The Organizational Impact of Presenteeism among Key Healthcare Workers due to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This manuscript examines presenteeism (when employees come to work and are not fully functional due to health conditions) and its role in impacting two groups of essential healthcare workers practicing in Memphis, Tennessee, during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, this study measures presenteeism among minority and non-minority nurses and respiratory therapists who provide direct patient care. The phenomenon of presenteeism is defined as an undesirable health outcome that results in lowered workforce productivity. Presenteeism among healthcare workers can impact the quality of care, medical errors, financial losses to organizations, and employee burnout. This study gives special attention to behavioral health conditions that are closely associated with presenteeism (Homrich et al., 2020; Warren, 2009; Warren et al., 2011) and concludes with recommendations for policies and practices that healthcare institutions can implement to decrease the likelihood of increased presenteeism. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has presented new health challenges for our healthcare delivery system. A virus that knows no geographical boundaries, SARS-CoV-2 is no respecter of race/ethnicity, privilege, or character. The pandemic’s wave of death and illness has disproportionately impacted minorities. It has highlighted for common view and taken