Presenteeism — the practice of coming to work despite having a medical condition — is a relatively new area of study. However, with the current economy pushing employers to do more with less, it’s an important challenge that needs to be addressed, as less productive workforces are also less profitable.
Productivity Solutions
Part 4: Costs and impact of arthritis-related presenteeism
A significant number of employees experience presenteeism as a result of arthritis. The disorder can affect people of all ages, and can create limitations on the work an employee can perform. To help manage presenteeism related to arthritis, below I share the cost, impact and solutions for this common medical issue.
7 ways to build a safety culture
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” — Ben Franklin. Those of us in safety and health and wellness appreciate the wisdom behind this quote.
The HR impact on managing absence and disability
Workplace productivity is often a crucial contributing factor toward your company’s bottom line. Often, the bulk of the responsibility to maintain productivity falls on the HR department. With continued cuts to staffing and budgets, you may agree that doing the best you can with what you have is becoming increasingly more difficult. But, as an HR professional, you can play a key role in addressing productivity challenges. One way to start is by partnering with a qualified return-to-work team focused on managing absence and disability through a program that features a dedicated on-site consultant.
Safety programs: Safety starts with prevention
After a dozen-plus years in managing absence and disability, I suppose it’s only natural that I’ve become very conscious of safety hazards. After all, the best way to manage disability is to prevent it, right? Whether wandering the streets of Seattle with my wife (reminder to self: contact the power company about that broken utility plate on the sidewalk) to walking the halls of my office building (what if someone trips on those boxes?!), safety always seems to be on my mind.
Three ways to stress less before a doctor visit
The time leading up to a doctor’s appointment can cause an employee to be distracted at work. Thinking about a yearly checkup or knowing the appointment is for a specific health issue can create worry. Add to that hard-to-decipher medical language, and the confusion or misunderstandings can build. For employees, the worry and confusion can take a toll on productivity.