
High job demands, stress and job insecurity are among the main reasons why people go to work when they are sick, according to new research. The Centre for Mental Health calculated that presenteeism (going to work when sick) from mental ill health alone costs the UK economy £15.1 billion a year. Dr Mariella Miraglia of UEA’s Norwich Business School says, “Working while sick can compound the effects of the initial illness and result in negative job attitudes and withdrawal from work. However, the possible negative consequences of being absent can prompt employees to show up ill or to return to…