Legal Definitions - presenteeism

Presenteeism refers to the practice of employees attending work even when they are unwell, experiencing significant personal issues, or otherwise not fully capable of performing their job duties effectively. Although physically present in the workplace, their reduced capacity often leads to decreased productivity, a higher likelihood of errors, and, in cases of illness, an increased risk of spreading sickness to colleagues. This behavior can stem from various factors, including strict company policies that discourage taking time off, heavy workloads, or financial pressures that make staying home difficult.

Here are some examples illustrating presenteeism:

• Example 1: Sarah, a graphic designer, comes to the office with a severe cold, coughing frequently and feeling fatigued. Her company has a strict policy that limits paid sick days, and she is worried about falling behind on a critical project deadline. As a result, she spends much of the day struggling to concentrate, making several minor design errors, and frequently stepping away from her desk to blow her nose, ultimately taking longer to complete tasks that would normally be quick.

  Explanation: Sarah is exhibiting presenteeism because she is physically at work despite being ill. Her illness significantly impairs her productivity and the quality of her work, and she risks infecting her colleagues. Her decision is influenced by company policy and project pressure.

• Example 2: Mark, a customer service representative, arrives at work experiencing a severe migraine. He has used up all his available sick leave for the year due to a recent family emergency and cannot afford to lose a day's pay. Throughout his shift, Mark struggles to focus on customer calls, frequently asks callers to repeat themselves, and finds it difficult to maintain a positive tone, leading to longer call times and a few customer complaints.

  Explanation: Mark is demonstrating presenteeism by attending work while suffering from a debilitating condition. His financial situation and lack of available leave compel him to be present, even though his pain severely hinders his ability to perform his job effectively and maintain service quality.

• Example 3: Emily, a project manager, has been experiencing significant stress and burnout due to an exceptionally demanding period at work, including long hours and tight deadlines. Although she feels mentally exhausted and struggles with concentration, she continues to come into the office every day, believing that her presence is essential to keep her team motivated and to avoid appearing disengaged. However, her decision-making is slower, she misses important details in emails, and her communication with team members is less clear and supportive than usual.

  Explanation: Emily's situation illustrates presenteeism because she is physically at work despite her mental and emotional state significantly impairing her cognitive functions and leadership effectiveness. Her perceived obligation to be present, despite her burnout, leads to reduced productivity and potential negative impacts on her team's performance.