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The greater risk of presenteeism

We’ve all done it.

You wake up feeling ill and contemplate phoning in sick – but then a wave of guilt washes over you.

There’s so much work to be done. You’re needed in the office for an important meeting and the paperwork you’ve been putting off for ages won’t write itself.

But what about your health? Wouldn’t it be more worthwhile just concentrating on you for a change?

A recent survey carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) found that, since the onset of the recession, more than 80 per cent of UK employees are reluctant to take time off work because they feel guilty when phoning in sick.

Chris Hannant, BCC Policy Director, said: “In the current economic environment employees may feel the need more than ever to go beyond the call of duty and work through an infectious illness. But this is not the way to make a positive impression.

“Given the gap between employer and employee views, the findings suggest that there needs to be a bit more common sense about taking sick leave when you’re ill and maybe employers need to spell this out more clearly.”  

The BCC survey found that, despite the huge percentage of employees who felt guilty about calling in sick, nearly three quarters of UK bosses believe ill staff should stay at home and recover, rather than spend an unproductive day in the office.

“When it comes to infectious illnesses such as cold and flu, listen to your boss – ‘rest and recover’ really is the best policy,” says GP Dr Rob Hicks.

“What many don’t realise is that one day at home, where you can rest and avoid contaminating others, is key to breaking the sickness cycle. You’re likely to be considerably more productive when you return to work.

“Some employees may also find that by taking one day off to recover fully, they are less likely to take more days off later in the cold and flu season when they become even more run down.”

‘Presenteeism’ (the act of going into work when ill) is now viewed in some quarters as posing a bigger risk to a business’s bottom line than sickness absence. 

Andy Bell, Director of Public Affairs from the Sainsbury Centre for Mental Health, said: “It is a far bigger problem than absenteeism. The higher up the ladder you go the more prevalent and more costly it is.”

Meanwhile, Sarah Turner, an employment partner at law firm Turner Parkinson also issues a stark warning.

“Employers who have a culture of encouraging employees to struggle in are going to have to change. Their primary responsibility is to create a safe working environment. They are exposing themselves to the charge of not looking after their employees.”

Jill Davies, Westfield Health Chief Executive, said: “It can be so easy to drag yourself into work when you’re feeling unwell, but in the long run you’re likely to just do yourself – and potentially other colleagues – more harm.

“By taking a day or two off to recover and to really concentrate on getting back to full health, you’ll be far more productive when you return to work.”

Westfield Health provides a variety of healthcare benefits to help employees get quick access to the diagnosis and treatment they need, when they need it. Such benefits include a GP telephone consultation service, physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic treatment and consultation, as well as access to MRI, CT and PET scanning facilities.

Jill added: “By taking advantage of our benefits, employees can get healthcare worries dealt with quickly and efficiently, enabling them to return to work fitter, healthier and sooner.”

Source
Times Online

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