WB6Dim-LTSA: Can Workplace Well-Being Scores Predict Collective Absenteeism?
France2,000 participantsStarted 2026-06-01
Plain-language 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.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Employee of a participating French company (≥ 50 employees)
* Age 18 years or older
* Access to a smartphone or computer to complete the digital questionnaire
* Electronic informed consent provided at baseline
Exclusion Criteria:
* Refusal to participate or withdrawal of consent
* Inability to complete the questionnaire in French
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1This study is measuring workplace absenteeism and stress at a company level rather than treating a personal health condition — given that, is this type of observational research something that could actually benefit my individual situation, or is it really designed to generate data for employers and policymakers?
2Since this trial isn't recruiting yet and has no assigned phase, meaning it hasn't started and the research design is still being finalized, is there any realistic timeline I should be aware of before deciding whether to wait for it or pursue other support options now?
3The study tracks sick leave episodes of 30 days or longer using HR records — would participating require me to share my personal employment and medical absence data with researchers, and how should I think about the privacy implications of that?
4If I'm dealing with occupational stress or a condition affecting my ability to work, are there existing evidence-based treatments or workplace accommodations my care team could help me access now, rather than waiting for a study that isn't recruiting yet?
5Because this study focuses on group-level patterns rather than providing any direct treatment or intervention to individuals, what benefit, if any, could I personally expect from participating, and is that something worth discussing with both my doctor and my employer?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Company-level incidence rate of sick leave episodes ≥ 30 days over 6 months, as measured from aggregated HR records