Healthy staff more productive, study shows

A new report by the Conference Board of Canada‘s Workplace Mental Health Research Centre found that your organization’s policies on absenteeism could directly affect the productivity of employees. The study noted that it’s difficult to measure presenteeism — workers pushing through their day despite feeling unwell physically or mentally. A lack of awareness and sense of trust between employer and employees was cited as a common reason for not addressing presenteeism.

“Without formal productivity measures, how can you tell that somebody is showing up and not delivering 100%?” the reports quotes one unnamed employer. “I don’t know that you can.”

Most of the causes for presenteeism were related to symptoms of illness, stress and and trouble sleeping. Stigma around mental health continues to be a major factor for workers punching the clock when feeling unwell. There remains concerns about how disclosing an illness could impact their standing in the workplace.

The report suggests organizations can take active strategies, such as accommodations for caregivers — predominately women — so they can remain on track for career growth and can overcome the many barriers they face.

The conference board established the research centre to increase awareness and understanding of workplace mental health through research, analysis and dialogue.