WB6Dim-LTSA: Can Workplace Well-Being Scores Predict Collective Absenteeism?

Condition(s) studied

Study summary

This prospective multicenter cohort study evaluates the predictive value of the Adaptive Load Index (ICA), a composite indicator derived from the WB6Dim well-being instrument, on long-duration sick leave (≥ 30 days) in French companies at a 6-month horizon. In France, 7% of sick leave episodes (those exceeding 6 months) account for 45% of total sickness benefit expenditure (Cour des Comptes 2024). Group disability insurance charges rose +24.4% in 2024 (France Assureurs 2025). Critically, a substantial proportion of long-duration sick leave occurs without prior escalation in administrative absence data - the 'cliff effect' - where presenteeism masks progressive deterioration (Gustafsson \& Marklund 2011). Prediction models based solely on absence history plateau at AUC 0.65 for cumulative days (Roelen 2013), while composite psychometric instruments reach C-index 0.73-0.74 (Airaksinen et al. 2018, SJWEH). The WB6Dim is a validated 28-item psychometric tool measuring 9 dimensions of workplace well-being (NCT07301879, NCT07433764; test-retest ICA .904). The ICA classifies respondents into 4 adaptive load levels. Aggregated at the company level, the ICA distribution may detect deterioration during the presenteeism window, before costly sick leave materializes. The study collects 4 WB6Dim assessments over 6 months alongside company-level absence data stratified by duration (2024-2026) and individual self-reported absence data (duration and episode count). Six pre-registered hypotheses test whether ICA predicts long-duration leave, including an exploratory hypothesis targeting companies with no prior absence signal but degraded well-being scores.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Company-level incidence rate of sick leave episodes ≥ 30 days over 6 months, as measured from aggregated HR records — 6 months post-enrollment
  Company-level incidence of sick leave episodes lasting 30 days or more, measured from aggregated HR data provided by each participating company for the period June-November 2026. This threshold marks the transition from short-term to long-term sickness absence in the French social security system and is associated with sharply reduced return-to-work probability.

Trial sites (1)

More Clover Link trials in France

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