Poor Health but Not Absent Prevalence, Predictors, and Outcomes of Presenteeism

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the prevalence of presenteeism, to develop and test a model of the relationship between workplace factors and presenteeism, and to assess the perceived influence of manager, coworkers, and self on presenteeism. Methods: We used survey data collected for 6309 employees from seven different organizations. Results: Nearly 60% of the sample reported presenteeism during a 3-month period. The model was supported, with presenteeism linking workplace factors and health outcomes to productivity, as predicted. The majority of participants (67%) indicated that the primary pressure to attend work while sick came from themselves. A substantial minority (20%) also indicated the manager as a source of pressure. Conclusions: Psychosocial workplace factors are predictive of presenteeism, and efforts to control them, including the use of more effective management, may impact presenteeism rates and the resulting levels of productivity.