What is presenteeism?
Presenteeism describes the behaviour when employees continue to go to work despite being ill instead of calling in sick or taking sick leave. This can involve comparatively harmless complaints such as colds, but also more serious illnesses such as gastrointestinal flu or migraines. Those affected still turn up at the office or on the production floor even though they should actually be recovering.
What are the reasons for presenteeism?
The causes of presenteeism are varied and can be divided into two main areas: personal motives and external influences.
Personal motives
A common reason for presenteeism is the personal need to perform and complete tasks reliably without burdening colleagues. Many people want to prevent others from having to cover for them. Career aspects also play a role. People who turn up to work ill often want to be perceived as particularly committed and capable. In the case of the chronically ill, the desire not to let their complaints slow them down is another motivation.
External factors
In addition to personal motives, external conditions also favour presenteeism. These include unclear work processes, staff shortages, high time pressure and limited room for manoeuvre. Last but not least, fear for one's own job also plays a role. These factors have become particularly important during the coronavirus crisis.
Managers as role models
Another important factor is managers who encourage presenteeism in their team through their own behaviour. When managers come to work sick, they unconsciously send the message that this behaviour leads to professional success. The number of days absent from work in the team also increased with a time lag if sick leave was taken regularly. Managers who drag themselves to work sick are not only harming themselves, but also their employees.
Conclusion
Presenteeism is a widespread phenomenon that is favoured by both personal ambitions and structural factors. In the long term, however, this behaviour harms both the health of those affected and the productivity of the entire team. It is therefore important to promote work cultures in which staying healthy - and not working sick - takes centre stage.