Presenteeism

In recruiter context

UK presenteeism (working while ill) costs employers an estimated £25-30bn annually, according to CIPD research — more than absenteeism. The cause is usually cultural: thin sick-pay schemes, manager pressure, fear of looking uncommitted, or anxiety about job security in soft hiring markets. Strong UK employers actively combat it via mandatory minimum sick days, manager training to send sick staff home, and clear messaging that productivity falls when you're ill. As a candidate evaluating an employer's culture, ask in interview: 'How does the team handle illness — is anyone expected to log on while sick?' The answer tells you more about the culture than any glassdoor review.