Work obligation leads numerous employees to feel ill at their job sites.
Widespread Prevalence of Presentism Among German Employees
Berlin and Cologne - Presentism, a phenomenon affecting employees who attend work while sick or mentally disengaged, is widespread in Germany, according to a recent survey, with more than half (55%) reporting occasional attendance despite poor health, and a third (33%) admitting to frequent attendance.
The study, conducted by market research institute Bilendi for the Königsteiner Group, polled over 1000 employees nationwide in April 2025.
Underlying Reasons for Presentism
The survey suggests that employees' sense of duty and obligation to their teams are primary factors contributing to presentism. Roughly 65% of respondents cited the need to complete their work tasks, while another 64% felt obligated to their colleagues.
While employer pressure is less often a motivator, around 8% admitted feeling expected to display such behavior by their managers, and 12% cited fear of negative career implications. Another 13% cited job security concerns.
However, less frequently, employees admitted to calling in sick when they weren't truly ill, with 25% admitting to having done so at least once. Conversely, a majority (65%) reported having never called in sick when healthy.
Context and Further Reasons
Presentism is a global issue, often linked to broader pressures of "grind culture" and the overvaluation of productivity. In Germany, factors such as a strong work ethic, strict attendance policies, and mental health stigma can contribute to presentism.
Research has also highlighted corporate culture, job insecurity, mental health and burnout, limited remote work flexibility, and performance visibility as contributing factors. In some occupations, being seen at work may be equated with diligence or reliability, regardless of actual output or engagement.
Incorporating remote or hybrid work arrangements can mitigate presentism by providing employees with alternatives to being physically present when unwell. Acknowledging and addressing mental health issues can also help minimize the stigma that may discourage employees from taking time off when needed.
Science can shed light on the underlying reasons for presentism in the workplace-wellness context, particularly mental health. The study suggests that mental health stigma, job insecurity, and burnout are contributing factors to presentism in Germany. Health and wellness initiatives that focus on mental health support and reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues could play a significant role in workplace-wellness programs.
