Presenteeism

Presenteeism is when employees attend work while ill or impaired, reducing productivity and increasing risk. HR teams monitor presenteeism to protect performance and employee wellbeing.

Presenteeism means reduced output when staff are present but not fully able to perform.

What is Presenteeism

Plainly, it describes working in a state that harms effectiveness. Unlike absenteeism, the person is physically present but not operating at full capacity due to health, stress, or other impairments.

How does it work in HR

HR identifies causes such as workload pressure, inadequate sick pay, or job insecurity. Organisations use absence data, employee surveys, and manager observations to estimate lost productivity. Measurement can include self reports, performance metrics, and occupational health referrals. Use workplace policy to set expectations and offer support.

Practical usage and examples

Presenteeism data informs health programs, reasonable accommodation, return to work plans and performance management. Addressing it can reduce long term costs and improve retention.

• An employee with chronic pain completes tasks more slowly and makes more errors.
• Someone attends work while contagious, causing further sickness and disruption.
• High pressure causes a team to work while burned out, lowering engagement and quality.

Related HR concepts

Closely related terms include absenteeism, employee engagement, occupational health, performance management and reasonable accommodation.