Those who are physically present butburned outor unwell cannot adequately function in the workplace and risk burnout.

Read on to learn more about problems of presenteeism and how to address this culture in the workplace.

This is our management system.

Sick African American woman working from home office using laptop drinking hot beverage covered with blanket. Sickness and working concept.

Daniel de la Hoz / Getty Images

Even more employees get sick and are less productive.

It is a net loss for everyone involved.

What Causes Presenteeism?

Workplace cultureshifts do not happen overnight.

Presenteeism emerges over time when it is reinforced and modeled, starting at the top.

You don’t need it.

I’m not taking it so neither should you.

Even if management does not directly engage in presenteeism, many workplaces encourage this mentality and behavior through reinforcement.

Rewarding employees who show up even when it is not a healthy choice fosters a culture of presenteeism.

A third contributor to presenteeism is inadequate compensation andbenefits.

For some people they would love to stay home but financially that’s impossible.

An employee who cannot afford to lose income cannot afford to call out.

Addressing Presenteeism

More work hours does not translate to more productivity.

Additionally, 46% indicated that the shortened workweek maintained productivity, and 49% indicated that productivity improved.

Of course, a four-day workweek is not the only way to address presenteeism and improve employee well-being.

Leadership can step back frommicromanaging, such as requiring employees to document every minute of the workday.

In short, yes!

According to Brigham, Employers have a duty to foster healthy physical andmental health in the workplace.

When you take on a leadership role, you take on the responsibility of fostering employee well-being.

Make it the standard that when someone is sick they take the time they need.

Bottom Line

Presenteeism is harmful for employee well-being, and it hurts profits.

Essentially, there is no upside.

Fortunately, leadership can take direct steps to counter a culture of presenteeism and promote a healthy balance.

It is onleadershipto make and foster these changes, which in the end benefit everyone.

Henderson AA, Smith CE.When does presenteeism harm productivity the most?

Employee motives as a key moderator of the presenteeismproductivity relationship.JMP.

2022;37(6):513-526.

Hemp, P.Presenteeism: At Work - But Out Of It.

Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C.

12101 (1990).

Broom, D.Four-day work week trial in Spain leads to healthier workers, less pollution.