Dad of 5. CEO & Co-Founder of Avocado Health. Former HealthTech & FinTech Founder. Passionate about empowering families and driving change in parenting and child development.
Presenteeism costs U.S. businesses up to $250 billion in lost productivity annually.
As an employer, you likely track absenteeism—missed workdays, late arrivals, sick days and unexpected absences. But what if the bigger issue isn’t who’s missing work—but who’s showing up?
Parental presenteeism is a silent epidemic in today’s workforce. Unlike absenteeism, which is easy to track, presenteeism is harder to detect because employees are bodily present but mentally and emotionally drained, leading to negative implications for employee health.
What Is Presenteeism in the Workplace?
Presenteeism occurs when employees come to work despite being physically, mentally, or emotionally exhausted, neglecting their physical and mental health, which reduces productivity and engagement. But how does it differ from absenteeism?
Presenteeism vs. Absenteeism
Unlike absenteeism, where employees miss work entirely, presenteeism is harder to detect because parent workers are physically present but not fully functioning.
But what are the real consequences of presenteeism on a business?
Research shows that presenteeism is more prevalent and impacts productivity loss more than absenteeism.
A Harvard Business Review study found that employees who show up to work mentally drained cost companies 10 times more in productivity losses than absenteeism.
Presenteeism is like an iceberg—absenteeism is the small, visible portion above water, while the much larger, hidden cost of presenteeism lies beneath the surface, quietly damaging workplace productivity.
Because it often goes unnoticed, the challenge for employers isn’t just acknowledging its existence but identifying and addressing it before it takes a toll on performance and well-being.
How to Measure Presenteeism
Unlike absenteeism, presenteeism isn’t tracked through missed workdays or time-off requests. Early recognition of the signs is crucial for building a healthier, more engaged workforce.
Signs of Presenteeism in the workplace
Look for these common indicators in employees or yourself:
1. Constant fatigue – Employees appear drained, struggle to focus, or seem mentally checked out.
2. Low energy levels – Tasks take longer, and overall efficiency declines.
3. Difficulty concentrating – Increased forgetfulness, mistakes, or trouble making decisions.
4. Loss of motivation – Once-engaged employees now seem detached or disinterested.
5. Avoiding interaction – Reduced participation in meetings, reluctance to collaborate, or social withdrawal.
Mental health challenges, like depression and ADHD, can play a major role in presenteeism, with employees pushing through their struggles to show up at work. Spotting these signs is only the first step.
To tackle presenteeism, businesses must look past the surface symptoms to uncover and address the underlying causes.
What Causes Presenteeism?
In many workplaces, being present is valued more than being productive. Employees who arrive early, stay late, and rarely take time off are often seen as more dedicated—even when mentally exhausted.
This culture of overwork negatively impacts company culture, putting immense pressure on working parents, who already juggle professional responsibilities with childcare, school issues, and family obligations.
So, what’s driving presenteeism, and why do so many parent workers feel they can’t step away when needed?
1. High Workloads and Job Pressures
Many employees—especially working parents—push through exhaustion because their workload is too demanding to take a break.
Understaffed teams, tight deadlines, increasing responsibilities, and concerns about job security make stepping away feel impossible.
The expectation to “do more with less” only worsens presenteeism, leading to burnout and lower-quality work.
2. Fear of Job Loss and Career Stagnation
Many workers worry that taking time off will make them appear unreliable or less committed.
Parent workers, in particular, often hesitate to request flexibility, fearing it could cost them promotions or even their jobs. During layoffs and restructuring, some employees engage in “competitive presenteeism”—working longer hours to avoid being seen as dispensable.
This job insecurity forces working parents to choose between job stability and their family’s well-being.
3. Limited Sick Leave and Paid Time Off
Many employees, especially parents, feel compelled to work through their exhaustion because they simply can’t afford to take a day off without paid sick leave—even when they desperately need it.
In workplaces with limited paid leave, parents often save their sick days for their children, leaving no room for their well-being.
Even in companies that offer unlimited PTO, there is usually a culture where employees feel guilty for using it.
4. Workplace Culture That Values Physical Attendance
In many organizations, the expectation to “show up no matter what” still dominates. Employees who arrive early, stay late, and rarely take time off are often viewed as more committed—even if they aren’t productive.
This culture unfairly disadvantages working parents, who may need to leave early for school pickups or step away for family emergencies.
Even in remote roles, this pressure persists—constant online availability, productivity monitoring tools, and late-night emails reinforce the idea that being “always on” matters more than actual output.
Reducing Presenteeism and Lost Productivity
Presenteeism isn’t about employees refusing to take time off—it’s about a workplace culture that makes them feel like they can’t. Encouraging employees to utilize their paid time off (PTO) is crucial in promoting a healthy work environment and reducing presenteeism.
Working parents’ pressure to “power through” is even greater. They fear looking unreliable, falling behind, or losing career opportunities if they step away. The solution? A workplace that truly supports well-being—not just in policy, but in practice.
1. Offer More Leave Benefits
Paid sick leave and generous PTO aren’t perks—they’re essential. When employees—especially parents—aren’t forced to choose between a paycheck and their well-being, they’re more engaged and productive.
Companies that enforce structured time off, such as mandatory recharge weeks or additional family leave, prevent burnout before it starts.
2. Provide Parenting and Wellness Resources
Supporting working parents means acknowledging the challenges they face outside of work. Providing access to parenting support and mental health resources allows employees to get the help they need—when needed.
3. Normalize and Model Taking Time Off
Policies are meaningless if leaders don’t practice what they preach. Employees experience a sense of empowerment to do the same when managers take time off without guilt. Leadership sets the tone—employees will follow if they prioritize work-life balance.
4. Educate Employees on Presenteeism
Many workers, especially parents, don’t even realize they’re experiencing presenteeism. Educating employees on its impact and encouraging open conversations about stress and burnout can help break the cycle. Regular check-ins, workshops, and discussions about work-life balance help employees perceive that they are seen and supported.
Creating a Workplace Where Employees Can Truly Thrive
Fighting presenteeism isn’t just about giving employees more time off—it’s about rethinking the way we work and fostering a culture that truly supports people. It’s about building a space where employees feel confident taking time for their health, families, and personal needs, without worrying about judgment or negative consequences.
Companies that embrace this mindset will not only boost worker productivity, but they’ll also create a happier, healthier workforce and enjoy lower turnover. When employees thrive, so does the business.
So the question is, will your company be one of them?
Prevent Presenteeism with Avocado Health
Give your employees an always-on, text-based Parent Coach-in-their-Pocket to relieve parental stress, so they can be fully present and productive at work.
Book a Demo Today to see how Avocado Health can support your team!