Presenteeism: The Productivity Paradox

Abstract

As organization are trying to achieve more by less it is evident that the pressure is increasing on the physical and mental health of employees in varied form. Presenteeism refers to reporting at workplace even when ill or even if unwell. This approach is slowly increasing due to the rising reassure of remaining competitive and excelling others in the unending race of competition. This is a more serious issue of concern as the data and conditions of absenteeism can be recorded, measured and diagnosed but presenteeism is comparatively difficult to assess and work upon. In fact presenteeism seems to be affecting the health of the employees much core than absenteeism thus requires a workplace attention in order to preserve the future vitality and organization credibility as a preferred place to work. The present paper emphasizes on various aspects of this concern with respect to the available factors leading to presenteeism, causes and suitable measures to reduce the dysfunctional outcome of this. It also highlights different measures available to measure presenteeism highlighting its striking features from absenteeism. The discussion will aid in bringing forth the relevance of such pertinent issue ensuring long term employee health, organization culture and climate practices intact and ensuring healthy employer employee relation along with employee productivity and efficiency.