Presenteeism: Working While Sick

Presenteeism is what happens when workers who are ill, injured, or otherwise physically or mentally unwell feel obligated to show up and put their best face forward. Some workers have a mistaken belief that dedicated employees put everything else on the back burner to prioritize their jobs. When you engage in presenteeism, you are less likely to perform your duties well and are at risk for making costly, even deadly mistakes. If you feel pressured, in a jam, or caught in life circumstances that compel you to work even if you are ill, talk to your employee assistance program or other mental health counselor. You’ll team with a professional to examine all the issues. Whether it is how to communicate needs to your supervisor, negotiate, delegate, find resources, think through options, or explore whatever works, it is likely that answers exist so you remain or become the productive and fully present employee you and employer want you to be.

Keith Stein | 4/1/2021

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