According to the new research from Lime Global, ‘pleasanteeism’ is up 18 percentage points from May 2021- when just over half (54%) of workers admitted to suffering from the phenomenon.
Over half of those surveyed (54%) have taken time off work due to feeling like they have to put on a brave face. On average workers in the retail, catering and leisure sector take 2.88 days off a year due to ‘pleasanteeism’, which adds up to as many as 67 million days lost every year.
A number of factors can lead to rising levels of ‘pleasanteeism’ including being worried about the rising cost of living (31%), stressed at work (23%) and suffering from burnout (17%).
Shaun Williams, chief executive and founder of Lime Global Ltd, commented: “After two years of stress and anxiety caused by the pandemic, concerns over health and wellbeing are understandably on the rise among these workers.
“It’s therefore vital that companies act to offer each one of their employees as much support as possible. Not only is it the right thing to do, but amid a backdrop of economic uncertainty, low productivity and staff shortages, it will be crucial to help drive down absenteeism and protect retail businesses’ bottom lines.
“Providing access to inclusive healthcare benefits – that are designed to make a tangible impact – combined with a company culture that supports an open dialogue around the challenges that people are facing, are key steps to producing a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.”
Over half (53%) of workers revealed that their expectations of their employer to support their mental health are higher now than they were before the pandemic.