The hidden cost of presenteeism in the UK workplace

What’s included?

1. Introduction
2. Burnout in the workplace
3. What does presenteeism really look like?
4. What can employers do?
5. How Delamere Can Help

UK employees lose an average of 44 productive days each year by working while unwell, contributing to £25 billion in hidden productivity losses for businesses, a study by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) found. 

Presenteeism is the silent struggle of today’s workplace, when employees show up even when they can not show up at their best.

A study from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CPID) has shown that presenteeism has increased threefold since 2010, with 86% of workers observing it in the workplace in the UK. 

Presenteeism commonly stems from high-pressure roles or unhealthy workplace cultures where constant availability is expected, and taking time to rest is wrongly perceived as a weakness. 

When this mindset goes unchallenged, it can lead to long-term health issues, delayed recovery, emotional burnout, and a greater risk of developing depression or addictive behaviours.

Bupa reported that 29% of workers go to work whilst experiencing a mental health problem. This raises concerns that, by not addressing these challenges, they may be putting their health at further risk, potentially leading to longer periods of absence in the future.

Presenteeism is known to exacerbate existing stress, especially in high-demand jobs. Ignoring illness can lead to untreated conditions becoming more chronic or recovery times being extended.

In the longer term, it can have a negative impact on physical and mental health, potentially leading to reduced mental well-being, emotional exhaustion and increased rates of depression.

It is important for employers to recognise these impacts and support and manage employees with health and mental health issues, having perks to encourage a healthier and happier workforce, which can boost employee satisfaction and productivity.

Need help?
Call us confidentially at any time to speak to a member of our team.

Call us now: 0330 111 2015

Burnout in the workplace

According to Mental Health UK’s Burnout Report, 91% of UK adults reported that they experienced high or extreme levels of pressure or stress in the past year.

Of this number, 94% were women compared to 89% of men, revealing a slight gender gap in stress exposure and mental health challenges, but also that it impacts almost everyone. Every employee will know colleagues suffering with this.

Employees who don’t take time to recover from burnout and continue showing up to work may fall into a dangerous, vicious cycle.

Ongoing stress and exhaustion may drive them to cope with low moods, lack of focus and reduced productivity with unhealthy habits like alcohol or substance abuse.

What does presenteeism really look like?

It’s not always easy to spot. Employees may seem committed, even over-dedicated, but below are some signs:

• Reluctance to ask for help: hiding struggles or overcompensating with long hours instead of seeking support.

• Frequent minor illnesses: ongoing colds, headaches, or digestive issues that don’t seem to resolve.

• Difficulty concentrating: struggling to stay focused, easily distracted, or zoning out during meetings.

• Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity: heightened stress responses or mood swings in the workplace.

• Reduced engagement: withdrawing from team discussions, avoiding collaboration, or lacking motivation.

What can employers do?

Employers play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of presenteeism and burnout. 

It starts with creating a workplace culture that prioritises wellbeing support that goes beyond surface-level perks.

• Monitor workloads realistically: check in regularly with employees to ensure they’re not overwhelmed or stretched too thin.
• Encourage honest conversations: create a safe, judgment-free environment where people feel comfortable speaking up about stress or mental health.
• Set and model healthy boundaries: limit after-hours communication, encourage true time off, and support flexibility for those managing health conditions.
• Provide access to professional support: offer Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs) and specialist services like Delamere for tailored, holistic care.

By leading with empathy and intention, employers can prevent burnout before it takes root and create a culture where people are supported not just to show up, but to thrive.

How can Delamere help

Unlike addiction rehab clinics, Delamere offers a truly person-centred approach that goes beyond treating surface symptoms. 

While we do not treat mental health specifically, our treatment model focuses on understanding the root causes of addiction, which is often stress, trauma, burnout, and emotional exhaustion.

Through our four-step Stop, Start, Grow, Bloom model, we guide each person through a structured yet flexible journey of recovery.

Delamere places a strong focus on holistic practices, incorporating approaches such as yoga, reiki, breathwork, and equine therapy alongside traditional methods like CBT and one-to-one talking therapy.

This approach allows individuals to pause and reset, adopt healthier patterns, build emotional resilience, and grow beyond addiction.

Need help?
Call us confidentially at any time to speak to a member of our team.

Call us now: 0330 111 2015

Summary

Article Name

The hidden cost of presenteeism in the UK workplace

Description

UK employees lose an average of 44 productive days each year by working while unwell, find out more at Delamere.

Author

Martin Preston

Publisher Name

Delamere Health Ltd

Publisher Logo

About the author: Martin Preston

Martin created Delamere in order to provide exemplary care in first class facilities. Find out more about Martin on our team page.