The first step in solving a problem is often recognizing there is a problem in the first place. Then you ask yourself, “What Can I Do? Here are some steps your company can take to reduce presenteeism.

Rethink the use of disciplinary action to control absenteeism
According to the 2004 CCH Unscheduled Absence Survey conducted by Harris Interactive, disciplinary action remained the single-most used absence control program, with 91 percent of surveyed organizations reporting its use. Employers want their employees on the job and using as few sick days as possible, but CCH says employers that rely on disciplinary action to control absenteeism and abuse of sick time are unknowingly encouraging presenteeism.

Develop a workplace policy on presenteeism and inform and educate employees
Employees need to know where your company stands on coming to work sick, and how doing so can infect others. Establish and communicate guidelines. Help employees understand under what conditions they should stay home, and when it's OK to return to work.

In workplaces where the protection of the public is critical and essential to staying in business, employers may want to take disciplinary action or dismiss workers who are found in violation of company policy.

Many companies with presenteeism problems report that they also try to combat the issue by sending sick employees home. Where possible, employees are given the option to telecommute and work from home when not well.

Provide Paid Sick Leave and/or Paid Time Off to Workers
According to the National Partnership for Women & Families, our national economy would experience a net savings of $8.2 billion per year if workers were provided just seven paid sick days per year. This in addition to employers benefiting from reduced turnover, higher productivity and reducing the spread of contagion in the workplace. Paid Time Off (PTO) programs are increasingly being offered by employers. In these programs, all time off is combined into a single bank of days. Employees have the flexibility to take these days in a way that will meet their individual needs.

Make an effort to boost employee morale
According to the CCH survey, morale had a significant impact on the incidence of presenteeism. They found that companies with low morale had more ill workers showing up for work. In their study, 52 percent or organizations with "poor/fair" morale reported presenteeism was a problem; this compared with just 31 percent of organizations with "good/very good" morale seeing presenteeism as an issue.

Offer a flu vaccination program
One way for employers to combat presenteeism is to pay for medical measures that can either prevent common illnesses or reduce existing symptoms. One such illness that can easily infect just about everyone in an office is influenza, aka "the flu," which is extremely contagious. Recovery from the flu can take three to seven days, or longer.

The image of an employee who comes to work sick-as-a-dog as a dedicated and valued worker is no longer apropos. Presenteeism costs are a real and potentially significant drain on a company's financial well-being. Employers need to make a concerted effort to develop a workplace with healthy and highly functioning workers. This will go a long way toward meeting goals for company productivity and profits, and fostering a healthy work culture and environment for employees.

For more information about  Presenteeism contact OEHN at 508 251 7260.

References:  http://www.businessknowhow.com/manage/presenteeism.htm

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• Presenteeism:  Unproductive Hours 

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• Knowledge Corner:  The Hidden Costs of Doing Business

• Presenteeism: Employer Solutions 

Who are we? OEHN delivers premier onsite Medical Director leadership and program oversight for employee and occupational health departments across the country. OEHN is supported by a team of Board Certified Occupational Health physicians, program management staff, project managers and consultants. Its network of twelve hospital clinics and a local, regional, and national network of occupational medicine resources provide labor unions, organizations, hospitals, disability management providers, and the government with a comprehensive portfolio of occupational medicine solutions.

Occupational & Environmental Health Network (OEHN) 
5 Mount Royal Avenue  Marlborough, MA  01752
508 251 7260

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