STRATEGIES FOR MINIMIZING SICKNESS ABSENTEEISM IN INDUSTRY 5.0 MANUFACTURING SETTINGS

This paper aims to investigate how aspects of health and job characteristics can predict sickness absenteeism in the manufacturing sector, a critical concern in the context of Industry 5.0 and advanced manufacturing. As Industry 5.0 emphasizes human-centric and sustainable approaches, understanding and managing employee well being is paramount. The research was conducted among 175 participants of different socio-demographic characteristics. The variables were operationalized with a test battery that included - the Mental Health Inventory (MHI - 5; Berwick et al., 1991), The General Heath Questionnaire (GHQ-12, Goldberg & Hillier, 1979), Job Characteristic Inventory (JCI, Sims et al. 1976), and the rate of the sickness absenteeism was measured by the self-reported question: During the past 12 months, how many days in total were you absent from work due to illness? The results have shown that different aspects of health and specific job characteristics determined sickness absenteeism in correlation and prediction. The results underscore the importance of aligning health management strategies with the principles of Industry 5.0, ultimately contributing to enhanced operational efficiency and sustainability in the manufacturing sector. This research not only addresses current challenges but also provides a framework for future studies aimed at improving workforce well being in advanced manufacturing settings providing preconditions for sustainable workplaces in the manufacturing sector.