Presenteeism is best described as:

• A. Missing work due to illness.
• B. Working while fatigued or distressed, leading to reduced productivity, performance, and safety.
• C. High job satisfaction and engagement.
• D. Increased safety due to extra effort.

Answer: (B)

Presenteeism means you’re at work but not functioning at full capacity because you’re sick, fatigued, or distressed, which can lower productivity, performance, and safety. The option that describes someone working while fatigued or distressed and experiencing reduced productivity, performance, and safety fits this idea best because it captures being present yet not operating at full effectiveness, with clear negative effects on care delivery and safety. Missing work due to illness is absenteeism, not presenteeism. High job satisfaction and engagement describe positive functioning, not impairment, and increased safety from extra effort is not a correct depiction of presenteeism.