The Big Five personality traits and their relationship with presenteeism among employees working in non-governmental organizations in Lebanon

Purpose This study aims to examine the relationship between the Big Five personality traits–extraversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, neuroticism and conscientiousness–and presenteeism, defined as attending work despite illness, among employees working in Lebanese non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Design/methodology/approach A quantitative survey methodology was used, involving 408 employees from 10 different Lebanese NGOs. The study analyzed how each of the Big Five personality traits correlates with presenteeism behaviors. Findings The results indicate that conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and openness to experience are positively associated with presenteeism. In contrast, neuroticism was found to be negatively correlated with presenteeism. These findings indicate that personality traits are associated with productivity while symptomatic (SPS 6). Practical implications NGOs can use these insights to understand employee behavior and manage presenteeism. Tailored interventions for specific personality traits and a supportive work environment can reduce presenteeism. Where personality information is used, it should inform developmental conversations and health protective work design, given the cross-sectional, self-report nature of the evidence. Originality/value This study extends an established trait–presenteeism literature by examining Big Five–SPS 6 associations in the under-researched context of Lebanese NGOs. The contribution is primarily contextual: sector-specific constraints (mission centrality, funding cycles and sick leave norms) may condition trait–presenteeism links. We interpret findings through a conceptual Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) lens and call for studies that explicitly measure demands/resources and test mediation.