The Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) has released an eye-opening report on sickness presenteeism – that’s the act of working while feeling unwell. This trend is becoming alarmingly common, costing organisations significantly while often flying under the radar. If you’re in HR or management, you need to tune into this before it becomes your own organisation’s Achilles’ heel.
Key Points
- Presenteeism is more common than absenteeism and often leads to hidden costs in productivity.
- A recent survey found that 76% of HR professionals notice presenteeism among office staff and 78% among remote workers.
- Employees can spend over two weeks per year working sick, costing upwards of £4,000 annually per employee.
- Mental health-related presenteeism is increasing but remains largely unaddressed due to stigma.
- Organisational culture and job insecurity contribute to presenteeism, reflecting deeper systemic issues.
- Occupational Health (OH) services should shift from a reactive to a proactive role in supporting employee wellness.
Content Summary
Amy McKeown discusses the need for a paradigm shift in how occupational health is utilised in the workplace. Current methods typically react to sickness absence but fail to address the more pervasive issue of presenteeism. The report highlights that presenteeism stems from various cultural and practical pressures such as financial concerns and job insecurity. The findings urge organisations to redefine Occupational Health, making it an early intervention strategy that focuses on keeping employees healthy and productive, rather than merely managing them when they are off sick.
The report stresses that overlooking presenteeism can lead to a deeper organisational malaise, suggesting that the path forward requires HR to adopt a more systemic approach to employee health, integrating preventive measures and fostering a supportive work environment.
Why should I read this?
If you’re part of an HR team or manage people, this article is essential reading. It’s not just another report on workplace wellness; it cuts to the heart of a pressing issue that’s costing organisations dearly. By understanding how presenteeism manifests and developing proactive strategies, you’ll not only improve productivity but also foster a healthier, more engaged workforce. Save yourself the hassle of dealing with the symptoms of this hidden issue—get ahead of it now!