What is presenteeism? The hidden problem that reduces work productivity and how to deal with it
In recent years, one of the concepts that has been attracting attention as a way to improve corporate productivity is " presenteeism." This refers to a situation in which an employee comes to work but is unable to perform at their best due to health issues or poor physical condition . Presenteeism is often overlooked as it is an issue that is difficult to see, but it is one of the factors that has a major impact on corporate productivity.
This article will explain in detail the effects, causes, and countermeasures of presenteeism .
The difference between presenteeism and absenteeism
A concept that is often confused with presenteeism is " absenteeism," which refers to employees taking time off work for reasons such as illness or stress .
| concept | Definition | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Absenteeism | Absence from work due to ill health or other reasons | Direct labor shortages |
| Presenteeism | A state in which you are in work due to poor health, but your work efficiency is reduced | This leads to long-term declines in productivity |
While absenteeism is a visible problem, presenteeism is harder to measure, making it a risk that companies may not be aware of.
Main causes of presenteeism
There are many causes of presenteeism , but the most common include:
1. Physical Health Issues
- Chronic pain (back pain, stiff shoulders, headaches, etc.)
- Lifestyle-related diseases (high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, etc.)
- Minor illnesses such as colds and flu
2. Mental health issues
- Stress and anxiety (workplace relationships, work pressure)
- Depression and burnout
- Lack of sleep leads to poor concentration
3. Work environment issues
- Overwork (accumulation of fatigue due to long working hours)
- Workplace atmosphere and culture (it's hard to take time off)
- Lack of proper health care system
In particular, in workplaces where standing is a common activity, chronic back pain and leg swelling are often causes of presenteeism , so appropriate measures are necessary.
The impact of presenteeism
If presenteeism continues, it can have the following negative effects on businesses and individuals:
1. Reduced Productivity
If you are not in top physical condition, your work speed and judgment may decrease , and you may make more mistakes at work.
2. Increased costs for businesses
Reduced productivity due to presenteeism leads to economic losses for companies. A survey in the United States reported that productivity losses due to presenteeism are about three times higher than those due to absenteeism .
3. Impact on other employees
If you come to work while feeling unwell, you risk spreading the infection to your colleagues and increasing your workload.
4. Deteriorating employee health
Forcing yourself to go to work may worsen your illness and ultimately force you to take a long leave of absence.
Measures to prevent presenteeism
It is important that both companies and employees work together to take measures to prevent presenteeism.
1. Promoting health management
- Conduct regular health checkups to detect health problems early
- Introduce stress checks and provide mental health care
- Improving the office and factory environment (suitable temperature control, noise control)
2. Introduction of flexible working systems
- Utilizing remote work and flextime systems (working from home on days when you are not feeling well)
- Promoting shorter working hours and paid leave (creating a work environment where it is easy to take time off)
3. Improving the work environment
-
Creating an ergonomic work environment
- Proper chair and desk arrangement
- Introduction of fatigue-reducing mats for standing jobs
- Stretch during breaks in your work
4. Changing employee awareness
- Conducting training to convey the importance of health management
- By having superiors and managers take the initiative in taking time off, they can create an environment where their subordinates feel comfortable taking time off as well.
- Fostering awareness that "taking a break is not a bad thing"
summary
Although presenteeism is an invisible problem, it is a significant issue that has a significant impact on corporate productivity and employee health. Companies are being called upon to strengthen their health management systems and improve the working environment to create an environment in which employees can perform at their best.
It is also important for employees to properly manage their own health, not push themselves too hard, and take rest when necessary. Be aware that " working in a healthy state ultimately leads to profits for the company, " and establish a healthy work style.