The Tangible and Intangible Costs of Presenteeism: an Empirical Survey in a Service Organization

This study focuses on the effects of presenteeism in employees in terms of burnout, physiological strain, satisfaction and economic costs that can arise for the organization. It also analyzes the possible causes of this phenomenon, which are traced to four main areas: organizational policies, job design features, personality and demographical variables. The survey involved 520 employees of a service organization. The analyses conducted revealed interesting relations between presenteeism and the variables investigated. The quantification of the costs for the company caused by presenteeism suggests that the adoption of EAP programs (Employee Assistance Program) to improve work efficiency and overall satisfaction at work. The adoption of these measures would allow a return in terms of economic performance well above the estimated cost to implement them.