pres·en·tee·ism – n. the practice of coming to work despite illness, injury, anxiety, etc., often resulting in reduced productivity.
Presenteeism only promises to continue as a major workplace problem in 2012, so the Global Human Resources Outsourcing (GHRO) thought we’d share some insights into the issue.
Speechly Bircham’s Employment group is a UK-based employment law practice. In their in-depth 2012 survey of HR directors and senior HR professionals across the UK, they determined that working hour increases are linked with higher stress and staff turnover, while longer work hours and presenteeism are set for big increases in 2012.
A review of the survey can be read at The State of Human Resources blog. Conclusions include:
- Greater business uncertainty is linked with higher stress, absence, presenteeism and workforce discontent.
- Talent shortages for 40 percent of organizations exist and are linked with longer working hours, stress and presenteeism.
- Presenteeism is now a major workforce issue, linked with more grievances.
Today’s workplace has changed from two or even one decade ago. Some of these changes have contributed to the growing incidence of presenteeism.
Causes of presenteeism
- Increase in dual-earner and “sandwich generation” households.
- Fear of note meeting Employer expectations.
- Little or no paid sick days available or accrued.
Employer Solutions
- Recognize the problem.
- Rethink the use of disciplinary action to control absenteeism.
- Develop a workplace policy on presenteeism and inform and educate employees.
- Provide Paid Sick Leave and/or Paid Time Off (PTO) to Workers.
- Make an Effort to Boost Employee Morale.
- Offer a flu vaccination program.
The image of a sick-as-a-dog employee who comes to work as being a dedicated and valued worker is no longer fitting. Presenteeism costs are a real and potentially significant drain on a company’s financial well-being. Employers need to make a concerted effort to develop a workplace with healthy and highly functioning workers. This will go a long way toward meeting goals for company productivity and profits, and fostering a healthy work culture and environment for employees.
