Three-Quarters of Brits Worked While Unwell Last Year

Presenteeism makes U.K. employees feel less engaged, not like themselves, and prone to mistakes, according to research from Bluecrest Wellness.

By Maggie Mancini

More than three-quarters (77%) of employees in Britain have worked while unwell over the past 12 months, with one in five feeling pressure from their employer to continue working, according to research from Bluecrest Wellness. Women are more likely than men to continue working while sick, the report finds.  

Nearly half (48%) who work while sick say they can’t let their team down, while 38% say they cannot afford to take time off. Those who work while sick feel less engaged (39%), do not feel like themselves when dealing with colleagues (27%), and are more prone to mistakes (15%).  

Many struggle with access to primary healthcare, with more than half (52%) saying they have hesitated to book an appointment, 42% saying it’s too hard to get an appointment, and 18% saying they did not feel sick enough to warrant an appointment.