Presenteeism: A review of current thinking

Key findings:

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Presenteeism – where workers attend work whilst ill – is an increasing problem as organisations continue to try to achieve more with less. This report from the IES looks at an overview of research and current thinking in the field.

  • As organisations attempt to drive down absenteeism they risk increasing presenteeism instead.
  • Presenteeism is more prevalent than absenteeism.
  • Unlike sickness absence it’s also significantly related to performance.
  • In the longer term presenteeism may be more damaging for employee's health, morale and productivity.
  • The promotion of a healthy workplace should drive down both absenteeism and presenteeism rather than one at the cost of the other.

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