Care for sick family members and fear of exposure can result in significant worker absenteeism.

A big portion of the company's productivity problems over the years have been linked to high rates of worker absenteeism, a chronic problem throughout Sweden.

One way to do so would be to reduce worker absenteeism and featherbedding to Japan's level.

Studies have shown that every dollar invested in medical research can return up to $13 in reduced worker absenteeism, improved productivity and lower medical expenses.

That is no small challenge in Sweden, where the worker absenteeism and turnover rates are the highest among industrialized nations.

Although the condition isn't life threatening, it does cause a great deal of pain and disability as well as loss of productivity due to worker absenteeism.

Costs included both direct health care costs of treatment, such as office visits and drugs, as well as indirect costs like worker absenteeism.

As a result, employers faced with rising health insurance costs and increasing worker absenteeism have now found a place for fitness on the balance sheet.

This figure is not dollars spent on effective treatments, but rather on worker absenteeism, job loss and alcohol/substance abuse.

They also say it has reduced worker absenteeism.