PRESENTEEISM COSTS 4.2% of GDP.

Loading player...
Presenteeism, being physically present at work but mentally absent and unproductive due to illness, injury, stress or burnout, comes at a greater economic cost than absenteeism, and during the Covid-19 pandemic, it has not only increased but gone digital and virtual.

Employees who show up and attempt to work despite their poor mental health cost South Africa almost 7 times as much in lost productivity as employees who are absent due to depression. The cost of mental health-related presenteeism has been estimated at R96 500 per employee annually, totaling R235 billion or 4.2% of GDP, versus R14 000 per employee and R33 billion annually for absenteeism.
4 Jul 2022 4AM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

Pivot Point — Dr Nishal Khusial on AI in SA

Dr Nishal Khusial explores the rise of AI in South Africa and the launch of the School of AI Africa. We explore what this technological shift means for jobs, digital security, and business transformation.
17 Apr 5AM 19 min

SA–US Relations: Reset, Risk or Realignment?

Professor Patrick Bond unpacks the latest diplomatic shifts between South Africa and the United States — from new ambassadorial appointments to tariff investigations and geopolitical tensions.
17 Apr 5AM 20 min

Financial Rules Before You Say “I Do”

BDO Wealth Financial planner Shaun Chennells explains why financial alignment is crucial before marriage. From antenuptial contracts to shared goals, debt transparency and long‑term planning
17 Apr 5AM 15 min

New Car Sales Surge Despite Fuel Price Pain

South Africans are buying cars at the fastest pace in a decade — even as fuel prices soar. BrandMapp’s Brandon de Kock explains the behavioural trends behind the surge and why Millennials are driving demand
15 Apr 5PM 12 min