Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/36024 
Year of Publication: 
2009
Series/Report no.: 
IZA Discussion Papers No. 4607
Publisher: 
Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA), Bonn
Abstract: 
We evaluate the effects of a reduction in sick pay from 100 to 80% of the wage. Unlike previous literature, apart from absence from work, we also consider effects on doctor/hospital visits and subjective health indicators. We also add to the literature by estimating both switch-on and switch-off effects, because the reform was repealed two years later. We find a two-day reduction in the number of days of absence. Quantile regression reveals higher point estimates (both in absolute and relative terms) at higher quantiles, meaning that the reform predominantly reduced long durations of absence. In terms of health, the reform reduced the average number of days spent in hospital by almost half a day, but we cannot find robust evidence for negative effects on health outcomes or perceived liquidity constraints.
Subjects: 
Sickness pay
absenteeism
health expenditure
hospitalization
difference-in-differences
switch on
switch off
quantile regression
intrinsic motivation
JEL: 
I18
J58
J83
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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