By Dr. Patrick Howell, CEO of HealthWorks Medical, LLC
We all know absenteeism costs businesses money—but what about presenteeism? That’s when employees show up to work despite being unwell or mentally drained, leading to reduced productivity, more mistakes, and long-term health consequences. In today’s article, we’ll uncover why presenteeism is often more damaging than absenteeism—and what you can do about it.
What You’ll Learn
✅ The true cost of presenteeism for businesses
✅ Why it’s so hard to spot (until it’s too late)
✅ Actionable steps to reduce presenteeism in your workplace
Why It Matters
Studies show that presenteeism can cost up to 4x more than absenteeism due to lost productivity and errors. Here’s why it matters:
✔️ Employees working while unwell underperform and risk worsening their condition
✔️ Mistakes and accidents are more likely, especially in safety-sensitive industries
✔️ Team morale suffers when employees push through sickness instead of resting and recovering
Why Most Employers Overlook It
Presenteeism is tricky because:
🚫 Employees may fear job loss or letting their team down
🚫 Sick leave policies might be unclear or perceived as punitive
🚫 Company culture often rewards ‘toughing it out’ over prioritizing health
How to Combat Presenteeism in Your Workplace
1. Strengthen Sick Leave Policies
Ensure your policies are:
✔️ Clear, accessible, and supportive of employees staying home when sick
✔️ Non-punitive to remove fear of retaliation
✔️ Communicated regularly so employees feel safe using them
2. Shift the Culture Around Health
Leaders must model healthy behaviors by:
✔️ Taking time off when unwell
✔️ Publicly supporting rest and recovery
✔️ Reinforcing that productivity comes from wellness, not overwork
3. Improve Access to Preventive Care & Early Intervention
Help employees stay healthier by:
✔️ Offering flu shots, wellness checkups, and health screenings onsite
✔️ Providing telehealth options for quick access to care
✔️ Training managers to recognize signs of presenteeism and intervene early
4. Design Flexible Work Options
Flexible policies reduce the pressure to come in sick by:
✔️ Allowing remote work when feasible
✔️ Offering adjusted schedules or duties for those recovering from illness
✔️ Supporting phased returns after significant health events
Takeaways
✅ Presenteeism can cost more than absenteeism—and is often hidden in plain sight.
✅ Supportive policies and culture shifts are critical to reducing its impact.
✅ Proactive health strategies keep your team healthier, more engaged, and more productive.
My Challenge to You
Review your company’s approach to sick leave and workplace wellness. Are you inadvertently encouraging presenteeism? Identify one policy or cultural change you can implement this quarter to better support employee health.
Want Expert Guidance?
We’re here to help. Email the word “HEALTHFIRST” to info@healthworksmedical.com to schedule a complimentary policy review and receive tailored recommendations to reduce presenteeism risks.