Why Do Employees Work When Ill? A Study of the Antecedents and Outcomes of Presenteeism

Presenteeism or attending work while ill is said to be a growing organizational problem. This study examined the antecedents of presenteeism as well as its effects on subsequent absenteeism. Based on a sample of emergency service contact employees (N=241) the research found that in addition to perceptions of overall health, job demands, attendance enforcement policies and autonomy predicted presenteeism. In turn presenteeism was associated with higher emotional exhaustion and higher absenteeism. The findings suggested that contextual rather than personal factors influenced employees’ decisions to attend work when ill and that presenteeism had negative consequences for employees in terms of emotional strain and subsequent absenteeism.