Experience · HR glossary

Presenteeism

Presenteeism commonly means working while ill or otherwise not well enough to work effectively. It can reduce recovery and increase mistakes, even when the person is physically or digitally present.

By SmallHRTools · How we write definitions

Example

An employee continues taking customer calls with a significant illness because they fear criticism for taking sick leave, despite struggling to concentrate.

What to keep in mind

Presence is not a reliable measure of productive work. Review workload, sick-leave practices and manager behaviour, and avoid encouraging employees to work when rest or professional support is appropriate.

Presenteeism

Example

What to keep in mind

Further reading