Presenteeism Definition

Presenteeism is the phenomenon where employees come to work despite being ill, injured, or otherwise unable to perform at their full capacity. Unlike absenteeism, where an employee is physically absent from work, presenteeism involves being physically present but not fully functional or productive due to health issues, stress, or other personal problems.

Presenteeism can be harmful both to the employee and the organisation. For the employee, it can lead to worsening health conditions and prolonged recovery times. For the organisation, it can result in decreased productivity, lower quality of work, and even the spread of illness to other employees.

Some factors contributing to presenteeism include:
Workplace culture: Environments that prioritise attendance over well-being may push employees to work when they are not fully fit.
Job insecurity: Fear of losing one's job can make employees feel pressured to work even when they should be resting.
High workload or tight deadlines: Employees may feel they cannot afford to take time off.
Lack of paid sick leave: In some cases, financial necessity drives employees to work while unwell.

Understanding and addressing presenteeism is important for maintaining a healthy, productive workplace.

The Burnt Chef Project can support you through this process, learn more on their website!
www.theburntchefproject.com