How do we measure presenteeism if it doesn't show up in absence data?

Mostly by asking. Anonymous pulse surveys with questions such as "In the last month, have you worked while unwell?" give you a baseline, and out-of-hours activity is a useful leaveism signal. Read low sickness absence alongside these measures, not on its own.

Is presenteeism really more expensive than sickness absence?

For mental ill health, the best UK estimates say yes. Deloitte's 2022 report put mental health-related presenteeism at around four times the cost of related absence. There's no reliable all-cause UK figure, so it's safest to describe it as a large hidden cost rather than quote a single multiple.

What's the difference between presenteeism and leaveism?

Presenteeism is working when you're unwell or not able to perform well. Leaveism is using annual leave to work or to be ill, or regularly working outside contracted hours to keep up. Both point to workloads or cultures that make proper time off feel impossible.

Does hybrid working make presenteeism worse?

It can. In the CIPD's 2025 survey, 35% of organisations said presenteeism had risen because of homeworking, while 14% said it had fallen. Working from home makes it easier to log on while ill, so managers need to say clearly that sick means offline.

What can we offer working parents that actually reduces presenteeism?

Flexible working, easy access to time off for dependants and funded back-up childcare make the most direct difference, because they cover the main triggers: illness, a sick child and care falling through. Manager training helps make sure people use them.