Presenteeism survey – 90% work while sick

Presenteeism continues to remain a persistent problem in UK organisations, research from Canada Life Group Insurance has concluded.

90% of UK employees saying they have come into work when feeling ill – virtually unchanged on the 89% it reported last year.

Presenteeism was most commonly due to high volume of work – more than one in four (28%) employees feel their workload was too great to call in sick.

The other factors were – financial concerns (21%) and feeling guilty for taking time off (17%).

Employees were reluctant to take time off for physical illnesses – 54% saying they would still come into work if they had the flu and 42% even if they had a vomiting bug.

In the case for mental ill health, 80% say they would not take time off for a stress-related illness.

And this is worrisome – although answers are not easy, HR needs to address this issue along with health and safety professionals – else disaster looms large!