Presenteeism should not be underestimated. It is a far bigger problem than absenteeism. The higher up the ladder you go the more prevalent and more costly it is, more costly than drug or alcohol addictions. There are two definitions of presenteeism, not feeling well and not performing well, according to the Work Foundation. It may be the job isn’t giving someone enough variety or stretching their skills enough. They may be overworked, feel a lack of purpose or don’t get on with their colleagues. While most companies have measures for measuring sickness and absence, presenteeism is hidden and more difficult to quantify.
The Times