Sick worker ‘presenteeism’ bad for productivity

Every
sick employee who turns up to work can cost a business $255 (£144) per year,
according to a US study of the effects of illness on productivity.

The
study at Institute for Health and Productivity Studies at Cornell University
found that employees who work while they are ill are less productive and can
lower the productivity of their colleagues.

In
the case of communicable diseases, they can also increase the risk of outbreaks
of illness at work.

The
researchers believe the effects can far outweigh losses due to workers taking
time off when sick. ‘Presenteeism’ can account for 60 per cent of losses to
business the research claims.

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"Employers
have not yet fully realised the financial impact it can have on their
business," said Ron Goetzel, head of the institute.

By
Lindsay Clark