What is presenteeism?

Presenteeism refers to the phenomenon where employees come to work even when they are sick and should actually be on sick leave. Instead of staying at home to rest and recover, many force themselves to ignore their health problems and continue working. This often happens out of fear of job loss, a sense of duty to the team, or the belief that they are indispensable.

Causes and effects of presenteeism

The causes of presenteeism are varied and can stem from both the individual attitudes of employees and the company culture. High workloads, fear of professional disadvantages, or a climate where sick days are viewed negatively, all promote this condition.

However, the effects should not be underestimated. In the long term, presenteeism can lead to serious health issues due to the lack of adequate recovery. Additionally, productivity can suffer as sick employees often cannot perform at their best. This can also affect the quality of work and workplace safety.

Preventive measures

Companies can take various steps to prevent presenteeism and promote a healthier work environment:

• Promoting an open company culture: Awareness of the negative impacts of presenteeism should be raised, and a culture should be created where employees' health is a top priority.
• Health management: Health promotion offerings and preventive measures can help improve the overall health of the workforce.
• Flexible work arrangements: Allowing flexible working hours or remote work options can help employees take better care of their health without worrying about professional disadvantages.

Presenteeism is a complex phenomenon with serious implications for individual health and organizational efficiency. Companies are challenged to create supportive frameworks that enable employees to prioritize their health without fearing professional repercussions. Preventative measures and a positive company culture can improve employee satisfaction and health as well as productivity and the quality of work performance.