Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Opinion

A sickness benefit for all, leaving no one behind: Daseul Moon, Hongjo Choi; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;e25. Published online July 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e25 [Accepted]

Abstract PDF: South Korea’s pilot sickness benefit program, launched in 2022 across six regions and currently operating in 14 regions as of 2025, represents a critical juncture in the country’s social protection development. While ostensibly designed with inclusive eligibility criteria, the program reveals fundamental paradoxes that illuminate deeper structural inequalities within Korea's dualized labor market. This opinion piece examines how current design choices risk undermining universal health coverage goals by systematically excluding the most precarious workers. The program’s design features—including low replacement rates (60% of the minimum wage) and extended waiting periods—created perverse incentives where the most vulnerable workers accepted the least favorable conditions. This pattern exemplifies what Korpi and Palme termed the “paradox of redistribution,” where targeted approaches ultimately prove less effective than universal ones, with the second phase’s restriction to the bottom 50% income bracket threatening to exacerbate this paradox. Successful implementation will depend on integrating equity, people-centered design, and gender-transformative perspectives into every phase—design, operation, evaluation, and reform. In doing so, South Korea has the opportunity to offer a model of sickness protection that does not simply patch gaps, but actively reshapes the structures that produce health and economic inequalities in the first place.

58 View
1 Download

Review article

Medical certification of system sickness benefit scheme (I): theoretical perspectives and return-to-work: Yangwoo Kim, Inah Kim; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;e23. Published online July 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e23 [Accepted]

Abstract PDF: This study explores the theoretical foundations and practical applications of medical certification within the sickness benefit systems, particularly in the context of Korea’s pilot program and its planned national rollout. While sickness benefit systems have long existed in many Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, Korea has only recently initiated pilot projects, largely prompted by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. These systems aim to compensate for income loss due to illness or injury, and medical certification plays a central role in determining eligibility and work ability. This study defines medical certification as a two-stage process: clinical diagnosis and formal assessment of a worker’s ability to return-to-work. The dual nature highlights the distinct objectives of the medical treatment and social security policies. Drawing on international practices, this study reviews the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) as a key global framework for assessing disability and work ability, although it acknowledges the limitations of its application to sickness benefits. The research emphasizes a shift in global trends toward return-to-work–oriented certification models, such as the UK’s “fit note” system, which focuses on evaluating fitness-for-work rather than merely documenting illness. Sweden and Japan also offer models that integrate rehabilitation with flexible work accommodations. Three key issues were identified in Korea’s system: the role of medical certification and concerns about moral hazard, the burden of proof and workload on physicians, and public perceptions of the program’s purpose. We believe that medical certification should not only verify illness but also support early intervention and a healthy workforce. Ultimately, this study advocates for a balanced and efficient medical certification system tailored to Korea’s healthcare context closely aligning with labor market policies to ensure long-term sustenance and integration of the sickness benefit program.

390 View
0 Download

Review article

Introducing statutory paid sick leave in South Korea: necessity and key considerations: Jinwoo Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2025;e22. Published online July 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/aoem.2025.37.e22 [Accepted]

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: South Korea remains one of the few Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development countries without a statutory paid sick leave system or a public sickness benefit program. This paper examines the necessity of introducing statutory paid sick leave in South Korea and outlines key considerations for its implementation. The “right to rest when sick” is a fundamental health and labor right that ensures workers can recover from illness without risking job loss or income insecurity. A comparative review of international systems demonstrates that most countries have institutional mechanisms to support workers during non-work-related illnesses or injuries through paid sick leave and/or sickness benefits. In contrast, South Korean workers—especially those in small workplaces or non-regular employment—face limited access to such protections. The absence of these systems exacerbates social inequality and increases the risk of presenteeism and delayed medical care. Introducing statutory paid sick leave is not only a public health investment but also a measure to promote labor rights, reduce productivity losses, and prevent poverty caused by illness. The implementation of such a system must ensure universal coverage, prohibit employer retaliation, and be integrated with future sickness benefit programs to create a comprehensive social safety net.

