JUST like your computer malfunctions, the photocopier jams and the printer fails, employees “break down” or get sick and need time out of the workplace to undergo repair.

Employee absences because of illness have long been part of organisational life.

But make no mistake, employee absences only form part of the equation when it comes to employee health and wellbeing.

Welcome to the workplace phenomenon of “presenteeism”, which usually refers to the practice of employees attending the workplace with a condition — such as an illness, fatigue or exhaustion — that prevents them working productively. It’s “being present at work while sick”.

While it is no secret that absenteeism collectively costs organisations billions of dollars each year, some experts predict that the incidence of presenteeism is sharply rising and because of that increase, this workplace phenomenon will soon outstrip the costs of absenteeism.

The reasons for the rise in presenteeism are many and varied, but it is generally agreed the increase is fuelled by an environment of tenuous job security and high unemployment rates.

Many employees feel absence from the workplace may damage their professional reputation, or even put their job at risk. They dare not take the day off, even if they are not well. It only compounds the situation.

Link this with the rise of mental health problems in the workplace. It is true that mental health issues are, more often than not, long term.

Once limited leave entitlements are fully used, an employee with untreated long-term mental health issues is really forced to attend the workplace or risk not being paid. This can also lead to presenteeism.

Some managers might believe that the act of unwell employees coming to work demonstrates outstanding commitment, and it possibly does — even if only in a short-sighted way.

The reality is, sick employees are likely to be less effective, and impaired performance can be costly and pose inherent risks such as:

AN increased number of more employee absences, as an unwell staff member in the workplace can spread an illness to their colleagues.
A HIGHER risk of serious accidents and subsequent compensation claims.
A REDUCED level of customer service, a rise in the number of customer complaints and loss of business due to unwell staff under-servicing client

Interest in the topic of presenteeism has risen sharply because of increased awareness of the benefits of a healthy workforce and the positive impact this has on workplace productivity, efficiency and, ultimately, profitability.

It may well be that some organisations have seen a drop in medical absence rates and have applauded themselves for delivering a healthy workplace. But have they considered that absenteeism has simply shifted to presenteeism?

The fix is complex, but starts with leaders and managers modelling the appropriate behaviour. If you are not well, you should not be at work.