Is it safe to be safe? Examining Underreporting and Presenteeism Among European Pilots: The Role of Employment Type

Background: Precarious employment among pilots is a growing concern in the European aviation industry. Following deregulation, atypical forms of employment have become more common, raising concerns about their implications for flight safety and pilots’ safety behaviors. It is suggested that pilots in such forms of employment experience greater job insecurity and will thus refrain from certain safety behaviors as it is more advantageous to their tenure. Method: This cross-sectional survey study aimed at examining deviations in safety behaviors, such as underreporting and presenteeism (attending work while ill), with regards to typically and atypically employed pilots (N=4,546). Results: Compared to typically employed pilots, those in atypical employment showed higher frequencies of presenteeism (47.5% vs. 31%) and underreporting (59.5% vs. 41.2%). Those atypically employed were more likely to cite fear of disciplinary action or dismissal as the reason for not adhering to safety behaviors. In general, underreporting and presenteeism were common, with organizational barriers, e.g., lack of feedback, being primary drivers, in line with previous research. Personal financial reasons were the most prevalent factor motivating presenteeism, regardless of employment type. Conclusion: The present study highlights the frequent occurrence of presenteeism and underreporting in the European aviation industry. Atypically employed pilots are shown to be particularly prone to these behaviors, stressing the need for regulatory, organizational, and safety management attention to address these inclinations.