Presenteeism refers to the situation in which employees attend work or remain on the job despite not being fully productive or engaged due to illness, personal issues, or external circumstances. While physically present at work, presenteeism is a state where employees are unable to perform to their maximum potential, which can negatively impact their own well-being as well as workplace productivity.
Contrary to absenteeism, which refers to employees being absent from work, presenteeism occurs when employees persistently show up for work but are unable to give their best performance for various reasons. These reasons may include physical ailments, mental health conditions, stress, fatigue, personal problems, or workplace dissatisfaction. In such cases, employees may experience difficulties focusing, completing tasks efficiently, or making sound decisions.
The consequences of presenteeism can be detrimental both to the individual employee and the organization as a whole. Employees may experience reduced job satisfaction, increased stress levels, declining mental health, burnout, and a higher risk of accidents or errors. Concurrently, organizations may suffer from decreased productivity, compromised quality of work, increased healthcare costs, elevated turnover rates, and a negative impact on overall morale.
To address presenteeism, organizations need to foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, promote work-life balance, and implement wellness programs. Encouraging open communication, providing employee assistance programs, offering flexibility, creating a positive mental health culture, and promoting self-care are vital steps to mitigate presenteeism and enhance workplace productivity and well-being.
