Covid and mental health - a guide for union reps (May 2021)

Chapter 3

Presenteeism and leavism

[ch 3: pages 19-20]

New research found that more than three quarters (77%) of employers have observed “presenteeism” — people working when unwell — in employees who are working from home in the last year. The latest CIPD/Simplyhealth Health and wellbeing at work survey, published in April 2021, found this is slightly higher than among employees attending the workplace (75%). The survey of 668 HR professionals also found that 70% of employers had observed “leavism” — working outside of contracted hours or using annual leave to work or when ill. While more organisations are taking steps to address these issues compared with last year, the survey found that more than two-fifths of those experiencing presenteeism (43%) and leavism (47%) are not taking any action.

CIPD/Simplyhealth, Health and wellbeing at work (https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/culture/well-being/health-well-being-work)


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