key term - Presenteeism

Definition

Presenteeism refers to the phenomenon where employees come to work despite being ill or not fully productive, often due to factors such as pressure, lack of sick leave, or a perceived need to demonstrate commitment. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of achieving high performance through human resources management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Presenteeism can lead to decreased productivity, increased healthcare costs, and a negative impact on employee well-being.
2. Factors that contribute to presenteeism include a demanding work culture, lack of work-life balance, and inadequate sick leave policies.
3. Presenteeism can also be a result of employees' fear of job insecurity or a desire to demonstrate their commitment to the organization.
4. Addressing presenteeism through improved HR practices, such as flexible work arrangements and promoting a healthy work-life balance, can lead to enhanced employee well-being and organizational performance.
5. Effective management of presenteeism can help organizations reduce the costs associated with lost productivity and improve overall workforce health and morale.

Review Questions

• Explain how presenteeism can impact an organization's performance and productivity.
  • Presenteeism can have a significant negative impact on an organization's performance and productivity. When employees come to work while ill or not fully productive, they are unable to perform at their best, leading to decreased efficiency, increased errors, and a lower overall output. This can result in lost revenue, missed deadlines, and a decline in the organization's competitiveness. Additionally, presenteeism can contribute to the spread of illness among co-workers, further exacerbating the problem and leading to a cycle of decreased productivity and increased healthcare costs.
• Describe the role of human resources management in addressing the issue of presenteeism.
  • Human resources management plays a crucial role in addressing the issue of presenteeism. HR professionals can implement policies and practices that promote a healthy work-life balance, such as flexible work arrangements, paid sick leave, and employee wellness programs. These initiatives can help create a culture that values employee well-being and encourages employees to take the necessary time off to recover from illness or manage personal responsibilities. Additionally, HR can provide training to managers on recognizing and addressing presenteeism, as well as implement performance management systems that focus on outcomes rather than just face time in the office.
• Analyze how the management of presenteeism can contribute to achieving high performance through human resources management.
  • The effective management of presenteeism can significantly contribute to achieving high performance through human resources management. By addressing the underlying causes of presenteeism, such as a demanding work culture or inadequate sick leave policies, HR can create an environment that supports employee well-being and productivity. This, in turn, can lead to improved employee engagement, reduced absenteeism, and enhanced organizational performance. When employees feel supported and able to take the necessary time off to recover, they are more likely to return to work refreshed and ready to contribute at their full potential. Furthermore, addressing presenteeism can help organizations reduce the indirect costs associated with lost productivity, healthcare expenses, and employee turnover, ultimately leading to a more efficient and high-performing workforce.

Related terms

Absenteeism:

The practice of regularly staying away from work, often due to illness or other personal reasons.

Employee Engagement:

The level of an employee's commitment, involvement, and enthusiasm towards their work and the organization.

Productivity:

The measure of the efficiency of a person, machine, factory, or system in converting inputs into useful outputs.