The hidden annual cost of employee sickness has surged by £30 billion since 2018. It's a staggering figure, right?
But, according to a new report by the think tank IPPR, it’s not just absenteeism that’s draining our resources. It’s presenteeism—the phenomenon where employees are physically present but mentally absent due to illness, stress, or burnout—that’s silently sabotaging our productivity.
How often have you seen your team showing up but not truly being there? How often have you, as a leader from an underrepresented background, felt compelled to push through despite the cost to your well-being? The research shows that those who are Black or Asian are twice as likely to work through sickness compared to their white British counterparts.
But, I'm here to encourage you! It is possible to prevent presenteeism from destroying productivity. Keep reading for proven actions to create a culture where you and your teams can flourish.
Understanding Presenteeism
Presenteeism is more insidious than absenteeism. When employees show up to work despite being unwell, their productivity plummets, and the quality of their work suffers. The Harvard Business Review highlights that while absenteeism is noticeable and quantifiable, presenteeism is the silent productivity killer that many organisations overlook. It’s a hidden drain on resources and morale, especially prevalent in high-pressure environments where taking a day off is seen as a sign of weakness.
The Challenge for Underrepresented Leaders
For leaders from underrepresented backgrounds, the pressure to perform and prove oneself can be even greater. Navigating senior positions, transitioning careers, or running businesses often means feeling the need to be constantly present and visibly contributing. But this approach is unsustainable and can lead to burnout—not just for you but for your entire team. As leaders, we set the tone for our work culture. If we push ourselves beyond healthy limits, our teams will follow suit.
The Power of Coaching for Healthier Teams and Work Cultures
Here’s where coaching becomes a game-changer. Effective coaching can transform your work culture, helping you and your team to thrive authentically. Coaching provides the tools to identify and address the root causes of presenteeism, such as stress, lack of engagement, or inadequate support. It fosters a culture where taking time to recover is valued, leading to healthier, happier, and more productive teams.
Strategies to Combat Presenteeism
Promote a Culture of Well-being: Encourage open conversations about health and well-being. Let your team know that it’s okay to take a sick day. Normalise taking time off to recover fully.
Model Healthy Behaviours: As a leader, your actions speak louder than words. Take care of your health and demonstrate the importance of self-care. Your team will feel empowered to do the same.
Provide Access to Resources: Offer resources such as mental health days, wellness programs, and access to coaching services. Ensure your team knows these resources are available and encourage them to use them.
Regular Check-ins: Use one-on-one meetings to discuss workload, stress levels, and any concerns. This proactive approach can help identify issues before they escalate.
Flexible Work Arrangements: Where possible, offer flexible working hours or remote work options. Flexibility can help your team manage their health better and reduce the pressure to be physically present when they’re not at their best.
Your Role as an Authentic Leader
Thriving as an authentic leader means inspiring and empowering others while maintaining your own well-being. It’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. When your team sees you prioritising health and well-being, they’re more likely to follow suit, resulting in a high-functioning, productive team.
Take Action
Are you ready to transform your work culture and combat presenteeism once and for all? Sign up for my coaching services today. Together, we can create a healthier, more productive work environment where you and your team can truly thrive. Let’s build a future where well-being and productivity go hand in hand.
Love,
Nicole
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