presenteeism

Presenteeism is the opposite of absenteeism. In contrast to absenteeism, when employees are absent from work illegitimately, presenteeism discusses the problems faced when employees come to work in spite of illness, which can have similar negative repercussions on business performance.

It can also refer to the expectation of employers for their employees to be present at work regardless of whether any work is available or accomplished.

Causes and history

While presenteeism has existed in some form or another for centuries, the term itself, which has been coined by employers' groups, ^[1] is relatively new. Presenteeism is widely thought to be caused by a fear of loss of income or employment on the part of the employee. Critics of employers' groups, which include trade unions, allege that presenteeism has developed as a result of a gradual relaxation of employment protection laws and reductions in benefits, most notably sickness benefits. For example, a number of companies in the United Kingdom and the United States do not offer sickness benefits for illnesses lasting up to three days. Employers' groups in turn allege that other factors are contributory to presenteeism, including an increase in health care costs, most notably in countries such as the United States and Germany, which has rendered employees more reluctant to seek medical attention when it is necessary.

Effects

Presenteeism can have catastrophic effects on a company's output and can present hidden long-term costs, and can present wider social problems beyond the enterprise. 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 an employee operating at 100%. They may also be more prone to mistakes, and in the case of contagious diseases (e.g. Influenza), they may transmit the illness to fellow employees, causing a larger fallout in work efficiency.

It has also been alleged that presenteeism can result in more long-term health issues.

Solutions

Employers' groups have thus far been reluctant to address the problem of presenteeism but a number of individual employers have recognised the problem to tackle it head-on, including initiatives to invest in occupational health.

This new concept is considered one of the leading threats to employee efficiency and workplace safety. Many employers have begun asking employees who normally come in to work while sick, to stay home. Many employers, fearful of the avian flu epidemic, are beginning to take preemptive actions against this new threat to the workplace.

Sources

• CBS news (April 22, 2004): "'Presenteeism' Plagues Firms".
• BBC news (November 30, 2004): "Cost of the sicknote scandal".
• CNN News (January 26, 2007): 'Presenteeism' infects businesses

Notes

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