Workers in the UK are facing increasing pressure to show up to work even when they are sick, leading to what experts are calling “staggering” levels of presenteeism. This phenomenon is causing employees to lose an average of 44 days of productivity due to working while ill, up from 35 days in 2018. This trend is particularly prevalent in the UK, where workers are less likely to take sick days compared to other countries in Europe and the OECD.
One waitress in Bristol shared her experience, highlighting the financial pressure she faces to work through sickness. As a part-time hospitality worker, she explained that she does not get paid if she doesn’t go to work, making it difficult for her to take sick days. This situation is exacerbated by the fact that she is only entitled to statutory sick pay, which is not enough to cover her expenses. Additionally, the lack of backup staff in restaurants puts even more pressure on employees to show up for their shifts.
Similarly, a secondary school teacher in Norfolk discussed the challenges of taking sick leave in her profession. Despite feeling unwell, she often feels compelled to go into work due to the stringent policies in place at her school. The process of calling in sick is complex and requires providing a day’s worth of planned lessons, making it difficult for teachers to take time off when needed. This culture of presenteeism among teachers can lead to stress-related illnesses and burnout.
On the other hand, some employees who have the option to work remotely are facing different pressures when it comes to sick leave. A project manager in Birmingham shared that the expectation to work from home while ill has become the new norm in his workplace. While this setup allows for more flexibility, it can also blur the lines between work and personal time, leading to decreased productivity and prolonged recovery time. Additionally, the fear of falling behind on work due to taking sick days creates additional stress for employees.
Overall, the rise of presenteeism in the UK is a concerning trend that is impacting the physical and mental health of workers across various industries. Employers must take steps to address this issue by promoting a culture of well-being, providing adequate sick pay, and encouraging employees to prioritize their health. Only by tackling presenteeism can companies ensure the long-term productivity and happiness of their workforce.