How Employee Presenteeism Impacts the Workplace

In contrast to absenteeism, where employees are absent from work altogether, employee presenteeism refers to when employees come to work but are not fully productive due to health issues, personal problems, or other reasons that affect their ability to perform at their best.

A study by The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development found that presenteeism costs the UK economy ￡15.1 billion every year, making it nearly double the cost of absenteeism.

Employees who are present but not functioning at their best can contribute to decreased overall productivity. Their work may be of lower quality, and they may take longer to complete tasks. Other knock-on effects of employee presenteeism include the following:

The Spread of Illness

When employees come to work while sick, they may spread illnesses to their colleagues, leading to more employees becoming unwell and a potential decline in overall workforce health.

Increased Health Care Costs

If employees ignore health issues and continue to work when they should be resting or seeking medical attention, it can lead to more severe health problems in the long run. This can result in increased healthcare costs for both the employee and the employer.

Employee Burnout

Presenteeism can contribute to employee burnout. When employees consistently work in suboptimal conditions due to health or personal issues, they may experience increased stress and exhaustion, which can lead to burnout.

Decreased Morale

The presence of consistently unproductive employees can have a negative impact on team morale. It may create frustration among other team members who have to compensate for the reduced productivity of their colleagues.

Long-term Organisational Costs

If presenteeism becomes a pervasive issue within an organisation, it can contribute to long-term costs. This may include higher turnover rates, recruitment and training expenses for new employees, and potential damage to the organisation's reputation.

To address presenteeism and promote a healthier, more productive work environment, employers can implement various strategies and initiative including massage sessions for employees.?

How Massage Can Help with Employee Presenteeism

Massage can potentially help address presenteeism by promoting physical and mental well-being, reducing stress, and improving overall health. Here are ways in which massage therapy may contribute to mitigating presenteeism:

Stress Reduction

Massage has been shown to reduce stress levels by promoting relaxation and decreasing the production of stress hormones such as cortisol. High levels of stress are a common contributor to presenteeism, and massage can provide a natural and non-invasive way to manage stress.

Improved Mental Health

Massage therapy can have positive effects on mental health, including reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression. When employees experience better mental well-being, they may be more focused and productive at work, reducing the impact of presenteeism.

Enhanced Physical Health

Massage can help alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain. Employees who experience physical discomfort, such as back or neck pain, may find relief through regular massage. This, in turn, can contribute to increased comfort and functionality at work.

Boosted Immune System

Regular massage has been associated with improved immune function. By supporting the immune system, employees may be less susceptible to illnesses, reducing the likelihood of spreading infections in the workplace.

Increased Energy and Alertness

Massage can help improve sleep quality and enhance overall energy levels. Employees who are well-rested and alert are more likely to be productive at work, reducing the impact of fatigue-related presenteeism.

Positive Workplace Culture

Offering massage as part of an employee wellness program can contribute to a positive workplace culture that values employee well-being. This, in turn, may foster a supportive environment that encourages employees to prioritise their health and take necessary breaks when needed.

Some other practical steps employers can take are as follows:

Promote Work-Life Balance

• Encourage employees to take breaks and use holiday days.
• Set clear expectations for working hours and avoid creating a culture that encourages excessive overtime.

Flexible Work Arrangements

• Offer flexible work schedules or remote work options when possible.
• Implement policies that support a healthy work-life integration.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs)

• Provide access to EAPs, offering confidential counselling and support services for employees dealing with personal or work-related challenges.

Open Communication

• Create a culture where employees feel comfortable discussing their concerns and seeking help.
• Encourage managers to have open and supportive conversations with their teams.

Regular Check-Ins

• Conduct regular one-on-one check-ins between employees and managers to discuss workload, challenges, and potential solutions.

Encourage Self-Care

• Encourage employees to prioritise self-care activities, such as exercise, adequate sleep, and hobbies.
• Provide resources on stress-relief techniques.

Monitor Workloads

• Ensure that workloads are manageable and realistic for each employee.
• Address workload issues promptly to prevent burnout.

By implementing a combination of these strategies, employers can create a work environment that supports employee well-being, reduces stress, and ultimately helps mitigate the negative effects of presenteeism.

If you would like to set up a wellness programme for your employees which includes massage therapy, get in touch [email protected].

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