Positive presenteeism
Some participants may wonder whether presenteeism is generally a bad thing. This cannot be said per se, it depends on the situation.
What all presenteeism can be is currently part of a comprehensive discussion among researchers. In recent years, there has been increasing discussion that presenteeism is not always bad for the company or the employee.
One approach to understanding presenteeism is as a continuum between sick and healthy, or, between unproductive and productive.
Examples:
- A person has an illness, for example a chronic skin disease. He or she can go to work without risking a decline in his or her health, and productivity is maintained.
- A person has an illness, for example depression. Working has a health-promoting effect – for example, through the given daily structure or social contacts. Lower productivity is accepted.
There are certain situations, therefore, in which presenteeism can also be positive. However, research suggests that presenteeism has mostly negative consequences for one’s health. It can therefore be assumed that individual cases of positive presenteeism can occur. Typically, affected individuals should be recovering from illness.
So if you think that presenteeism is beneficial in your case, this may be true in single cases, but in the medium term it is more likely to be detrimental to your health.
In the first session we learned that being ill is perceived individually. Also in such cases it is recommended to discuss your decision for presenteeism with your superior.