Employee Presenteeism

High Levels of Employee Presenteeism During Flu Season is Contagious

According to the study “Sick at Work”, an overwhelming 98 percent of employees working full time have gone to work when they were sick. “Presenteeism” (sick employees showing up for work) is an issue that impacts both employers and employees.

The survey found that presenteeism can have a negative impact on all employees in the workplace. Some employees agreed that when others come to work sick, it creates a work environment where they are afraid of getting sick, it makes them upset with their employer for not encouraging sick employees to stay home, and it sets a precedent where employees feel like they must go to work even if they are sick.

Workforce Institute’s opinion

Create a healthy work environment by discouraging employees from coming to work if they are ill. Don’t penalize employees for calling in sick, and offer paid time off (PTO) programs that give employees a bank of time to use at their discretion. Employees need flexibility and work-life balance. If you don’t provide it as part of your policy, employees will find a way to get the flexibility they need.

To learn more about the survey findings and methodology see our Employee Presenteeism press release.