PRESENTEEISM

As an HSE Professional how often do you track Presenteeism.

According to Investopedia Presenteeism refers to the lost?productivity?that occurs when employees are not fully functioning in the workplace because of an illness, injury, or other condition. Even though the employee may be physically at work, they may not be able to fully perform their duties?and are more likely to make mistakes on the job. Although not tracked like?absenteeism, the costs of presenteeism have been estimated to be larger in real terms as employees suffering from longer-term conditions see persistent drops in productivity. It is important to note that employees contributing to presenteeism are, by definition, trying to give their best efforts but are physically or mentally unable to do so.

Employees frequently show up to work even though they may be feeling ill, experiencing physical or emotional pain, or are going through some stressful situation that is affecting their ability to focus. In these situations, employees are attempting to work despite their particular problem and the result is a less productive work day than that employee can typically deliver. As the employee is present and working, it is difficult for managers to see the productivity gap as clearly as when an employee is absent from work.

Consequences of Presenteeism

1. Simply put, presenteeism costs employers money. While an employee is contributing by still showing up for work despite being injured, stressed, or ill, presenteeism can cost the employer in a few different ways.
2. The obvious one is the productivity gap between the employee struggling through the day compared to when that employee is healthy and happy. Moreover, a struggling and stressed employee is more prone to make mistakes that could cost the company more than if the same employee was merely absent.
3. There is also the possibility that an employee is prolonging their illness or condition by attempting to work through it rather than resting or otherwise addressing it. This lengthens the period of time during which the loss of productivity will be a factor.
4. Lastly, in the case of a physically sick employee who shows up to work, there is a possibility that that employee's illness will spread to other workers resulting in more presenteeism and absenteeism.

Reducing Presenteeism

1. Be aware of causes and symptoms
2. Enacting wellness programs;
3. Providing additional types of leave;
4. Don’t ignore output in favor of input:
5. and offering flexible working schedules to provide more work–life balance.