Presenteeism

Presenteeism - the practice of working despite being sick - is costing UK employers around £24bn each year.

The phenomenon, known as presenteeism, reached its highest level since the inception of a Retail People Index 18 months prior.

A new report by the Office of Health Economics (OHE) reveals that respiratory infections account for huge productivity losses in the UK.

UK businesses lost £103 billion to employee sickness in 2023, with mental health, stress, and musculoskeletal injuries driving long-term absences. Presenteeism—working while unwell—costs an additional £25 billion in reduced productivity, revealing deeper systemic workplace culture issues beyond seasonal illness.

High levels of sickness absence and presenteeism in the workplace are costing the UK economy over £100 billion annually.