The Gender of Managers and Sickness Absence

Abstract

This study analyses the association between the gender of managers and sickness absence in workplaces. It uses Norwegian administrative register data which are broadly representative of the private workforce. Previous research argues that the gender of managers affects a range of outcomes related to performance and productivity, but sickness absence has received limited attention. The analyses indicate a positive relationship between female managers and sickness absence rates. The results are in line with theories of a more lenient absence culture at workplaces managed by women.