Economist have coined a new word to describe a condition that increases the industry's productivity losses due to illness. The new word in 'presenteeism' and the costs of it are exceeding the costs of absenteeism and medical and disability benefits.

There are various definitions about presenteeism: The feeling that one must show up for work even if one is too sick, stressed, or distracted to be productive; the feeling that one needs to work extra hours even if one has no extra work to do; being at work when you shouldn't be, because although you are too tired or ill to be effective, you are too insecure about your job to stay away.

However from the economists' point of view, presenteeism is understood as on-the-job slowdown by workers with a variety of medical problems, leading to what may account for up to 60% of employer health costs.

Presenteeism hurts employees and employers. Employees who come to work even when they're aren't feeling well may end up costing companies more in lost productivity than their employers pay for health related benefits.

The understanding of this important fact, indicates that companies may need to better examine their health care spending. 

You will find more information on this interesting topic in the article On-the-job health problem 'presenteeism' and absenteeism that you will find attached with our 43rd Progressive Newsletter.

Absenteeism has caught the attention of many employers. It’s on the rise, costly, and one of the most widely measured indicators of a healthy organization.

When people show up for work sick, injured, stressed or burned-out there is a drain on productivity. This is the problem of presenteeism.

Trying to measure and understand presenteeism has quickly become one of the biggest challenges in the field of workplace health research.

 
Takis A. Haggiandreou
Director
 

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