Protect Your Team From Presenteeism

Welcome to Mind Tools' Video Learning Series.

Have you ever gone into work, when you really shouldn't have? Perhaps you were ill or going through a particularly stressful or difficult time.

But, you decided to drag yourself into work, even though you would rather have taken the day off, because you were worried that – if you didn't show up – you'd be damaging your credibility or even your career.

This is what's known as presenteeism. It's when you feel pressured to turn up to work, even when you're ill.

It can be fueled by many different things. Maybe you're really conscientious about your work and find it hard to switch off. Or, you feel guilty about taking time off, and worry that your colleagues or boss will think you're lazy or that you just don't care.

Perhaps your workplace frowns on people taking any time off and demands that you turn up, even when you're sick.

The problem is presenteeism can be incredibly harmful to employees and the organizations they work for.

It can make people feel stressed, anxious and even resentful toward their employer, particularly if they feel like they're being forced to work unduly. This can lead to low morale and disengagement, and may even result in people leaving the business.

So, what can organizations do to prevent presenteeism?

First, lead from the front!

Do this by modeling a healthy work-life balance. Encourage people to take breaks by doing so yourself! Then, clock off on time – and let people know that you're going home.

When people are sick or on leave, allow them to be so! Tell them to turn off their notifications and shut down their computer to ensure they get the proper rest they need.

Hours clocked up are an unfair measure of productivity. Instead, shift the focus toward outcomes! Share what outcomes and goals you value – and make sure your expectations are clear and visible to everyone.

People often work best when they're allowed to work in a way that suits them. So, if you don't already, allow people to work from home when and if they want to.

Talk to your people about how to manage their boundaries when working remotely as well. It's often all too easy to forget to take a lunch break or switch off at the end of the day when we work from home. But it's still important that they take regular breaks to reenergize and stay productive throughout the day.

Talking about health and, in particular, mental health is still a taboo subject in many workplaces.

But it doesn't have to be this way. And, in fact, it's much healthier for all when we can have open and authentic conversations about the things that really matter.

So, make employee wellbeing a priority. Have regular check-ins with your people to see how they're doing, and whether they need any extra support.

To learn more about presenteeism, read the article that accompanies this video.