What is the Origin of Presenteeism Economic Cost?

The term originates in occupational health economics, where it was developed to measure productivity loss that is not captured by simple measures of sick leave. Its application to endocrinology emphasizes that even minor, persistent hormonal fluctuations can impose a significant drag on workforce performance. The concept stresses that wellness impacts the bottom line through impaired functional capacity.

What is the Mechanism of Presenteeism Economic Cost?

The mechanism of economic loss operates through subtle impairments in executive function, mood regulation, and sustained attention, all of which are heavily influenced by the HPA axis and sex hormones. An individual struggling with low evening cortisol, for example, may exhibit reduced decision-making accuracy throughout the afternoon, despite appearing functional to colleagues. This reduced efficiency accumulates daily, creating a substantial, often hidden, economic friction within the organization.

Presenteeism Economic Cost ∞ Area

Presenteeism Economic Cost

Meaning

Presenteeism Economic Cost quantifies the financial detriment resulting from employees attending work while operating at reduced capacity due to underlying, often subclinical, health issues such as chronic fatigue or suboptimal hormonal balance. This loss of productivity, distinct from absenteeism, is insidious because the individual is physically present but cognitively or physically impaired, leading to errors, slower task completion, and decreased overall output. In hormonal health, this often links directly to dysregulated cortisol patterns or mild hypogonadism affecting focus and energy reserves. Quantifying this cost highlights the organizational benefit of addressing underlying physiological inefficiencies.