Associations between discriminatory experiences at work and self-rated health and social factors

Background

Disciminatory experiences at the workplace are an important public health issue and can have an impact on the health and work ability of employees. Here the aim was to evaluate associations between discriminatory experiences at work and self-rated health factors, quality of life, and work ability.

Methods

A longitudinal observational study (T0: 06-09/2022; T1: 06-09/2023; T2: 06-09/2024) was conducted. Each survey invitation was addressed to about 220.000 employees of the German Federal Armed Forces (GFAF). Employees who participated in at least two out of the three surveys were included in a longitudinal analysis. The odds were adjusted for relevant baseline characteristics in logistic regression models.

Results

In T0 23.568 (10.5%), T1 14.059 (6%), T2 13.551 (6%) employees participated. N = 7.183 participated in at least two surveys (military: 49%; women (w): 35.1%; mean age 43.42 ± SD 10.37 years). Employees reporting discriminatory experiences had a 24% lower chance to rate their general health status as very good/good (OR 0.76; 95%; CI [0.65, 0.89]) and a 16% lower chance to report a very good/good quality of life (OR 0.84; 95%; CI [0.72, 0.99]). They had a 17% higher chance to report musculoskeletal diseases (OR 1.17; 95%; CI [1.01, 1.34]), a 33% higher chance to report mental health issues (OR 1.33; 95%; CI [1.13, 1.58]) and a 39% higher chance to report presenteeism (OR 1.39; 95%; CI [1.21, 1.61]). The chance to rate their work ability as very good/good was 18% lower than employees not reporting discriminatory experiences.

Conclusions

Associations can be seen between discriminatory experiences at the workplace, health related factors, presenteeism and work ability. The provision of measures by the employer for the leadership team and employees to raise awareness as well as a code of conduct are recommended to improve the health of employees, their work ability and thus their productivity.

Key messages

• There are associations between discriminatory experiences at the workplace and health and social factors.

• Measures by the employer to increase awareness of discriminatory experiences at the workplace are necessary and recommended.