Background: Organizational climate strongly influences job performance and well-being in healthcare. An unfavorable climate may increase presenteeism, defined as attending work despite illness, symptoms, or reduced physical or mental capacity, often resulting in decreased productivity and potential risks to patient safety, particularly among nurses. This study examined the relationship between organizational climate and presenteeism in Iranian nurses.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted in 2025 among 327 nurses working in selected hospitals affiliated with Golestan University of Medical Sciences, recruited through convenience sampling. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Halpin and Croft Organizational Climate Questionnaire, and the Nursing Presenteeism Questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, and multivariable linear regression were applied. Model assumptions were examined, and a significance level of P < 0.05 was considered.
Results: The mean age of participants was 33.91 ± 6.75 years, with an average work experience of 9.56 ± 6.30 years. The mean ± SD scores of organizational climates and presenteeism were 99.21 ± 9.24 and 40.89 ± 7.32, respectively. Correlation analysis showed a significant negative correlation between organizational climate and presenteeism (R = -0.156, P = 0.005). Regression analysis (performed on log-transformed presenteeism scores to correct non-normality) indicated that organizational climate was a significant negative predictor of presenteeism (β = -0.220, P < 0.001), whereas older age was associated with higher presenteeism (β = 0.159, P = 0.008).
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that a more positive organizational climate is modestly correlated with reduced presenteeism among nurses; however, the effect size was small. These findings highlight the importance of organizational and managerial strategies, suggesting that improving the work climate may help reduce presenteeism and promote nurse well-being.
