High job demands, job insecurity leads to presenteeism
Presenteeism is the practice of being present at the place of work for more hours than is required, and is considered as a manifestation of insecurity about one’s job. Presenteeism is also a practice of coming to work despite illness, injury, anxiety, etc., often resulting in reduced productivity.
A new research says that high job demands, stress and job insecurity are among the main reasons why people go to work even when they are ill.
The study by researchers at University of East Anglia in the UK found that presenteeism – the practice of being present at work for more hours than is required not only stems from stress, but from raised motivation, for example high job satisfaction and a strong sense of commitment to the organization.
Lead author Mariella Miraglia said presenteeism is associated with work and personal factors, not just medical ones. Also, these factors are related, and so more able to predict, presenteeism than absenteeism.
In earlier studies, presenteeism has been linked to errors, lower performance, health problems and affecting well being, with more productivity loss than absenteeism.
Awareness of presenteeism is very important. Line managers should be trained to pick up early indicators of employee distress leading to presenteeism and frankly discuss it with the concerned employee. Mature corporations provide professional confidential counseling assistance and employees should be encouraged freely utilize the services of the counselors whenever required.
Employers should know that presenteeism eventually harms the organization more than the employee, and hence proactive steps should be taken to manage it.
