Sick to work: sense of duty drives millions of employees!

Sick to work: sense of duty drives millions of employees!

In Germany, it is not uncommon for employees to come to work despite health problems. According to a recent survey conducted by the market research institute Bilendi on behalf of the Königsteiner Group, more than half (55 percent) of those surveyed said they occasionally go to work while sick. A third of the participants (33 percent) even report that they often come to work in poor health. These results highlight a common phenomenon known as presenteeism.

The survey, which took place in April 2025 among over 1,000 employees, shows that a sense of duty is the main reason for this behavior. 65 percent of those surveyed feel obliged to complete their tasks despite illness, while 64 percent show a sense of responsibility towards their colleagues. Pressure from employers only plays a minor role, as only 8 percent say they feel pressured by their manager. Fears of negative career consequences (12 percent) and losing a job (13 percent) also contribute to the willingness to go to work when sick.

Causes and effects of presenteeism

Presenteeism describes losses in productivity among employees who are present despite health restrictions. This attitude can have a negative impact on the health of employees and leads to high costs for companies. Health problems that can lead to presenteeism range from seasonal allergies and mild headaches to serious illnesses like colds and flu. The results of the INQA survey show that a stronger focus on results and fear of letting colleagues down are often considered reasons for this problem. It has also been shown that employees often imitate the health behavior of their managers, which can further exacerbate the phenomenon.

The costs of presenteeism are significant. They can be equal to or even higher than the costs caused by sickness absence. In addition, this practice can subsequently lead to more serious health problems and increased absenteeism. Employees who come to work sick also put their colleagues at risk of infection and may continue to experience poor concentration, compromising workplace safety.

Required actions and recommendations

To combat the negative effects of presenteeism, it is recommended to conduct a current analysis of health problems in the company. This analysis can be carried out through anonymized surveys and aims to record the extent of presenteeism and absenteeism. The results provide important information for targeted interventions and help to evaluate the return on investment (ROI). The reports on ROIs in presenteeism-absenteeism management show heights between 1:1 and 1:21, although an ROI of 1:4 can realistically be assumed.

The problem of presenteeism increases, particularly in small companies, where there are often no substitute regulations. Recommendations include clear guidelines and open communication when dealing with cases of illness. Addressing presenteeism in employee surveys is also a useful strategy for developing suitable measures.

The survey and the associated findings make it clear that it is important to adapt the cultural and structural framework of the world of work to reduce the impact of presenteeism. [ksta.de] and [haufe.de] emphasize the increasing importance of a healthy working environment and the need to take employee health seriously.