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‘Presenteeism’ is a foe in workplace by Mary Helen Yarborough Public Relations During the holidays, overall performance tends to slump in response to distractions and other pressures. Productivity the day before payday also tends to decline for some people with financial problems. And somewhere in the building, somebody came to work sick and hasn’t gotten much done, except expose others to the bug.   These are examples of so-called “presenteeism,” in which people show up for work but are not effectively working. Its affects can domino. Poor performance eventually leads to resentment by co-workers and overall diminished morale. The institution could suffer as a whole from declining performance.   Reasons for presenteeism can stem from various personal or professional issues, or they simply may point to disciplinary or behavioral problems.   Jeni Palmer, MUSC Employee Assistance Program (EAP) manager, describes presenteeism as someone being “clocked in, but checked out,” figuratively speaking. It’s wasteful, costing employers more than seven times as much as absenteeism, she said.   Palmer recently chaired a daylong conference on presenteeism in the Institute of Psychiatry (IOP) during which managers were urged to recognize it both as personal and workplace problems, and to be sensitive to what could be causing it.   “Our workers are our greatest asset and how we treat them is an investment in human capital,” Palmer said. “We need to place value on the whole person. And if we see changes in someone’s behavior or performance, we need to consider the causes and talk to the employee.”   Issues that can take a toll on an employee’s work could be health-related: obesity, depression, back pain, headache, or allergies. Other causes could point to substance abuse or alcoholism, relationship problems or poor social support. Sleep deprivation can be a real productivity killer. Having less than six hours of sleep per night can affect memory, reaction time and dexterity, Palmer said.   Dana Tumbleston, MUSC human resources manager, said that presenteeism could be reflected in two ways: performance and/or behavioral changes. Though these issues often overlap, managers should be aware of changes in a person’s demeanor and performance and communicate these observations with the employee before conditions get serious.   “If you know something’s not right, don’t want to wait until the situation becomes extreme or disruptive. You should take notice of changes in an employee, such as they’re suddenly coming in late, or staring off into space while at their desk,” Tumbleston said. “You’ll want to jump right on it. Bring them into your office and have a coaching-style conversation: ‘You seem disengaged lately. Something seems to be bothering you. Can I help you?’ The key aspect for managers is communication. … You want your employees to know they’re valued.”   EAP counseling always is a solution and is particularly helpful for the employee who may be suffering from emotional, physical or personal problems.   Should performance concerns continue, the employee should be held accountable through the use of defined performance goals, planning documents and performance evaluations, Tumbleston said.   “Behavioral concerns are addressed through the disciplinary process. Managers have a responsibility to address issues of substandard performance or behavioral concerns,” Tumbleston said. “Your goal as a manager is to assist your staff in being their best by holding them accountable to specific performance and behavioral criteria.” That evil stress Whether physical or emotional, stress wreaks havoc on employees and the workplace. “The signs can be very subtle,” Tumbleston said. “People are under tremendous stress every day. Suddenly, they are faced with the additional stresses of the holidays.”   For the stressed-out individual, Palmer urges exercise and involvement in MUSC’s employee health programs including EAP and Health 1st.   “Those who do not exercise have a lower tolerance for stress,” she said. “The goal is to lower the heart rate. If you don’t exercise and your heart rate is high, it doesn’t tolerate a surge from stress like an exercised heart will.”   Mary Beth Brock, an occupational therapist in IOP, suggests offering people “a verbal hug,” such as recognizing the positive, providing uplifting comments and being considerate.   “Sometimes, when people experience grief, for example, words don’t often help,” Brock said. “Don’t offer platitudes or tell them what to do. Just listen.”   For information on MUSC’s EAP program, or to schedule an appointment, call 792-2848. Assistance program offers ways to relax, take charge of stress by Jeni Bowers Palmer MUSC Employee Assistance Program/Health 1st Everyone needs a way to relax and recharge after a stressful day. Two great ways to do this are to create a relaxing home and have a few activities that offer diversion, physical release and refreshment. Create a relaxing environment Listen to music; light candles; clean and organize your space –clutter is both a symptom and cause of stress; have a fountain; try aromatherapy—vanilla, bergamont, sage and  lavender are relaxing; ask your family/roommates for some quiet time; turn off your cell phone and don’t check your e-mail for an hour; surround yourself with people who love you; have a fish tank, birdfeeder or a butterfly garden; keep flowers in the house; decorate with pleasing colors and inspirational art; have a pet who likes to cuddle; have clean fresh sheets to get into at night;  avoid tension in the household, tell others how you feel; repair broken items as soon as you can; and open your windows and get some fresh air. Stress relieving activities Crossword puzzles, computer and card games; deep breathing, stretching and yoga; have a cup of tea; take a comfort day just for yourself—stay in your pajamas; playing with a child; laugh –use funny movies, books and friends; talk—friends, spouse, counselor or your clergyman; cheer loudly for your favorite sports team; draw, write, paint, do crafts, sing; go to the spa—have a massage or a pedicure; sit on the porch; get 15-20 minutes of fresh air and sunshine; walk with your dog, your spouse, a friend or stroll your baby; go to the beach, swim and watch the waves; take a shower or a bath, sit in a steam room or sauna; or give yourself a few minutes to pray, meditate or just be.     Friday, Nov. 30, 2007 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Island Publications at 849-1778, ext. 201.