208 View
2 Download

Research Article

Effect of teacher’s working conditions on voice disorder in Korea: a nationwide survey: Yi-Ryoung Lee, Hyoung-Ryoul Kim, Seyoung Lee; Ann Occup Environ Med 2018;30:43. Published online July 3, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40557-018-0254-8

Abstract PDF

Background

Korean teacher’s working conditions are deteriorating. There is concern about the deterioration of teachers’ health and voice disorder is one of the most common problems. Teacher’s vocal health is important for them and their students. The aim of the present study was to investigate working conditions that may affect voice disorders.

Methods

In all, 79 primary and secondary schools were randomly selected for a nationwide school system survey (N = 3345). In 64 schools, 1617 (48.3%) teachers participated via a postal self-report questionnaire from June 2016 to August 2016. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, data from 1301 teachers’ were used for analysis. Multiple logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between general, work-related factors, and frequent voice disorders (fVDs) to estimate the adjusted odds ratio(aOR).

Results

Teachers who reported voice symptoms more than once a week (fVD) made up 11.6%. In a multiple logistic regression, fVD was significantly associated with female, difficulty in applying for sick leave as needed, music teachers (primary school), and less than 6 h of sleep per day (primary school). The aOR for fVD was 2.72 (0.83–8.10) in the longest working hours group (> 52 h/wk) among the primary school teachers, and 1.90 (0.80–4.73) in the longest class hour group (≥ 20 h/wk), 1.52 (0.90–2.62) in homeroom teachers among the secondary school teachers, but not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Korean teachers’ working conditions are associated with fVDs. The school health system must take steps to prevent and treat voice disorders of teachers.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Voice Disorders Among Teachers in Al-Ahsa, Eastern Region, KSA: Vocal Complaints, Treatment-Seeking Behaviors, and Knowledge of Vocal Care
Bayan S. Alshuhayb, Abdullah Z. Alkhars, Maitha K. AlMaghlouth, Fatimah S. Alkhars, Zainab A. Alamer, Abdullah A. Alarfaj, Khalid A. AlYahya
Journal of Voice.2025; 39(1): 147. CrossRef
Prevalence of Work-Related Voice Disorders in Voice Professionals: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Priscila Oliveira, Vanessa Veis Ribeiro, Ana Carolina Constantini, Maria Eduarda de Oliveira Barbosa Cavalcante, Maiara dos Santos Sousa, Kelly da Silva
Journal of Voice.2025; 39(1): 84. CrossRef
Ecological Validity of Self-Perceived Voice Quality and Acoustic Measures During Voice Assessments: An Observational Study on Faculty Teachers
Daniel Rodríguez, Marco Guzman, Pedro Brito, Roberto Llorens
Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research.2025; 68(2): 478. CrossRef
Association of Psychosocial Work Factors and Psychological Distress With Voice Disorders Among Secondary School Teachers
Patrick Wee Yao Peng, Victor Chee Wai Hoe, Foong Ming Moy
Journal of Voice.2025;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational well-being among health and social care educators: Structural equation modelling
Outi Kähkönen, Anneli Vauhkonen, Miko Pasanen, Terhi Saaranen
Heliyon.2024; 10(9): e30570. CrossRef
Self-assessment of teachers with normal larynges and vocal and osteomuscular complaints
Carla Nolasco Colla, Débora Bonesso Andriollo, Carla Aparecida Cielo
Journal of Voice.2024; 38(5): 1253.e1. CrossRef
Langzeiteffekte von Stimmgutachten und Stimmtraining bei Lehramtsstudenten
Sylvia Meuret, Siegrun Lemke, Bettina Hentschel, Michael Fuchs
Laryngo-Rhino-Otologie.2024; 103(12): 855. CrossRef
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Voice Disorders Among Teachers in Saudi Arabia
Nader S Alharbi, Salman Alotaibi, Azzam I Alnughaythir, Faisal Abohelaibah, Abdullah Q Alruways, Rawan Alharbi, Saud A Alzahrani, Hatim Alsaedi, Bader Alotaibi
Cureus.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Impact of Dietary Intake and Habits on Subjective Voice and Laryngeal Mucosal Diseases: Analysis From Korean National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey Between 2008 and 2021
