Present But Not Correct
Have you heard of 'Presenteesim?' You may not have come
across the word before but, if you are an employer, you may be all
too familiar with the consequences of its meaning. Presenteesim is
where staff turn up for work disengaged, unmotivated, too tired,
stressed or just too unwell to perform effectively.
This is estimated to cost a whopping £15 billion a year in loss of
productivity - a shocking 1.5 times more than the current cost of
absenteeism.
Unproductive workers are of course no new phenomenon. Most
of us have 'off days' when our brain got left behind with the kids
on the school run, we're feeling a bit below par for some reason or
worries about unpaid bills or a personal relationship have ruined
our concentration.
Usually these are short term problems and a conscientious attitude
or heavy workload means we put more hours and effort in to make up
for the downtime.
But for some people circumstances outside of work are having a
longer term serious impact on their health and ability to
consistently do their job to the required standard. And this
inevitably harms the productivity and efficiency of the
business.
In the current economic climate more and more people are being
hit hard with financial pressure and strain that can lead to
dangerous stress levels.
Employers need to understand that staff may feel uncomfortable
disclosing details of issues that may affect their mental and or
physical wellbeing and may be suffering in silence.
But you still have a duty to address the problem so steps can
you take?
1) Inform staff of the policies and systems in place to help
them if they become unwell or stressed either inside or outside of
the workplace. Reassure them that all matters are dealt with
professionally and in the strictest confidence.
2) Implement health screening. This will help staff feel values
and give you an overall picture of the current health of your
workforce. Screening also allows employees to spot areas
where they can make a positive change to their lifestyle.
3) Take the time to get to know your staff. You will gain trust
if you are approachable and staff will be more willing to share
their personal problems with you. You will notice changes in
behavior and work patterns if you and your managers communicate
effectively.
4) Promote and encouraging healthy living. The benefits of
nutritious food and regular exercise are often underestimated. So,
instead of treating everyone to a bacon butty or calorie laden
donut why not allow staff to take an hour to go to the gym over
lunch, support them with a sponsored run or outdoor group
activity.
5) If you believe that a member of staff may have a problem such as
alcohol addiction, stress or their behavior becomes particularly
problematic you should seek professional HR or occupational health
advice immediately and handle the matter sensitively.
6) Finally you should sign up for a Medicash corporate health plan
(well, we would say that wouldn't we!)
The Fit for Business Conference, on 18 October 2011 at the Crowne
Plaza, Liverpool, will address these issues in more detail and top
experts will be sharing their expertise at this event in
association with Insider
click here to book your place today.
Book
you place on the Fit For Business Conference here