Presenteeism refers to what?

• A. Absence from work
• B. Increased sick days
• C. Reduced productivity while still at work
• D. No impact on productivity

Answer: (C)

Presenteeism is when someone is physically at work but isn’t performing at their best, so productivity is reduced despite being present. This matters because the cost isn’t about taking time off; it’s about the drop in output, quality, or focus while on the job. Illness, pain, fatigue, or mental health struggles can all lead to slower work, mistakes, or missed deadlines even though the person shows up. That’s why the description of reduced productivity while still at work fits presenteeism exactly. By contrast, absence from work describes not being there at all, more sick days refer to the number of days off, and no impact on productivity would contradict the core idea of presenteeism.