Research indicates some of the lead factors driving presenteeism and absence in latest study on UK employee wellbeing.

Data from the Fruitful study carried out in 2021 indicates that self-reported days of presenteeism in businesses is significantly higher than self-reported absence and confirms numerous studies that highlight this issue.

The bars in the charts for each attribute indicates the impact of poor versus good performance on various business attributes.  Poor performance on these attributes increases the number of days of absence (presenteeism) whereas good performance reduces the number of days lost.

 Our research indicates the significant adverse effect on days lost from poor organisational performance in these attributes when compared with the average number of days lost.

 When considering self-reported absence, job satisfaction is the most significant driver of days lost.

Considering self-reported presenteeism, the relative importance of the factors is different compared with absence.  Being valued by the organisation and company wellbeing are the most significant.  The lack of quality wellbeing support from the company clearly results in an employee attending the workplace when not fully fit.

Overall, the five factors that contribute the most significant impact on total days lost to the organisation (actual absence and presenteeism) are:

1.     Valued by organisation

2.     Communications

3.     Company wellbeing

4.     Control over work

5.     Job satisfaction

 Note:

Data was collected using the Fruitful Insights Assessment from an anonymised representative sample of UK employees. The assessment was collected in Q2 of 2021.