Since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses worldwide have been grappling with how to maintain productivity while keeping employees safe. As a result, many workplaces have implemented remote work policies, but nonetheless, employees continue to show up to work despite being ill or having personal issues. This phenomenon is known as presenteeism, where employees attend work but are not fully engaged or productive. This article will explore the prevalence of presenteeism during the pandemic and the factors contributing to it.
A recent observational cohort study published in the Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology Journal aimed to understand sickness presenteeism, or working while sick, among Healthcare Workers (HCWs) with COVID-19. The study was conducted by researchers at Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System in the United States of America and involved all HCWs (not just those in direct patient care) between December 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021. The results showed that 49.8% of HCWs with symptomatic COVID-19 demonstrated presenteeism, despite the increased risks of nosocomial infection due to SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, the rate of presenteeism did not vary markedly for HCWs with nonspecific symptoms, indicating that many HCWs may work while symptomatic due to health issues not related to COVID-19.
The researchers also conducted an anonymous survey exploring individual rationales for sickness presenteeism among HCWs. The survey revealed that many HCWs demonstrated sickness presenteeism due to concerns over workload on colleagues and personal responsibility rather than paid leaves or expectations to work while sick. The study emphasizes the need for novel strategies to help HCWs with COVID-19 resume work while alleviating concerns about fulfilling their duties, most importantly, patient care without doing any harm.
However, there are some limitations to the study, such as a low survey response rate, which might affect the maximum estimate of the prevalence of sickness presenteeism in HCWs with COVID-19. As a result, further studies are necessary to investigate the incidence of sickness presenteeism in SARS-CoV-2-infected HCWs and to develop targeted surveillance in high-risk settings to help reduce risks among HCWs. Overall, the study provides crucial insight into the prevalence and factors contributing to sickness presenteeism among HCWs with COVID-19, enabling better strategies to control nosocomial infections and ensure patient safety.
In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about unprecedented challenges for both employees and employers in the workforce. Presenteeism has become more prevalent than ever, with many employees forced to prioritize their jobs over their health due to financial and job security concerns. Factors such as job insecurity, remote work stress, and lack of social support have contributed to this phenomenon. However, it is important for both employers and employees to prioritize health and safety during these uncertain times. Encouraging open communication and providing support resources can help alleviate presenteeism and promote a healthy work-life balance. Ultimately, addressing presenteeism with COVID-19 requires a collective effort from all parties involved to ensure the wellbeing of the workforce.
