Presenteeism is showing up at work despite being physically unwell, mentally exhausted, or emotionally burnt out.

While it may seem like a badge of dedication, it often masks deeper issues that undermine both employee health and organisational performance.

Employees who come to work sick or stretched too thin frequently underperform, make mistakes, or struggle to focus.

A recent NZ study estimates presenteeism costs the economy about $46.6 billion yearly, far outpacing absenteeism costs. These hidden productivity losses are often two to three times greater than traditional illness-related absences. The report found productivity is affected due to working while sick, a problem disproportionately impacting vulnerable employees and spreading illness among teams

To tackle presenteeism effectively, leaders need to encourage a culture of care. Setting clear attendance policies that support time off for health concerns, ensuring flexible work options, and providing access to mental and physical wellness programs is vital.

By promoting psychological safety, managing workloads realistically, and leading by example, letting teams rest when needed, organisations can shift from toxic presenteeism to supportive productivity. In doing so, they safeguard both human health and business resilience.