Working while ill and teacher wellbeing: Presenteeism-related work functioning among Malaysian teachers

Abstract

Presenteeism is commonly understood as working despite illness, but the Standford Presenteeism Scale (SPS-6) specifically measures employees’ ability to concentrate and complete work while unwell. This study examined the relationship between presenteeism-related work functioning and affective wellbeing among 483 teachers from 13 Malaysian residential science schools in four states. Work functioning was measured using the SPS-6, while wellbeing was assessed using a 10-item affect scale. Both measures showed acceptable reliability. Robust regression analysis found that better work functioning during illness was significantly associated with higher wellbeing (β = .272, p < .001), explaining 7.4% of the variance. The relationship remained significant after controlling for demographic factors (β = .254, p < .001). avoiding distraction showed a stronger association with wellbeing than completing work. these findings highlight the importance of considering teachers’ cognitive and emotional functioning rather than attendance alone. Schools should provide manageable workloads, flexible arrangements, and supportive sick-leave practices. As the study was cross-sectional, the findings indicate association rather than causation.