The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Work Productivity: A Comprehensive Analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.60072/ijeissah.2025.v3i03.003Abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are increasingly recognized as key determinants of adult health, well-being, and occupational functioning. This study, titled “The Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Work Productivity: A Comprehensive Analysis,” explores how childhood adversity affects absenteeism, presenteeism, overall productivity, and activity impairment. A sample of 54 private-sector employees provided self-report data on ACEs, Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCE), Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE), and work productivity indicators. Correlation analyses revealed a modest but significant positive relationship between ACEs and presenteeism, suggesting that individuals with higher ACE scores struggle to perform effectively despite being present at work. In contrast, ACEs showed no significant associations with absenteeism, overall productivity, or activity impairment. BCE and PCE were negatively correlated with ACEs but displayed no direct links to productivity in zero-order correlations. These findings indicate that the primary occupational impact of ACEs is “hidden” productivity loss: employees attend work but underperform due to ongoing stress, reduced resilience, or mental health challenges. The study contributes to the literature by highlighting how childhood trauma manifests in adult workplace outcomes, particularly presenteeism. However, the cross-sectional design and small sample size, especially within certain ACE subgroups, limit generalizability. Future research should examine specific ACE subtypes, assess the moderating or mediating roles of BCE and PCE, and apply longitudinal or mixed-method approaches to clarify causal pathways. For organizations, adopting trauma-informed policies and support systems may help mitigate the long-term workforce impact of childhood adversity.
Keywords:
Absenteeism, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Benevolent Childhood Experiences (BCE), Mental Health, Presentism, Positive Childhood Experiences (PCE), Resilience, Work ProductivityReferences
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