When we think about the cost of ill health at work, we tend to think about absence. But employees who come to work while unwell or otherwise impaired can quietly cost an organisation just as much — or more. This is presenteeism.
What is presenteeism?
Presenteeism is the loss of productivity that occurs when employees are physically present but not performing at their best — because of illness, injury, stress, fatigue or distraction. Unlike absence, it is largely hidden: the person is at their desk or on the floor, but the quality and quantity of their work suffers.
Why employers should be concerned
Because it is hidden, presenteeism is easy to overlook — yet its impact can be substantial. Some analyses suggest it accounts for a large share of an employer’s total health-related costs, in some cases exceeding the cost of absence itself. The organisation continues to pay full wages while receiving reduced output, and an unwell employee at work may also take longer to recover or pass illness on to others.
A structured approach
Presenteeism can be managed, but it needs to be approached deliberately. We recommend three stages:
- Assess the extent and underlying causes within your organisation.
- Design and implement targeted interventions to address those causes.
- Monitor and review the results, refining your approach over time.
Practical solutions
Effective responses often combine several elements: personalised self-care guidance for employees; a review of absence and performance systems so that problems surface earlier; health-promotion and manager training; and cultural initiatives that challenge a “long-hours” mindset in which people feel they must be seen to be present regardless of how they feel. Together, these measures help create a workplace where people can be genuinely well and genuinely productive.
