Presenteeism in the workforce
What is Presenteeism?
Presenteeism describes lost productivity that occurs when employees come to work but perform below par due to any kind of illness.
Why should I be concerned?
Presenteeism is a growing concern for employers and health professionals, having potentially catastrophic effects on both employee and organisational health, and presenting hidden long-term costs for employers.
It is estimated that presenteeism accounts for more than 80% of an employer’s total health care costs, potentially a larger drain on productivity than either absenteeism or short-term disability. An employee who arrives at work despite illness may only operate at a fraction of his or her normal capacity despite requiring the same expenditure in wages, social contributions and taxes as employees operating at 100%.
“Research even shows that presenteeism may even be a stronger predictor of health than absenteeism.”
Dr Zara Whysall, COPE Occupational Psychologist
Addressing Presenteeism
COPE recommends a three-staged approach for addressing presenteeism:
Why should I be concerned?
Presenteeism is a growing concern for employers and health professionals, having potentially catastrophic effects on both employee and organisational health, and presenting hidden long-term costs for employers.
It is estimated that presenteeism accounts for more than 80% of an employer’s total health care costs, potentially a larger drain on productivity than either absenteeism or short-term disability. An employee who arrives at work despite illness may only operate at a fraction of his or her normal capacity despite requiring the same expenditure in wages, social contributions and taxes as employees operating at 100%.
“Research even shows that presenteeism may even be a stronger predictor of health than absenteeism.”
Dr Zara Whysall, COPE Occupational Psychologist
Addressing Presenteeism
COPE recommends a three-staged approach for addressing presenteeism:
- Assess the extent and potential causes of presenteeism
- Design and implement interventions or strategies aimed at preventing or reducing presenteeism
- Monitor and review
- provision of personalised self-care guides for employees based on their symptoms and conditions
- examination of absence management strategies, working time arrangements, and performance management systems
- self-care training or health promotion activities for common presenteeism conditions
- initiatives to tackle aspects of organisational culture (e.g. long-hours culture)
COPE's Occupational Health Blog
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