRPL) and work engagement among Korean wageworkers.

Methods: Data were drawn from 4612 wage workers in the 2024 Korean Work, Sleep, and Health Study. HRPL and work engagement were measured using validated instruments. Generalized linear models and logistic regression were used to assess associations, controlling for demographic and occupational covariates.

Results: Lower WTC was linked to higher HRPL and decreased work engagement. A slight HRPL decrease in the lowest control group appeared driven by reduced absenteeism. Men, younger workers, and nonshift workers were more vulnerable to low WTC.

Conclusions: WTC is significantly associated with both productivity and work engagement. Enhancing employee autonomy in scheduling may improve health and organizational outcomes in workplaces.

Keywords: absenteeism; health-related productivity loss; presenteeism; work engagement; working time control.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: None declared.

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