Glossary
Presenteeism
Being at work while unwell or unproductive — often costing more than outright absence.
Presenteeism is when employees show up but cannot work effectively — typically because they are ill, exhausted, or distracted. Because the cost is hidden (the person is technically present), it often goes unmeasured yet can exceed the cost of absenteeism.
A healthy leave culture — where people feel able to take sick days — reduces presenteeism and the spread of illness at work.
Example: Working through the flu and making errors all week is presenteeism, not productivity.
In Orvella: By making sick leave simple to request and track, Orvella helps teams encourage rest over presenteeism.