Yung Jee Kang, Sung Yool Park, Sang Ah Chi, Man Ki Chung, Han-Sin Jeong, Young-Ik Son, Nayeon Choi
Journal of Voice.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Prevalence of Perceived Voice Disorders and Associated Risk Factors in Teachers and General Population in Croatia
Anja Benšić, Zdravko Kolundžić, Katarina Pavičić Dokoza
Journal of Voice.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Perception of Primary School Teachers Towards Voice Problems and Vocal Health-Seeking Behaviors: A qualitative study
Ritika Gautam, Srikanth Nayak, Usha Devadas
Journal of Voice.2024; 38(5): 1252.e11. CrossRef
The Risk Factors of Voice Disorders in Non-University Teachers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Guilian Jiang, Xiangjing Xu, Konghong Yu, Guangming Tang, Rong Yang, Xin Li
Journal of Voice.2024;[Epub] CrossRef
Work-Related Vocal Challenges of Online Teaching: A Study of Female College Professors
Carlos Calvache, María Paula Rincón-Pinilla, Lady Catherine Cantor-Cutiva
Journal of Voice.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Factors Associated With the Limitation at Work Because of the Voice: Study With Teachers of Basic Education In Brazil
Bárbara Antunes Rezende, Mery Natali Silva Abreu, Ada Ávila Assunção, Adriane Mesquita de Medeiros
Journal of Voice.2023; 37(1): 79. CrossRef
A General Survey of Pharynlaryngeal Diseases and Voice Disorders Among Basic Education Teachers in Tianjin
Dehui Fu, ShanShan Wang, Fang Yang, Jing Pan, Lei Chen, Jing Liu, Yongwang Huang
Journal of Voice.2023;[Epub] CrossRef
Prevalence of vocal fatigue and associated risk factors in university teachers
Shruthi Padmashali, Srikanth Nayak, Usha Devadas
Speech, Language and Hearing.2022; 25(4): 507. CrossRef
Effect of Muscle Tension Dysphonia on Self-perceived Voice Handicap and Multiparametric Measurement and Their Relation in Female Teachers
Samira Aghadoost, Shohreh Jalaie, Payman Dabirmoghaddam, Seyyedeh Maryam Khoddami
Journal of Voice.2022; 36(1): 68. CrossRef
Potential Risk Factors and Prevalence of Voice Symptoms in Students Starting Their Teacher Education
Ann-Christine Ohlsson, Gun Demitz-Helin, Ann-Christin Furu, Inger Hällgren, Suvi Karjalainen
Journal of Voice.2021; 35(2): 323.e1. CrossRef
Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Stress with Voice Functioning among College Professors: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Andrés Carrillo-Gonzalez, Maryluz Camargo-Mendoza, Lady Catherine Cantor-Cutiva
Journal of Voice.2021; 35(3): 499.e13. CrossRef
Relevant Work Factors Associated with Voice Disorders in Early Childhood Teachers: A Comparison between Kindergarten and Elementary School Teachers in Yancheng, China
Yaping Tao, Charles Tzu-Chi Lee, Yih-Jin Hu, Qiang Liu
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2020; 17(9): 3081. CrossRef
Distúrbio de voz como doença relacionada ao trabalho no Brasil: reconhecimento e desafios
Adriane Mesquita de Medeiros, Marcel de Toledo Vieira
Cadernos de Saúde Pública.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Occupational voice is a work in progress: active risk management, habilitation and rehabilitation
Debra Phyland, Anna Miles
Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head & Neck Surgery.2019; 27(6): 439. CrossRef
The Risk Factors Related to Voice Disorder in Teachers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Haewon Byeon
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2019; 16(19): 3675. CrossRef
Peligros ocupacionales que Aportan a la Presencia de Síntomas de Disfonía en Docentes
Dayan Fannery Fajardo
Areté.2019; 19(2): 11. CrossRef

971 View
10 Download
22 Web of Science
24 Crossref

Original Article

Association between Job Stress, Psychosocial Well-being and Presenteeism, Absenteeism: Focusing on Railroad Workers: Inn Shil Ryu, Dae Soon Jeong, In Ah Kim, Jae Hoon Roh, Jong Uk Won; Korean Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 2012;24(3):263-273. Published online September 30, 2012; DOI: https://doi.org/10.35371/kjoem.2012.24.3.263

