'Presenteeism' attitude costing economy

By CATHERINE MASTERS

Ever get that feeling of being at work, but not really being there?

Chances are you qualify as one of the 13 per cent of employees said to be physically present but psychologically absent.

A Gallup study says New Zealand has 224,000 "actively disengaged" employees and they cost the economy $6.2 billion a year.

"They are the disenchanted and disaffected, which are often vocal in showing their negative attitudes to their work and employer," says the study. "These employees often insist on sharing their unhappiness with their colleagues."

The New Zealand Engagement study took place from late September to early October this year and sampled 500 working New Zealanders aged 18 and over.

It says the solution to reducing the multibillion-dollar bill rests with managers at all levels of organisations. The best managers create engaged employees, workers who are psychologically committed to the company.

They are loyal and productive, find their work satisfying and perform at consistently high levels. They have passion and drive and are emotionally connected to the company.

Other Gallup research, using more than 200,000 managers around the world, has found engagement levels of employees are increased by selecting for talent rather than skills or experience and building on strengths rather than trying to fix weaknesses.

A psychology professor from Waikato University, Michael O'Driscoll, says the concept of disengagement has been known for a while - and it can be serious.

"They sometimes call it presenteeism as opposed to absenteeism."

He believes too much stress and the nature of the work can cause it.

"When people just get overwhelmed with the ... pressures on them that can create psychological withdrawal. Lack of involvement and certainly burnout ... can be a cause of it.

"I have no doubt that when it does occur it does cause problems for the employers and organisations, as well as for employees, too, because they're not feeling any sense of achievement or fulfilment."

Employers may feel people are not doing the job or not pulling their weight.

Employers should try to reduce stress and make sure people have jobs suitably engaging to their level of competence and motivation.

Test yourself

* Would you recommend your company's products and services?

* Would you recommend your company as a great place to work?

* Do you plan on still being with your employer in a year?

If you answered "no" to all three questions, you could be an 'actively disengaged' employee.