presenteeism

Definition

When employees show up to work but are unproductive due to illness, burnout, or other issues. The zombie state of being physically present while mentally checked out or too sick to function.

Example Usage

Thanks to our no-sick-day culture, we have massive presenteeism—everyone's here, but no one's actually working.

Origin

Coined in the 1990s as researchers studied productivity loss beyond absenteeism

Fun Fact

Presenteeism costs U.S. employers $150 billion annually—far more than absenteeism—because sick employees spread illness and make costly mistakes.

Source: Workplace productivity and health terminology

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advocacy

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