New research spearheaded by Claire Smith, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of South Florida, has highlighted the pressures employees face to work while sick, which not only leads to decreased productivity but also fosters negative workplace behaviours such as theft and mistreatment of co-workers, as well as an increased intention to leave the organisation. According to the Harvard Business Review, the phenomenon known as “presenteeism” reportedly costs companies a staggering amount – up to $150 billion annually.

The research delineated several critical insights derived from separate studies involving four distinct groups:

The research underscores the severe repercussions of presenteeism, which it argues surpasses the costs of absenteeism. The study introduces the term’ presenteeism pressure, ‘ which denotes the expectation in workplaces for employees to always be present, regardless of their health status. A newly developed tool, the Presenteeism Pressure Scale, aims to measure this expectation.

Many employees report coming to work while sick not just out of personal obligation but because their workplace cultures and norms make it seem expected or even normal. A survey of 764 workers identified this, highlighting how significantly the workplace environment influences attendance behaviours.

The perception of presenteeism pressure leads employees to view their organisations more negatively, interpreting this as a disregard for employee health and well-being. This perception correlates with reduced job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Data involving over 800 workers across various industries supports this finding.

Finally, the research has established a clear link between the pressure to work while unwell and various negative outcomes, including reduced productivity and increased deviant behaviour, as well as a higher likelihood of employees considering leaving their jobs. This conclusion was supported by a three-month longitudinal study of 350 workers, underscoring the significant costs associated with compelling employees to work through illness.

More information: Claire E. Smith et al, Presenteeism pressure: The development of a scale and a nomological network, Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. DOI: 10.1111/joop.12542

Journal information: Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology Provided by University of South Florida