For many employees, staying at home when sick is not a matter of course. Out of a sense of duty, some people do their work even if they don’t feel fit and healthy. However, this kind of work ethic can have undesirable side effects.

Surveys show that around one quarter of employees show up for work despite symptoms of illness. The most common reasons for this are a concern that other team members will have to take on additional tasks, that work will not get done or that the employee will be considered lazy and unmotivated if absent due to illness.

What is obvious, however, is that employees suffering from health problems don’t perform efficiently and are therefore less productive. Presenteeism costs the economy no less than CHF 5 billion every year. If turning up with runny noses and headaches doesn’t generate any operational benefit, it must be due to reasons other than the employees’ motivation to work.

In fact, more than anything, the company and team culture has a decisive influence on what employees do when they fall ill. A broad consensus that the health of employees is paramount and that it’s fine to stay at home when sick is a key prerequisite for curbing presenteeism. This attitude needs to be explicitly communicated and practised at all levels of the hierarchy.

The Employee Assistance Program provided by Movis supports the promotion of health in your company. Together with you, we will develop measures to counter presenteeism – and ensure the well-being of your employees as a result. We’re here to help!