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‘Presenteeism’ remains an issue in the UK workplace with 67% of workers saying they have gone to work when sick.
A survey of 2,000 British workers conducted for AXA PPP Healthcare found a number of reasons for going into work when unwell. Just over one fifth (21%) blamed a heavy workload, 18% said they felt guilty about staying away from work, 14 per cent cited pressure from their boss or workmates and 8 per cent feared for their job security.
Three per cent of the respondents who went into work when sick said that their managers had refused to let them go home early. For London-based workers, 12% had experienced this predicament.
When it comes to ailments, the most common affecting those still working while sick were cold or flu (47%), headaches (17%), backache and other musculoskeletal problems (11%). Six per cent were affected by stress, anxiety or depression.
“It’s concerning that people who are genuinely sick are coming into work because of perceived pressure from bosses and workmates and heavy workloads,” said Dr Steve Iley, medical director at AXA PPP. “Employers should recognise this and make a considered effort to ensure that their employees know when it’s okay to take time off sick.”
“To manage performance more effectively, employers should include management of sickness presenteeism as part of a good absence policy – one that advises employees what to do when they’re sick, whom they should contact and where to seek suitable advice if necessary,” he added.
“This sort of approach should be an integral part of a health and wellbeing strategy and will, in turn, help to create a positive workplace culture where employees are properly supported to do their best.”
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