The costs of 'presenteeism'

We're now well into the spring season and for the estimated 20 percent of Americans who suffer from allergies, this time of year can be miserable. Whether you personally suffer from allergies or not, if you are an employer, this time of year can be equally as miserable dealing with employee absenteeism due to allergies ... and missed work due to employees suffering from allergies is on the rise. You're probably thinking this is not an earth-shattering statement; however, missed work due to allergies may not be your biggest problem.

Employers take note: Encouraging employees to come to work sick is probably not to your advantage. "Presenteeism" due to allergies can be far more costly to your business than absenteeism. According to the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, presenteeism is "The measurable extent to which health symptoms, conditions and diseases adversely affect the work productivity of individuals who choose to remain at work." In 1999, the Employers Health Coalition of Tampa, Fla. analyzed 17 conditions (including allergies) and found that lost productivity from presenteeism was 7.5 times greater than productivity loss from absenteeism.

Some of the latest statistics relating to employees suffering from allergies are staggering. According to allergists, nearly 60 percent of their patients have missed work due to their allergic rhinitis symptoms and it is also believed that patients' work productivity is only at around 60 percent when they are experiencing symptoms. It has been estimated that the economic burden of allergic rhinitis is approximately $18 billion.

Another report from an independent poll commissioned by Altana Pharma Group, conducted by Schulman, Ronca and Bucuvalas, Inc. and endorsed by the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) has indicated an overwhelming trend linking allergic rhinitis symptoms to serious occupational consequences. "Allergies in America: A Landmark Survey of Nasal Allergy Sufferers" reveals that, at their peak, symptoms leave allergic rhinitis patients feeling tired (80 percent), miserable (65 percent) and irritable (62 percent); and most patients (52 percent) say symptoms hurt them on the job: decreasing their job performance, interfering with work, and causing them to miss work. Nasal allergies are a year-around problem for 56 percent of patients.

Now consider the table you see above.

This study was based on 374,799 individuals in the Medstat MarketScan Health and Productivity Management database and provides insights into the highest average annual cost of presenteeism for all employees, not just the individuals who have the conditions.

The good news is that there is something you can do about this. Allergy awareness and education is key. Encourage employees to consult with their physician to properly identify possible allergies so that action can be taken to deal with them appropriately. Allergies cannot be cured, but over-the-counter antihistamines and decongestants can help with symptoms, as well as, prescribed nasal steroids. Moreover, in many cases, patients who receive an allergy shot, containing small amounts of the substance causing the allergy find that their allergy symptoms diminish over time, and may remain under control for years.

So when considering the benefits of health and wellness programs in your workplace, it's wise to focus on how to get your employees to work in a healthy state, than rather just getting them there regardless of how they feel. Lowering the incidence of presenteesim in your business will more than likely mean a healthier bottom line for you.

Linda Keenan, RNC, NMCC, is the director of Health Services for Hometown Health. For more information, please call 982-3100. To learn more about seasonal allergies, ask your healthcare provider or call your local Health Department.