There is no doubt that absenteeism – regular, unplanned staff absences – is bad for business. But what most employers don’t often realise is that the opposite, referred to as presenteeism, can be just as harmful to your workplace.
Presenteeism – working while not fully fit – remains prevalent, with 65% of UK employees observing instances of presenteeism in the workplace throughout 2022, according to the CIPD Health and Wellbeing at Work report. On top of that, research from WPI Economics, commissioned by employee benefits provider Unum UK, recently revealed that almost two working weeks are lost each year due to presenteeism.
For perspective, these workers cost the economy £11 billion per year in lost productivity. With engagement and productivity vital to business success, reducing presenteeism should be a top priority.
What is presenteeism?
Presenteeism is often cited as the biggest threat to workplace productivity in the UK. It is the phenomenon of employees turning up to work when they are not fully fit, either physically or mentally, and thus performing below their optimal level. These individuals are trying to fulfil their jobs, but due to health problems or other circumstances, can’t work at full capacity.
It can have negative consequences for both the individual and the organisation, such as reduced productivity, lower quality of work, increased stress, and higher health risks.
There are various factors that cause presenteeism, such as excessive workload, job insecurity, lack of sick leave, or a culture that rewards long hours and discourages taking breaks. Without clear separation between work and home – further exacerbated by the introduction of hybrid working – professionals may find it difficult to disconnect and set clear boundaries.
This lack of separation can lead to longer working hours, increased workloads and, most importantly, difficulty in taking breaks or even time off.
How to tackle presenteeism in your workforce
So, how do you spot the signs of presenteeism, and how do you broach the subject tactfully among your workforce? Here are five ways to banish presenteeism for good:
1. Recognise the symptoms
Employees with health problems, especially those related to mental health, often feel an inability to disclose their feelings to their manager. At the same time, those in managerial positions are rarely trained to effectively support employees who are struggling.
It’s essential that managers are educated to some degree to be able to notice when employees are showing signs of stress or mental health problems. Not only that, managers need to feel confident and equipped to have open and supportive conversations with employees about their health and overall satisfaction levels while at work.
With almost three-in-five employees saying they would take less time off work if their employer enhanced the health and wellbeing services available to them, this evidence supports the value of reviewing existing policies and practices. Work-life balance, menopause support, and an ‘open-door’ policy all help build a culture that prioritises people.
2. Evaluate your wellbeing policy
Professionals will often still come into work if they are experiencing long wait times for a doctor’s appointment or if they are unable to get an appointment outside of working hours. This not only impacts the recovery time, but can also lead to a build-up of stress while waiting to be seen or awaiting the results of a diagnosis. Ill health, such as colds and coughs, can also be quickly spread around the workplace.
A strategic wellbeing policy that offers appropriate support can help reduce the impact of presenteeism. Programmes that promote good mental, physical, financial, and social health can help prevent illnesses and reduce the impact of long-term conditions. Whether it's discounts to be used on fitness equipment, access to yoga classes, or mental wellbeing initiatives, a clear plan to help employees can lead to a happier and healthier workforce.
3. Lead by example
If managers go into work when they are ill, their teams are likely to feel they have to do the same. Leaders need to set a good example and stay at home when they are unwell – especially given flexible working policies are now fully implemented.
Presenteeism often occurs when employees feel they can’t afford to take time off due to heavy workloads, upcoming deadlines or not wanting to burden their colleagues with their absence. It’s important that managers know how much work employees have on, so they are able to help manage it.
Holding frequent one-to-ones or team meetings can help highlight if employees are in need of any support – be it with their work or wellbeing. This should help reduce any work-related stress and promote healthy working practices to those making a return to work after a prolonged absence.
4. Clear communication of company culture
Clarify with your workforce about where the company stands on employees coming into work ill, also ensuring a sickness reporting procedure is outlined.
Clearly define and communicate your policies, such as sick pay and time off allowances, and allow employees to ask any questions they may have. It’s also important to communicate the impact that unwell employees coming into work can have on fellow employees, customers, and the wider business.
When you’re clear on where the company stands when it comes to illness and working patterns, employees will feel comfortable to stay home and recover when they’re ill – rather than fearing any potential consequences of doing so.
5. Empower and trust your employees
It’s the people working in organisations that make the difference. They have the ability to grow business, increase engagement and enhance reputations. By creating positive and supportive work environments, where employees feel they can take time off when needed, presenteeism can be reduced.
By empowering employees in the workplace, leaders can directly enhance their psychological safety – the belief that they can speak up, take risks, and make mistakes without fear of negative consequences. Employees who feel psychologically safe are more likely to seek help, share ideas, and collaborate with others, which can improve their health and performance.
If presenteeism isn’t already on your radar, it should be. Making appropriate changes to absence policies and aspects of workplace culture will help ensure your workforce is healthier and more motivated. For businesses, an investment in people through good quality employee benefits could be just what workers need to eradicate presenteeism.
If you are searching for a talented professional to join your team, or looking to embark on a new career opportunity, get in touch with one of our specialist consultants today.
