What does presenteeism refer to in the workplace?

Presenteeism refers to the phenomenon where employees are physically present at their workplace but are not able to perform at their full capacity due to various reasons such as health issues, stress, or personal problems. This concept highlights that merely being at work does not equate to productivity or effectiveness. Employees may struggle with physical or mental health challenges that impact their focus, energy levels, and overall job performance, leading to decreased productivity even while they are on-site.

This understanding underscores the importance for organizations to monitor not just attendance but also employee well-being and productivity levels, as presenteeism can often lead to longer-term issues within the workforce and negatively affect team performance and organizational goals.