An E-Learning intervention for Reducing presenteeism among employees in a Swiss insurance company – A quasi-experimental study

Background: Presenteeism—working while ill—can harm employee health and organizational productivity. Despite its high prevalence, targeted, evidence-based interventions remain scarce. This study evaluated a theory-driven, multi-component e-learning intervention designed to reduce presenteeism behaviour among employees of a Swiss insurance company. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post design without a control group was used. Based on baseline data, participants (N = 155) were assigned to one of four tailored e-learning courses addressing key topics: presenteeism behaviour, team and leadership culture, and musculoskeletal complaints. Each course comprised three instructional sessions. Presenteeism behaviour was the primary outcome; team and leadership culture and musculoskeletal impairment were secondary outcomes. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied. Results: A significant reduction in presenteeism behaviour was found among participants (p = 0.006), with a small effect size (Cohen’s d = -0.24). Team health climate improved significantly (p = 0.003), while there was no evidence of change in supervision distrust or musculoskeletal impairment. Participation rates and completion levels varied, with most participants allocated to the course targeting team and leadership culture. Conclusion: This study provides preliminary evidence that a structured e-learning intervention can reduce presenteeism behaviour, particularly when participants complete all components. While individual-level training showed promising effects on team culture, additional efforts are needed to address leadership dynamics and physical health outcomes. Future research should explore how to enhance participation, integrate organizational-level strategies, and ensure long-term sustainability. Subject classification codes: Include these here if the journal requires them.