From presenteeism to absenteeism: the danger is real!

In today's increasingly fast-paced workplaces, a trend is emerging in companies across Canada: employees are coming to work despite not feeling well. Working when not feeling well, whether mentally, physically or both, can be detrimental to a person’s well-being. The end result for companies is higher rates of absenteeism and disability leave.

This is called "sickness presenteeism", which, when taken to extremes, can aggravate a person's condition, causing them to be absent for longer periods, or more frequently. Working days lost per person due to health problems, whether physical, mental or both, are growing in Canadian companies. According to the Conference Board of Canada, these losses increased by 22% from 2016 to 2020, while the average number of days lost rose from 9.5 days to 11.6 days.

Tools are available
There are two types of tools organizations can use to overcome this problem. First, mental health programs, which offer a range of ways to promote well-being and combat the stigma attached to mental health issues. There is also a range of initiatives such as wellness activities integrated into work routines, and flexible or personal days, also called "wellness days", to allow employees to take time off if they need it.

Supporting our clients in promoting global wellness
iA offers a range of solutions aimed at enhancing overall well-being within your organization. For example, all plan members have access to our health risk assessment questionnaire*, enabling them to assess their level of risk in relation to eight health-related topics.

Promoters also have access to a host of à la carte services with which they can tailor their own program, such as:

• A primary care (telemedicine) platform, offering easily and quick virtual medical care;
• an internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) program, with an independent, self-paced approach;
• an employee assistance program, to provide professional support to employees experiencing work-related, financial or personal problems;
• the Mental Health+ program, which provides immediate support from prevention to recovery;
• and the Stay Healthy at Work^TM solution, which provides early intervention for plan members who need it.

If you have any questions, please contact your advisor or your iA Financial Group Account Executive.