Abstract PDF

OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this study was to determine the current status of presenteeism and absenteeism among railroad workers as well as to investigate whether or not job stress level and psychosocial well-being status are associated with presenteeism and absenteeism.
METHODS
As the cross-sectional design, a self-reported questionnaire using the Korean Occupational Stress Scale(KOSS), Psychosocial Well-being Index(PWI), and Work Productivity and Impairment-General Health(WPAI-GH) was administered to railroad workers. Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions were used to analyze the association between job stress, psychosocial well-being status and presenteeism, absenteeism in 1,099 subjects.
RESULTS
Among the study subjects, 52.0% and 22.0% experiened presenteeism and absenteeism, respectively. Job stress level in railroad workers was higher than that in general workers. Multivariate logistic regression with presenteeism as the dependent variable showed an elevated odds ratio of 3.56(95% CI 1.48-8.54) in the highest job stress group, and an odds ratio of 3.20(95% CI 1.94-5.26) in the high-risk psychosocial stress group. There was no significant association between job stress level and absenteeism, whereas weak association between psychosocial stress and absenteeism was found.
CONCLUSIONS
Since railroad workers have a high level of job stress and elevated experience of presenteeism, a management strategy is required to control presenteeism and absenteeism in order to promote railroad workers' health and safety.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Mental health shame and presenteeism: Results from a German online survey
Christian Sander, Ezgi Dogan-Sander, Joachim E. Fischer, Georg Schomerus
Psychiatry Research Communications.2023; 3(1): 100102. CrossRef
Association between sickness presenteeism and depressive symptoms in Korean workers during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Kyung-Shin Lee, Dong-Wook Lee, JooYong Park, Ho-Yeon Kim, Je-Yeon Yun, Yun-Chul Hong, Nami Lee
Journal of Affective Disorders.2022; 319: 344. CrossRef
Association between job-related stress and experience of presenteeism among Korean workers stratified on the presence of depression
Jihyun Kim, Yeong-Kwang Kim, Sung-Ho Leem, Jong-Uk Won
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2019;[Epub] CrossRef
Exposure to Adverse Social Behavior in the Workplace and Sickness Presenteeism among Korean Workers: The Mediating Effects of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Sookja Choi, Yunjeong Yi, Jiyun Kim
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2018; 15(10): 2198. CrossRef
Job Stress and Presenteeism among Chinese Healthcare Workers: The Mediating Effects of Affective Commitment
Tianan Yang, Yina Guo, Mingxu Ma, Yaxin Li, Huilin Tian, Jianwei Deng
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2017; 14(9): 978. CrossRef
The impact of long working hours on psychosocial stress response among white-collar workers
Kyungjin LEE, Chunhui SUH, Jong-Eun KIM, Jae Oh PARK
INDUSTRIAL HEALTH.2017; 55(1): 46. CrossRef
Converged Study of Influencing Factors on Occupational Stress in Workers
Eun Kyung Lee, Jin-Hwa Park
Journal of the Korea Convergence Society.2016; 7(3): 15. CrossRef
The association between Korean workers’ presenteeism and psychosocial factors within workplaces
Yun-Sik Cho, Jae Bum Park, Kyung-Jong Lee, Kyoung-Bok Min, Chul-In Baek
Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.2016;[Epub] CrossRef
The Relationship between Job Stress and Organizational Effectiveness for Office Workers
Yoo-Mi Chae, Jeong-bae Rhie, Sook Lee
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2016; 17(7): 389. CrossRef
The Impacts of Job Stress and Job Embeddedness on Presenteeism among Container Terminal Workers
Ji Hyun Lee, Eun Kyung Choi, Hyang Ok Oh, Hye Kyung Moon, Sang Min Lee
Journal of Korean Academy of Community Health Nursing.2016; 27(1): 31. CrossRef
Effects of Co-Worker and Supervisor Support on Job Stress and Presenteeism in an Aging Workforce: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Tianan Yang, Yu-Ming Shen, Mingjing Zhu, Yuanling Liu, Jianwei Deng, Qian Chen, Lai-Chu See
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.2015; 13(1): 72. CrossRef
The Relationships between Emotional Labour, Depressive Symptoms and Presenteeism among Counselors in Call Centers
Jong-Tae Baek, Young-Chae Cho
Journal of the Korea Academia-Industrial cooperation Society.2015; 16(6): 4086. CrossRef

357 View
7 Download
12 Crossref

First
Prev
Page of 1
Next
Last

Search