Immacula Cann
Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
Title: Assessing for Presenteeism and Interest in
Biography
Biography: Immacula Cann
Abstract
A strong correlation between stress and impairments of the human body, both mental and physical has been reported (Barrington, et al., 2012). The concept of Presenteeism may be a manifestation of stress. Brown, et al. (2011), defined presenteeism as "being on the job but performing below par" (decreased productivity) due to poor mental and physical health symptoms. A study by Callen, et al. (2013), found that unresolved psychological and physical stress can result in an increased prevalence of presenteeism - employees are physically present, but due to emotional and/or physical problems, they are distracted and work productivity is decreased. Brown, et al.(2011), Merrill, et al. (2012), and Chen, et al. (2015), stated physical fitness programs alone serve as effective interventions for alleviating symptoms of presenteeism. In addition, the Mayo Clinic (2015), has indicated that mental or physical fitness programs are effective interventions for managing and controlling human stress (http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/exercise-and-stress/art-20044469. This quantitative and exploratory, descriptive research study will utilize a web-based survey hosted by Survey Monkey to answer two specific research questions: (1) does presenteeism exist in this population, (2) does the study population exhibit an interest in a stress reduction fitness program such as "One Body. Received IRB approvals. Data collection in progress and research results are pending. Offering employees a mechanism to manage their stress could alleviate the symptoms that underlie presenteeism, improve the quality of an individual’s experience within the working environment, and may lead to increased employee productivity.